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Who could have thought the very air itself could be so draining. This was the only thought Vincente Viveros could think of to distract himself from his current predicament. Well, perhaps there was something else, or to be more precise someone else but anyone or anything waiting for him didn’t matter if he couldn’t think of a way to get out of this mess he now found himself in. How could one wrong turn in this Chief God forsaken jungle lead to all this insanity. At age thirty-seven with uniquely silvery white hair and a decently muscular build, Vincente stood out among his associates for more then his appearance. While he was a military men like the others, his talents did not exist for the frontline. He was a carpenter, an engineer to be more precise, and a damn good one if he was being humble. Whenever troops encountered a problem, he was the one entrusted to figure out and build a solution if need be. However, despite his past achievements and various skills, their current issue was one not even he could create a solution for. The shadows of looming, lush trees and the songs of unseen birds kept Vincente and the other men company as the tropical humidity and merciless gaze of the sun ate away at them from within these makeshift dome cages. However, these wooden barriers weren’t the true obstacle stopping him and the rest of the men he shared this outdoor prison with from simply escaping, as Vincente could tell right away they were shabbily constructed and easily breakable thanks to his background. No, it was those imposing, oddly alluring women that surrounded these cages on all sides that kept him and all these troops he had traveled here with in place. While their weapons were primitive and none of them wore any protection, nor much of any kind of clothing for that matter, they had already proven their unmatched might once and every man here knew enough not to challenge them again, after all these women weren’t human. From what Vincente could tell there were two types of those feminine monsters lurking about, the towering ones with singular curled horns, demonic tails and worthlessly small wings hugging their hips; and the ones who were more slender and had more feline attitudes including cat like ears, flexible tails, and spotted fur on their clawed limbs. However, despite their odd appearance and terrifying might, Vincente in hindsight thought perhaps he should consider himself lucky his group ran into them and not the more terrifying beasts likely haunting the deeper depths of this green hell. After all, they did leave them alive, so that had to count for something, even if he had no idea what horrid schemes they had in store for him and the others. However, the oddest thing to Vincente was the location they had been marched too after their capture since this place was obviously no village. In fact, he wasn’t even sure if it was a camp. It was just a bunch of cages in a small clearing with a few hastily erected tents off to the side by the tropical forest’s edges. Although upon further inspection it became clear to Vincente, and the rest of the battalion that they were not the only men who had been brought here as there also seemed to be a small collection of other men held in the other cages who all seemed more native to the region and were composed of various backgrounds, if their various states of dress were any indication. Vincente could understand to an extent why he and his fellow troops were captured, after all they did technically trespass on their territory, even if it was accidently, but he could only begin to imagine the reasoning for the others since they were too far away for him to inquire them directly of their situations. There were so many questions surrounding this situation, although Vincente, like many of the men here were left in a defeated, depressing state after their humiliating loss. Even if Vincente wasn’t a soldier himself, the fact he felt so powerless during that short-lived scuffle and was stripped of his possessions, damaged his pride as a man like nothing else. A part of him wanted to ask the nearest guard what was truly going on or to plead to be released but after he saw two men get escorted away after trying to speak with some of their new hosts, only to never to return, it certainly sent a powerful message to him that asking too many questions might be a fatal mistake. In fact, that message seemed to reach everyone here as everybody stayed cluttered within the center of their prisons and stayed away from the edges to avoid their captors as much as possible, and Vincente was no different. However, as he contemplated what fate awaited him like the other men here, that’s when he spotted the one person who wasn’t doing any of that. If he recalled when his troop was first brought here, there was ordinary only one man in this cage, one who looked unbothered by his predicament and even seemed annoyed when he was forced to share his confines with them. His hair was oily black, his skin lightly tanned with an athletically lean build to him, and he was dressed in a simple slightly tattered pair of beige pants and a navy blue vest. Yet the oddest thing about him was his complete lack of fear or worry, in fact he was currently just leisurely leaning against the side of the dome and seemingly having a causal, carefree conversation with two of those scantly clad, horned women. Both of them had black hair that was oddly similar to the man’s as it reached down to their wide waists and unlike many of the other women who looked like them, they were one of the few who bothered wearing tops. They both had powerful, well-defined physiques but nothing that bordered on bulky but it was their abnormal height that made them so apposing just like the others of their kind. Yet, despite their imposing stature, that man was making small talk with them as if nothing was wrong. As Vincente watched them closely from a distance, he even saw the monstrous women even hand him a pear-shaped fruit and knife to peel it with, before he ultimately handed it back when he was done. Wait? Why the hell did they give a prisoner a knife and more importantly, why did he give it back? He knew something, in fact Vincente was willing to bet he knew everything. Vincente was sure of it, and if that man knew what was going on, then he was Vincente’s key to getting out of here, but he had to act fast. Otherwise, he could miss his opportunity or worse have it stolen from him by one of the others trapped here. So, the moment he saw those two women seemingly leave and wave goodbye, Vincente took his chance to introduce himself. “Excuse me, sir. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Vincente but if I may intrude, do you perhaps have an idea on what is going on here?” Vincente boldly questioned out of the blue as he cautiously approached the mystery man. “Sir?” the unknown stranger uttered as he realized someone was finally trying to converse with him, resulting in an amused chuckle, “Can’t think of the last time someone called me sir. You Order types sure a stickler for formalities aren’t ya. As for your question, I might, but why should I spoil the surprise.” That wasn’t the response Vincente was expecting, but Vincente pressed on, “Because we’re both in this together, aren’t we? Whatever they have planned for us, they have planned for you too. Wouldn’t it be in our best interest to work together and share what we know in order to try and get out of here?” The nameless man let out an amused sigh as he slumped against the cage, “Listen, I understand you Order types are not the most well informed but don’t get this twisted, neither you nor I are in any danger here. However, that does not mean we are in the same boat. I’ve got my reasons for being in here and unlike you, soldier boy, they don’t involve disturbing the peace.” Once again Vincente was taken aback by this man’s refusal to comply, as he could almost be mistaken for being belligerent at this point. The military craftsman was already being left with more questions then answers at this rate. It was obvious this man, despite their shared circumstances, was no friend to the Order. In fact, he was sounding more like one of those Monster Lord sympathizers he was always warned about back home. However, regardless of that possibility, this man was his only chance to get him and his fellow prisoners out of this tropical nightmare, so arguing with him was out of the question. Perhaps a different, more open approach was needed. “Listen I’m not sure what kind of problem you have with the Order, but if it helps, I’m not a solider. I’m an engineer, and we didn’t come here to cause trouble or start any kind of fight. We were just trying to sail to Saint Manus when we took a wrong bend and wrecked our ship though some rapids,” the young man informed as he pleaded his case, “I just want to get out of here and return to my fiancé who is waiting for me there. So please, help me, help us if you can. I just wish to see the love of my life…….” Before Vincente could finish his sentence, he found the man’s hand firmly covering his mouth to silence him. He was fast, questionably fast, as Vincente had no chance to even react. However, when he saw the man put a finger to his lips to hush him, Vincente got the message. Once the man realized Vincente understood, he just as quickly let go, “Let’s say I’m willing to give ya the benefit of the doubt, here’s my first bit of friendly advice, don’t use the L word around here so carelessly, especially if you’re single. It’s practically like ringing the dinner bell on yourself that you’re ready to marry around these parts. So, unless you want to get dragged off before the competition even begins, I recommend you keep that to yourself for now.” “Competition, what the hell are you talking about?” Vincente inquired in disbelief to what the man was just implied. “Ok, I’ll be straight with ya. This entire set up is one big wedding competition between two tribes to determine bragging rights about who houses the greatest hunters in this jungle. They hold this ego contest every three years and capture a bunch of single guys, like you, to use as prey to test the skills of some of younger, unmarried contestants from each side. They will give you boys a day’s head start to run off into the jungle, and whichever team retrieves the most of ya to marry after five days wins. Then they hold a massive feast in everyone’s honor, where you get to know and grow accustomed to your new wives, you all have a great time and next thing you know, you’ll forget all about your old lives in no time. So don’t worry about it, ok, I’m sure you will be very happy with whoever you end up with,” the mystery man divulged in a carefree manner as if everything he just spouted wasn’t insane. “I’m sorry did you say marriage? These things want to marry us? Are you out of your mind! There’s no way that’s true! They tried to kill us the moment we first made contact. They didn’t even give us a chance to explain ourselves. How can you expect me to believe such a blatant lie,” Vincente blurted out as his voice rose in volume. “If those ladies wanted you dead, you’d be dead, but lucky for you, mamono despise killing men more then anything, even if some of them like to be a bit rough. I know its hard to believe, especially since you Order types are not exactly the most well-informed, but its one-hundred percent true. Hell, most of the women here see you morons as a last minute gift from the gods themselves to help give some extra challenge to the contest this year,” the nameless stranger continued to lecture. “None of this makes any logical sense. We’re enemies, hell they just captured us for trespassing, why would they want to marry us! If that’s the case, why didn’t they say anything when they brought us here, why all the secrecy?” Vincente cried out as befuddled panic set in. “Obviously to make sure you run like hell and put up a decent chase before they pin you under them to make some babies. You need to understand, there is no creature on this planet thirster and more desperate for love then a mamono. Which is what they are called by the way, so please stop calling them monsters, for your own sake. They will make a big stink about if they catch you calling them that, and I’ve heard that whole spill too many times for one lifetime. So just relax, play along, and maybe start picking out a girl you want to drag your unlucky ass back here with once those doors open,” the mystery man recommended with a devil-may-care attitude. “I’m already engaged with a woman I actually care for. I am not having that taken away from me by these brutes and I’m sure many of the others will agree with me on that,” the carpenter declared as he tried to restrain his discontent. “Listen, I’m sorry to hear you already got a girl waiting on ya but unfortunately for you there’s one major law in this jungle and it’s first come, first served. However, all hope isn’t lost for ya. These girls play fair, so all you got to do is evade them for five days or just escape the jungle and you’re free to go. A lucky few always manage to do it every contest but sorry to say your chances are lower then most, since well, you know, you have no idea what you’re doing,” the mystery man uttered as his expression softened indicating he did feel some remorse for Vincente’s circumstances. Vincente took a moment to digest all the information he was just blindsided with. If this truly was a contest, then there was still hope he could escape these savages and see his beloved Eleanor again. Of course, he had to agree with his new cohort’s deduction that accomplishing such a task was a tall order. To say he and the others were at a massive disadvantage would be an understatement. They were unarmed, disorganized and unlike their captors had no familiarity with the terrain they would have to traverse to reach freedom. However, this man seemed to know much about this jungle, perhaps more then he was letting on. Besides, there was still one more very important, personal question Vincente wanted to ask him before informing the others of his discoveries and formulating a plan. “How come you don’t seem to be worried about this. Don’t tell me you’re looking forward to being hitched to one of these savages,” Vincente bluntly asked. “First of all, hold your damn tongue. I happen to be related to some of those savages. Secondly, I have no reason to worry because they’re not going to catch me. I’ve been forced to do this since I was boy and no one’s caught me yet and not to sound prideful, but no one ever will.” “I apologize for my rudeness; I didn’t mean to offend. It seems I’m more out of my element then I could have possibly imagine……..wait, did you say you were related to these monsters?” the Order engineer inquired, completely shocked by this turn of events, “Does that mean you’re also a…….” “No, you dipshit, I’m not a monster. I’m still as human as they come…….for now anyway. I swear those walls you Order types hide behind only serve to make you lot denser in the skull. Listen, you see those two Amazons over there,” the nameless man vexingly corrected as he pointed to the two towering, horned women he was conversing with earlier. “Amazons?” Vincente uttered out loud as he was being lectured. “Yes, Amazons. That’s what they’re called and before you ask, the ones who look like overgrown cats are known as the Ocelomehs. Ok, so now that you’re caught up, those two happen to be my sisters. The one to the right is my older sister Evelyn and the taller one to the left is my younger sister Phoebe. I love them both to death, but they are desperate for me to get married and just refuse to stay out of my personal affairs. Hell, the only reason they and the rest of our tribe actually leave me be most of the time is because I agree to run in this stupid contest whenever they organize one,” the mystery contestant explained with an annoyed groan. “I didn’t realize I was insulting your family, and again I am sorry, but you said you’ve won this contest every time you competed. How in the hell did you do that? There must be some secret to your success. Please, you must tell me,” Vincente pleaded as he found it hard to believe anyone could make a habit out of escaping these physically imposing, monstrous women. “Aside from knowing this jungle and its inhabitants like the back of my hand, let’s just say I’ve got advantages you can’t hope to acquire, I’m afraid,” the nameless man cryptically informed. “If you’ve done this countless times, surely that means you can lead us to safety, can’t you. Please tell me you know how to reach Saint Manus,” Vincente desperately asked. “I know how to get to Saint Manus but I’m afraid leading you all there, or many of you for that matter, is an impossible task, even for me. It’s beyond unreasonable to expect me to be able to babysit and safeguard ever single one of you in this man-eating jungle. Besides I know from past experience, you Order types don’t tend to listen to guys like me even in desperate situations like this……” the stranger proclaimed before taking a break as if to consider something, “……..that being said, I might be able and willing to help you out, although I make no guarantees you won’t get poached before we reach where you want to go.” “And why would you give me this offer?” Vincente inquired cautiously. “Aside from the fact you said you got a girl waiting on ya, considering you haven’t gone on some rant about how I’m some blasphemer or shit like that, I can tell you’re not the typical Order prick we tend to get around here. You’re more inquisitive and open minded, at least by Order standards and I can work with that. So, as long as you’re willing to listen to everything I say and don’t question me on my methods, I will be willing to lead you through this jungle and back to your precious civilization,” the mystery man proposed. “But what about the others? What of them?” the military engineer inquired downheartedly. “You got to leave them to whatever fate has in store for them. Listen, whatever mission or reason you lot had to try and come down that river to reach Saint Manus is over, it’s done. You can’t help them, but you can help yourself. I know it seems cruel but marrying an Amazon or an Ocelomeh, or any mamono is hardly a terrible fate. So don’t feel too bad about leaving them behind, but that’s just my advice. I won’t force you to follow me or abandon them but I’m telling you right now, this is my only offer,” the nameless man advised. “How long do I have to think this over before this contest begins?” Vincente inquired as he already started to think things over. “The hunt doesn’t start until tomorrow morning, so you got plenty of time to consider it,” the nameless stranger informed with a shrug. “Do you have any issue with me telling the others what you told me?” Vincente hesitantly asked, hoping such a thing wasn’t unreasonable. “Be my guest, not like I can stop ya from blabbering. In fact, telling them might be beneficial for us. Hell, knowing how Order grunts typically tend to act, they’re probably decide on some stupid course of action meant to restore their honor or some shit like that. Of course, such an act of stupidity will only serve as a perfect distraction for us to better slip away, so I’m fine with it,” the mystery man uttered as it was clear he was already brainstorming for tomorrow. “I doubt they would do something so pointlessly boneheaded. The man leading us is wiser than to let his pride get in the way of his men’s safety. I’m sure he will come up with a sound strategy to save as many men as he can,” Vincente declared as he put his full faith in his compatriots. “Sir, I strongly advise you against this course of action. It’s like you haven’t even been listening to a thing I’ve been saying,” Vincente tried to reason with the commander of their troop. Just as the sun started to set, Vincente had gathered everyone in the cage he had traveled here with as he disclosed everything the stranger had informed him of. However, his words and warnings appeared to land on deaf ears as thanks to the teachings and doctrine of the church, many looked at him like he was a waving mad man, but at least a few seemed to actually be paying attention to what he had to say. Some even came forth that his words made sense considering they had spied some of the mamono staring at them with lustful, inviting eyes, although such claims were quickly challenged by the others and demonized. To say much discourse was birthed from this conversation would have been downplaying the whole situation, however the real problem arose when their commander in chief, Captain Alexander Diamandis proposed a counterattack even after being informed of the truth of their situation. “Nonsense, I’ve been listening intently and carefully, Vincente. These monsters are giving us an entire day to flee with our tail between our legs before they come after us again, right. But I say we use that time to regroup and prepare ourselves in order to ambush them. This is our chance to reclaim the honor they stole from us and show these vile harlots the consequences of standing against the light of the Chief God. It is our duty as warriors of the Order to not show cowardice in the face of the enemy, don’t you agree men,” Alexander declared as he attempted to reinstall some glorious vigor into his soldiers. “Sir, no offence but that’s borderline moronic. We should be focused on escape, not trying to pick a fight we have no hope to win. We got no weapons, no armor, and no magic, nothing to defend ourselves with and we lost to them when we did have all that stuff. Sir, please reconsider this foolishness,” Vincente begged his commander to change his mind. “Vincente, I understand your concerns, which is why I’m going to overlook your insult, but you are just an engineer, and this is a military matter, so just listen to me. Those women, those things, they only had the upper hand because we weren’t prepared for a fight, and they caught us off guard. But this time, we will have the element of surprise. We will sharpen sticks and stones to arm ourselves with and we will show them the error of their actions in holding us hostage,” the military leader announced before taking a moment to look over everyone of his men crowded around him, “We can do this men, I swear to you. Now who is with me!” The crowd that was once composed of only depressing looking faces soon erupted into a mass of reenergized fervor as nearly everyone fell under the charisma of their leader. It was clear their group desire for payback was blinding them, but Vincente still couldn’t believe it as he looked back to the stranger who had remained by the edge as he oversaw everything and simply gave the military carpenter a look that might as well said I told you so. Their renewed, boastful confidence even acquired the attention of the numerous mamono within this encampment as they looked over everyone with intense curiosity, most likely overjoyed that these men got their spirit back and were trying to form some kind of a challenge for them. The only comfort Vincente had was that not everyone seemed to be as on board with this shortsighted plan, as many had doubtful looks and whispered to themselves in secret, most likely coming up with their own plans for salvation. As for Vincente, this foolhardy decision was enough for him to make up his own mind. If they wanted to have a final stand then they were entitled to it and any consequences that were to follow. After all, it wasn’t like he had much of an attachment to any of them considering he’s only been traveling with this battalion for a few weeks. That being said, he still wished as many of them as possible would see reason and abandon such a poorly thought-out plan and escape this jungle’s nefarious cultches while they could. “I see your friends have decided on their course of action. Have you decided on yours?” the mystery man inquired nonchalantly. “I have. So, what do I need to do?” Vincente uttered as he stood beside the nameless stranger. “Honestly, not much. Just stay close, follow my lead and keep an open mind. Do all that, and I’ll get you to Saint Manus and back to that girl you’re engaged too,” the mystery man assured as he started to pick his teeth with his finger. “You know, I just realized I never asked for your name. I suppose that’s something I’m going to need to know if we’re going to be traveling together,” Vincente finally inquired of his new cohort. “Well shit, you’re right. I haven’t introduced myself, have I,” the nameless stranger uttered with a hearty chuckle before holding out his hand for a shake, “Names Cezar. Cezar Valentino. A pleasure to be working with you.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“So, any luck trying to talk your friends out of their idiotic plan?” Cezar inquired with a deafening yawn as he stirred to keep himself awake. “I think I reached a few more of them but the majority still seem hell bent on trying to get pay back,” Vincente groaned as he was not accustomed to walking about this early in the morning. “Well good fucking luck to them, but there is no cure for foolishness I’m afraid. There’s nothing you can do for them right now, so just forget about them and allow the jungle teach them some humility,” Cezar advised cold heartedly. “I know but it just still doesn’t sit right with me. If I can help at least a few of them and give them an actual fighting chance, I’ve got to try,” the Order engineer responded as he lazily took a seat next to his new guide as the glare of the morning started to peer through the towering treetops. “Well, I commend you for trying if nothing else, but we’re out of time. Did you at least try to get a good sleep last night?” Cezar uttered as he raised his left arm above his head as far as it could go to stretch it out. “As well as I could hope for on the hard ground. So, in other words, not really,” the Vincente responded with a groan as he lazily looked about his surroundings. “Well, resting on the forest floor is a pain but its one you’re going got have to get used to for the time being,” the jungle expert slothfully stated as he rubbed the last bit of sleep out of his eye. “So, what happens now?” Vincente inquired as he knew hell could break loose anytime now. “Let’s see, I imagine any moment now, our lovely huntresses will be waking up soon to make sure everyone here is also up and ready for what’s about to begin. They are going to be very loud, and very naked but don’t let their little chants and dances freak you out, ok. It’s meant to psyche people up but all it ever seems to accomplish to do is cause panic and headaches,” Cezar groaned as it was clear he was in no mood for such a performance. “Oh, so it’s like a war dance or something like that. I’ve heard about such things before,” Vincente grumbled as his interest couldn’t help but be a little piqued. “In a sense, although what they’re really trying to do is show off their bodies and entice as many men as they can with what they have to offer before the hunt even starts. There are always just least one or two horn dogs who basically give up right there and then and simply surrender themselves the moment the cages open,” Cezar voiced as he made his embarrassment for such a tradition known, “Anyways, after all that nonsense, the heads of both tribes will appear and announce what’s going on. They will tell everyone basically what I’ve already told you and direct everyone towards the intended path you guys should take to reach the nearest human controlled settlement. Then the cages will open and everyone will rush out like a bunch of clueless, headless chickens.” “Ok, so what’s our plan then?” Vincente inquired. “We stay put for a bit, relax and let everyone go ahead of us,” Cezar bluntly informed. “I know we got a twenty-four-hour head start, but shouldn’t we be using this time to put as much distance between us and them while we can?” the Order lackey questioned his guides logic. “I know it seems like we might be wasting time, but trust me, it will save us more in the long run. Not to mention…………….” Cezar tried to explain before the piercing chorus of feminine shrieks and chanting suddenly spilt the air, “Oh gods dammit, here they come.” Just as Cezar forewarned, a parade of Amazons and Ocelomehs emerged from their tents, nearly nude as the day they were born while singing and howling their unionized chants. There were exactly ten of both mamono species and the only thing covering their curvaceous, athletic bodies were various patterns of war paint and the occasional feathered headdress adorning some of their skulls. Each one held onto a uniquely decorated shield in one hand while the other contained their weapon of choice; everything from bows to spears to clubs to maquahuitls. The group of erotic dancing huntresses spread themselves out evenly amongst the cages displaying their talents to their befuddled captives, however before Vincente could get a good look at them, he suddenly had his sight blinded when Cezar took off his vest and wrapped it around his head. “Ummmm…….what are you doing?” Vincente inquired as his world went dark. “Listen I don’t need you getting any funny ideas from looking at them, ok. Also, my little sister is participating this year, and I don’t want you ogling her,” Cezar divulged as he wrapped the fabric about. “I would never!” Vincente retorted as he wasn’t a fan of such an accusation. “Considering you’ve never seen a naked mamono before, let alone a bunch of them dancing, sorry if I don’t believe in your strength of will,” the expert rebuked as he tightened the cloth around his head to make a point, “Now just keep this on until they’re done with their little performance, and don’t take it off until I tell ya. Don’t argue with me on this.” “I’m not trying to argue, I just think this is a little unnecessary, don’t you,” Vincente responded as he could only make out faint shadows of movement through his blinds. “Trust me it isn’t,” Cezar uttered before he sat back, closed his eyes and waited for this awkward part of this ceremony to end. After a few minutes, the enticing, pride filled cries ended just as the blurry, shadowy silhouettes Vincente could make out through the cloth covering his eyes came to a halt. However, the silence wasn’t to last as the commending voices of two women suddenly echoed through the encampment. While Vincente could not see them, both carried a tone of authority and wisdom that the engineer couldn’t help but listen intently too. “Honored sacrifices, you have been gifted to us by the gods in one way or another to take part in one of our most honored traditions. Soon you shall be unleashed to have your skills tested by not only by some of our finest warriors but by the will of the jungle itself,” one of the elder voices, one with a more heavy accent announced to every participant. “But fret not, salvation is closer to you then you might think. Westward from here, nestled by the river you can find the human settlement of Jasper, where we will not follow you if you manage to reach it. If you follow this path, you can reach it within four to five days if you’re lucky, however the trek will not be an easy one. Only the most skilled and fortunate among you will have a chance to even reach it but we grant you one whole day to travel there before our huntress begin their pursuit. Now go forth with our blessing and demonstrate to us the true mettle of man,” the other with a more motherly tone proclaimed. The creaking sound of the cage doors opening all at once was the next thing Vincente heard before the disorganized trampling of every single man filled his ears as they all made a break for the exit. He could make out people arguing over who got through the door next while others seemed to be creating last minute alliances before fleeing. Finally, the makeshift veil was lifted from Vincente’s eyes just in time for him to see the last of the fleeing men escape into the thick foliage of the rainforest, including a few he recognized belonging to his troop before they too disappeared into the dark brush. It seemed everyone was more then ready to get the hell out of here but the realization none of them invited him to join them was a little hurtful to Vincente. Perhaps they had already saw him as a traitor or simply didn’t wish to waste time on someone who would question their decisions so much, either way it reinforced that this event was ever man for themselves and that he already made his choice. However, just as Cezar predicted there were exactly two men who had stayed behind and already introducing themselves more formally to both an Amazona and an Ocelomeh. “Couldn’t you have taken that off sooner?” Vincente questioned as his eyes got used to the light once more. “Could have but it’s not like you missed out on much,” Cezar stated as he put his vest back on as he headed for the cage door, “Now come on let’s get some breakfast.” “Wait, we’re foraging already? Don’t you think it’s a little too soon?” the carpenter questioned his guide once more. “I suppose we could do that, but I was thinking we just join in the feast over there,” Cezar answered as he pointed towards the tents where the mamono were staying in. As Vincente looked over, he could see the Amazons and Ocelomeh’s setting up a table from the trunk of a massive tree they seemed to have cut down as they brought out baskets of exotic fruits and maze. A large fire had been made to roast various wild game they appeared to have captured previously ranging from waterfowl to deer. The moment the various scents hit his nose; Vincente’s stomach rumbled in anticipation but his clear thoughts convinced him this was a bad idea. “You want us to eat with them? There’s no way in hell that’s a risk worth taking,” Vincente blurted out despite following behind his escort. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid to have a meal with your enemy, Order boy? Just relax, there is no risk. We got a day’s head start which means they can’t touch us for that time, their honor won’t allow it. Besides, I do this every hunt and they love sharing food, especially to captives. You just need to know what you can and can not eat,” Cezar informed with his typical carefree attitude. “Is some of the food poisonous or something?” the Order craftsman inquired. “Something like that, but don’t worry about it. I’ll pick everything out so there are no mistakes. Just don’t take anything they offer you and only eat what I give ya, and you’ll be fine,” the mamono expert warned as he led his reluctant cohort forward. “Ok, what about the monsters…..I mean mamono. Won’t they try something?” Vincente expressed his concerns. “Of course they will. They will flirt, show off and pry you for information about you and your friends; anything to convince you to stay with them but they will not touch you, for now anyway. My advice, don’t ignore them but try to steer the conversation towards topics that you’re more comfortable with and doesn’t reveal anything too personal about yourself,” Cezar advised as they drew closer, “Oh, and don’t let them intimidate you and defiantly don’t tell them about your love life. It will only make you more desirable to them.” “I think that’s easier said then done,” Vincente uttered as he already felt the hungry eyes of every single mamono on him as they realized they were approaching. “Oh my, aren’t you the brave one. Did we catch your eye, handsome?” an Ocelomeh hollered out. “You really want him slowing you down, Cezar? Just give him to me, you know I’ll take good care of him,” one of the Amazon’s teasingly offered. Despite the cat calls and flirtatious taunts, the two men made their way to the recently established table. It wasn’t long before an eager Amazon saw her chance to make an impression and brought over an uprooted stump for Vincente to use as a seat, although nothing was carried over for Cezar. Vincente gave his guide one glance over of uncertainty before being silently motioned to sit down. “You just wait here and do your best to hang on. I’m going to get us some grub and talk to my sisters about getting us some supplies. So, before I go, is there anything that was taken off you that you want back?” Cezar asked as he kept an eye on their surroundings. “Ok, I’ve gone along with a lot of your questionable claims so far, but why would they give us supplies or any of our stuff back? There’s no rational reason for them to give us an advantage,” the former captive uttered in disbelief as he took his seat. “I can assure you it isn’t much of an advantage. Besides, what they are willing to give is basically restricted to food and a sleeping bag. As well as I just mentioned the return of any personal items, after all they’re not thieves,” Cezar stated as he patiently waited for any request from his new client. “Wait, wait, wait……….if they’re willing to supply us, why did they let the others rush into the jungle so underprepared,” Vincente continued to show his confusion regarding this reveal. “Because you guys never ask. I swear you men are too prideful for your own good. No wonder you need women like us to show you the error of your thinking,” an Amazon with a long ponytail butted in as she took the spot right next to Vincente. “Yeah, we don’t mind lending a helping claw. Especially to men willing to show some backbone and come speak with us,” an Ocelomeh with noticeable freckles purred as she took the seat on the opposite side, “Soooooo……what can we do for you, handsome?” “Well, if there isn’t anything specific you want, I’ll get going and let these ladies keep you company for a bit,” Cezar off handily uttered as he started to leave. “Wait……there is something. A silver pendent. It has personal value to me, and I would really appreciate it if you could get it back,” the Order engineer abruptly requested as the gathering crowd around him started to make him uncomfortable. “Oh, get going, Cezar. We want a chance to get to know your new friend already. We promise to be on our BEST behavior,” an Amazon with flowing blonde locks that alluringly covered her left eye teasingly pouted to her male tribe member. “Yeah, you buzzkill. Now be a good little errand boy, and go get this man his pendent, already” an Ocelomeh wearing a necklace composed of various animal fangs bellowed as she tried to shoo away Vincente’s last line of defence. “Sure thing. I’ll be back as soon as I can, so just, you know, don’t let these girls bully you too much,” Cezar suggested with a carefree shrug before venturing off to find his sisters. “So, now that he’s gone…….what’s so special about that pendent?” the Ocelomeh with the freckles questioned with an oddly sultry tone. “Yeah you can tell us. Hell, I can even go fetch it for you myself, if you like,” the other Ocelomeh with the tooth necklace offered. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, pussycat. It’s clear this one would prefer the assistance of someone more open to his needs,” another Amazon chimed in, this one with a headdress decorated with massive, blue feathers. “That’s for him to decide, thunder thighs. But I still would like to know the story around that pendant. So won’t you tell us handsome?” the freckled jaguar woman inquired as she leaned in a little closer. Vincente was getting a little worried now, as there must have been at least eight mamono surrounding him right now. These women didn’t even wait for Cezar to leave before they made their move, but at least true to his guides word, they at least haven’t dog piled him yet. It was obvious they weren’t going to leave him alone or stop trying to make small talk, but he couldn’t tell them about his pendent, as doing so would go against Cezar’s advice. The truth was that pendent contained a small portrait of his fiancé, Eleanor but he couldn’t let these monsters know that, otherwise they would try to replace her in his heart. Vincente couldn’t let that happened, so he decided on spinning a different tale. “It just…ummmm……it just contains a portrait of my parents. It’s all I have left of them and I can’t risk leaving it behind,” Vincente fibbed hoping this answer would pacify the monstrous women looming over him on all sides. “Oh, that’s so sweet. It’s good to find a man who values family so much. Tell me, have you considered ever starting a family of your own?” the blonde haired warrior woman commented with a warm, growing smile. “Of course he has, he’s a guy. I bet he can’t wait to make a couple of cubs with someone special,” the fanged necklaced Ocelomeh stated, “So why don’t you forget about this silly contest, handsome and just pick one us right now. Like me, for instance.” “I agree with the cat, at least about the picking one of us part. It’s not like that deserter will be able to protect you from us, so why waste your time going into that scary jungle. But if you really want a tour of your new home, you’re better off having a nice strong women like me being your guide. I can show places Cezar wouldn’t dare take you,” the Amazon with the feathered headdress proposed as she leaned over Vincente’s shoulder, just enough to press her firm, bare breasts on his back. “That’s a nice offer, and you seem like a lovely lady, but…….” Vincente struggled to stutter out as he tried to keep his mind off of all the bedroom eyes that were upon him and the sensation of those heavenly orbs pressing into his back. “See he doesn’t want you. It’s obvious he would prefer a nice Ocelomeh, like myself to show him around the jungle. Not only can I protect you better then muscles for brains over there, but I can keep you warm on those cold nights like no one else,” the freckled jungle cat declared as she ran her claws through the fluff of her mane. “That’s not what I was getting at. I think I would prefer to take my chances. You know to…ummmm….test my abilities and see how far I can get and such,” Vincente tried to shoot down their offers to little success. “You don’t need to prove yourself, not to us. We can already tell your Grade A husband material, so why waste time running around,” the ponytailed Amazon proclaimed as she undid her top and tossed it in front of Vincente, “Don’t you just want to skip the hard stuff and get to the good part?” “Maybe he’s into the hard stuff. If you want, I can just pin you down right now and treat you like the prey that you are,” the freckled Ocelomeh teasingly offered as she followed the Amazon’s tactic and removed the cloth containing her bountiful bosom as well. Vincente was stunned into silence as he didn’t dare look in any of their directions as he kept his focus on the bare log being used as a table in front of him. He had to think of Eleanor, and her perfect smile and her soothing blue eyes. No matter how insanely attractive these monsters were, they didn’t hold a candle to her, that’s what he had to keep telling himself. Although that was difficult considering he knew these shameless harlots were groping their tits just outside the corner of his eyes and mocking him with them. He knew monsters were merciless and underhanded, but these were not the tactics he was expecting when he joined the Order. All he could do right now was endure their sweet offers and wait for Cezar to return. However, salvation came from an unexpected source as an obsidian dagger suddenly landed and embedded itself in the table right in front of Vincente. Every single mamono instantly stopped their teasing chatter as they shot up to see who threw it. As Vincente did the same, he was expecting Cezar or perhaps one of his sisters to be the culprit but instead it was an Ocelomeh he hadn’t seen before. Unlike the younger mamono that had surrounded him, this one seemed more mature and carried more of an air of authority then the others. Her physique was more defined and more in line with the Amazons then the other Ocelomehs, her dim orange hair was long and wild enough to be mistaken for another mane and her fur was darker, fuller but at the same time rougher looking as well. A very revealing and partially see though poncho covered most of her figure, but Vincente could tell this one was quite well-endowed considering how much her chest pressed against the colourful wool. She was missing the tip of her left ear as well as donned a noticeable scar on her right cheek, giving her an all around more savage aura to her then her tribe members. Everything about her screamed she wasn’t the type of cat you wanted to mess with, and that feeling was magnified when Vincente noticed the other girls remained silent despite some glares towards the newcomer. “Why is Cezar wasting his time with you?” the intimidating looking Ocelomeh suddenly asked as she wasted no time in interrogating Vincente as she took the seat across from him. “Excuse me?” Vincente muttered out, unsure how to respond. “Why is Cezar allowing someone like you to accompany him? It’s obvious you are only going to slow him down and get in his way. Don’t tell me he has gotten so cocky now that he thinks he can avoid me while lugging around a clueless lacky of the Order around, does he? Surely you must be offering him something, so what is it?” the rough furred Ocelomeh demanded as she shot daggers at him with her glaring eyes. “I’m not offering him anything. In fact, he hasn’t asked for anything? Is….is that not typical for him to do?” the Order carpenter asked back, unsure of what he was being accused of. “I find your claim to be difficult to believe. Cezar isn’t foolish enough to risk his own hide, not for your ilk. I’m sure there is something he wants from you, and as soon as I figure it out, I will have him. So, think, you waste of meat, what does my Cezar want from you?” the jaguar woman imposed with bared fangs. “Oh back off, Dycia. Can’t you see you’re scaring him” her fellow freckled Ocelomeh scolded her larger tribe member. “Yeah, we all know you only have eyes for Cezar, but that’s no reason to take out your failed romance on this guy. Besides, Cezar is just over there, so go bug him and let us work our magic here,” the headdress adorned Amazon added as she possessive wrapped her arms around Vincente in a protective manner. “You can all back off. Don’t you think you’re all getting a too little touchy and overly familiar. You don’t want to be branded as honourless cheats, do ya,” Cezar called out as he approached the group of mamono that had gathered around his new associate. Behind him on both sides were his sisters, Evelyn and Phoebe, each one of the trio holding a large plate of various meats and fruits. Large bags were also hanging from their shoulders, which Vincente deduced were their supplies, although they were not as large as he was hoping. While it seemed they were understandably being gifted the bare minimum, he reminded himself he was lucky to be getting anything at all from the very beings that had forced him into this situation. Cezar’s warning seemed to hit some kind of rational with the huntresses as they all backed away slightly to finally give Vincente some breathing room, although it wasn’t like they moved that far from their new target. However, Dycia seemed to have the exact opposite reaction, as her ears perked up upon hearing his voice as she tuned excitedly to look upon him. “Cezar, there you are. I was just picking the brain of your new friend here and getting to know him. I must say, I’m surprised you’re helping one so meek. The man I know wouldn’t act so soft, especially during one of the grand hunts,” Dycia commented with a condescending tone. “Sure you were, but I got my reasons for helping this one out. Don’t tell me your worried he’s going to cost me my single status and let me be caught by some other mamono. Jealously isn’t a good look on you I’m afraid, Dycia,” Cezar wittedly retorted. “Oh, honey. I just don’t want you to have any excuses when I finally sink my claws into you and properly sacrifice you before our gods,” the wild maned mamono teased back. “Oh, please. I could lead ten of him and you would still never get close to catching me, Dycia. Although I will admit you were closer than usual last hunt,” the mamono expert rebuked with a shit eating smirk. “Oh, I’m so looking forward to the day I steal you away from your tribe and wipe that daring smile off your face. It will make all the years of enduring your incorrigible teasing almost worth it,” Dycia responded in a huskier tone. Vincente was staring dumbfoundedly at the conversation that was taking place. If he didn’t know any better, it almost sounded like they were flirting in their own strange way. It was obvious they shared a complicated history but there was something else Vincente was more focused on at the moment. It was that black stone dagger Dycia threw earlier. It was still sticking out of the makeshift table, unguarded or retrieved, and the best part was, everyone else seemed to be too distracted by the banter between Cezar and Dycia to notice it. Everyone’s eyes were on them and having a weapon, even if it was just a dagger, was better then nothing but taking it was risky. Sweat was already forming on his scalp as he realized his window of opportunity was shrinking by the second, but against his better judgement Vincente made his move. With all the shiftiness and stealth he could muster, he swiped the small obsidian blade and quickly pocketed it away. Amazingly no seemed to have noticed, at least he prayed no one did, but the silence over his actions was a good sign. Hopefully he could get away with this little theft, and while he felt bad, having some means of defence was worth the risk, and surely Cezar would understand his actions when he confessed to it later. Surely, such an act would have no consequences going forward. “Promises, promises but as you know, if you want me, you got to wait until tomorrow. That being said, you’re in my seat and I would like to discuss with my new friend here in peace, if that’s all right with you,” Cezar stated with unnatural confidence. “Very well, if you insist,” Dycia surprisingly relented as she sat up and gave her prey a good look over, “I kept your seat warm for you, but I swear on every god I know, this year will play out differently. You just wait for me, and we’ll be coming up with names for our first litter before you know it.” With that Dycia took her leave but not before running her claw over Cezar’s chest and brushing her tail against his thigh as she passed. Both of Cezar’s sisters gave the bold Ocelomeh a stern glare as it seemed they didn’t appreciate how forward she was with their sibling, although that shouldn’t have been surprisingly as Dycia didn’t seem to be that popular with any of the other mamono regardless of tribe. Yet, it appeared that fact didn’t seem to bother the jungle cat as it appeared the only person she truly valued the attention of was Cezar himself. “Sorry about that, Vincente. Dycia is, let’s just say, my most determined admirer. However, don’t let her rough act fool you, her claws aren’t as sharp as she pretends they are, if you get my meaning” Cezar apologized as he placed a full breakfast plate before Vincente. “It’s more like she’s totally obsessed with you. I swear she gets worse every year,” Evelyn uttered under her breath as she continued to keep an eye on the Ocelomeh until she was out of sight. “Although you got to admit it’s almost respectable her dedication to claiming you. She knows what she wants, and she only has eyes for you. Maybe you should consider giving her a chance, Cezar,” Phoebe interjected with a softer tone. “Our brother isn’t getting taken by that damn cat or any Ocelomeh. He’s getting a nice Amazon for a wife and returning to our village permanently. Which is why you’re helping the others track him down this year, remember,” Evelyn reminded her younger sister. “I know but I still want to focus on finding my own husband this time. Last year he sent us all on a wild goose chase and I missed out on my chance to bag my own man. I’m sick of you being the only one with a husband, Evelyn,” Phoebe argued with a pout. “Phoebe you just focus on yourself this year, ok. I’ll take care of myself. So go with my blessing,” Cezar half-heartedly encouraged his younger sibling with a smug grin. “Really!” the tallest, yet youngest of the three gleefully cried out. “Don’t you give her any ideas, Cezar, we don’t need another troublemaker in the family. While mother wants her settled down too, you’re the one she’s worried about most. It just isn’t right for a man your age to be single and wandering around the jungle alone,” Everlyn lectured as she gave her younger brother a harmless slap on the back of the head. “Jeez, you all act like I never visit, and I’ll marry whoever I damn well please whenever my conditions are met. How many times do I need to tell ya that before it finally sinks in,” Cezar leisurely rebuked as he rubbed the back of his skull. “Is everything all right with you and your….ummmm….sisters?” Vincente interrupted their family squabble in the hopes of regaining their attention as he felt the other mamono already closing in on him again. “Oh, right, sorry about that again, Vincente. Allow me to introduce my sisters. This is my big sis, Evelyn, she’s helping supervise this whole event so you don’t have to worry about her coming after you. However, my little sis Phoebe here is someone to watch out for, but she’s a sweetheart, at least more so then Evelyn,” Cezar presented his Amazonian siblings before taking his seat. “Hi!” Phoebe bashfully spouted with fluttering eyes as she made no secret of her interest in her brother’s guest. “Don’t listen too carefully to my brother now, Vincente, but it’s nice to met you. I’m sure you will make a fine addition to our village once all this over and one of our huntresses claims you as her own,” Evelyn politely introduced herself, although her duties to her tribe was made crystal clear. “Now hold on, who says he will be joining you Amazons. I hate to break it to you, but Vincente here clearly prefers the company of us over you bulky whores,” the freckled Ocelomeh spoke up as she laid claim to the newcomer on her tribe’s behalf. “You cats are fooling yourselves. All men prefer a woman who can properly take care of them and we Amazons excel in that regard more then anyone else. Everyone knows that,” the blonde Amazon countered. “Well, then it’s a good thing we excel at hunting more then anyone else, and unlike you softies, we don’t baby our husbands,” the toothed necklaced Ocelomeh proclaimed, “Which is why we’re not only going to score Vincente, but you’re taking your darling deserter, Cezar, here this year too.” “Last I checked, we won last hunt. So, I’m not sure where all this empty pride is coming from,” Evelyn challenged her opponents claim. “Empty claim! We won the two previous hunts before the last one. It’s you Amazons who need to back up your boasts” the toothed necklaced jaguar woman growled back. “Then I guess we just have to win this time too, just to show you cats your place then,” the ponytailed Amazon chimed in. Soon the whole encampment devolved into a competitive argument between the two tribes of mamono. Neither backing down from the other as both groups swore on their ancestors that they would not only win this year but claim both men sitting next to them. Vincente was unnerved by their open boasts and even more so by their more saucy plans after they caught the both of them. However, Cezar who had grown up around such interactions his entire life and understood this was simply how both tribes liked to psyche each other up for their little competition, even if hearing such things continued to be awkward even now. Besides he had more important things to worry about then to listen in on their moronic chatter, such as focusing on eating as much as he could while he could. “Don’t pay them any mind, Vincente. While they focus on each other, you just focus on eating. You’re going to need as much energy as you can get for the journey ahead, so focus on the meat for now. Our bags are full of primary fruit so don’t fill up on them too much at the moment,” Cezar advised the jungle’s new traveler as he tore into some poultry. “Is there enough in those bags to get us through the whole trek?” Vincente inquired as he took his guide’s advice and ignored his fruits in favor for what he believed to be a rack of deer ribs. “Not exactly, but its more then enough to get us to our first stop where we can get better supplies,” Cezar divulged as he took in a mouthful of campfire roasted duck. “So, we’re making a stop somewhere? What exactly is our game plan here?” the Order engineer continued to question while the various mamono argued all around him. “I’ll tell ya once we’re on the move and away from prying ears. I don’t think you want these blowhards getting an idea of where we’re heading. But I promise you, if everything works out, you’ll be on a boat and out of this jungle in four days,” Cezar assured before stuffing his maw with another mouthful of roasted flesh. “Really?” Vincente uttered in disbelief. “Really,” Cezar repeated, “Now let’s hurry up with our meal. The sooner we finish and grab our shit, the sooner we can get away from all this bickering.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The long trek had finally begun as both men disappeared into the all-consuming embrace of the rainforest after slipping away from both boastful tribes once they finished their hearty breakfast with them. Just as the unseen elders informed, there was a clear, wide, if slightly overgrown path cutting through the trees and foliage, one that Vincente hoped led to the safe, human controlled haven that was promised. However, as the misplaced engineer of the Order followed his newly hired guide to parts unknown, his head was still too focused on trying to understand what he just experienced with those monstrous women back at camp more so then where he was heading. His silence was telling, as after a good fifteen minutes of wordless travel, Cezar smirked knowing exactly what was going through his head as he decided to tease him on the matter. “So, let me guess. They weren’t what you were expecting, right?” Cezar inquired of his new traveler associate with an amused chuckle. “I can soundly say, no…...no they were not. And you’re telling me all monsters look and act that……shameless,” Vincente softly uttered in pure disbelief as she struggled to come up with the right words to describe what he just experienced. “More or less, but shameless isn’t the exact word I would use to describe them, a little too tame but I suppose it’s a description,” Cezar amusingly bantered, “But something tells me you’re still confused by a great many things.” “Of course I am! How could I not be. None of this makes any sense,” Vincente honestly responded as he wiped away some sweat from his brow. “Well, since we got a ways to go and you’re going to ask anyway, what doesn’t make sense to you?” the local guide noted as he led the way, his eyes wondering between the canopy of the trees and the forest floor. “Everything. All of this. What’s the point of it? If all they want is a husband, why don’t they go after their own kind? Why even go through with this stupid hunt if they’re willing to help out those who ask for it? Not to mention…..” the foreign Order follower expressed after he took a deep inhale. “Slow down there, Order boy, I know you’re new to all this insanity but one question at a time, ok. To answer your first question, unfortunately for us, all mamono are ladies and they see guys like us as their other half, a fact they very look forward to informing us of when they catch us. As for why bother with this façade of a hunt, the simple answer is it’s just what they like to do but if you’re looking for more detailed one, mamono like Amazons and Ocelomehs, this shit is basically their idea of foreplay and well, they like the idea of proving themselves to their future husbands in some way, usually through a show of overwhelming dominance. You combine that mindset with the preexisting rivalry between those two specific tribes and you get a bunch of prideful mamono who think this nonsense is a good idea,” Cezar lectured before grabbing a branch to look it over as if he was inspecting it for something. “Ok but that still doesn’t explain why they didn’t inform us of any of this before hand and kept everything so hush hush?” the Order lackey continued. “Let me ask you something. What’s more likely to put up a challenge and be harder to catch, the guy who knows they’re not in any danger or the guy who believes he has to give it his all just to make it to another day. Granted, this tactic doesn’t necessary work on those who actually already know how mamono actually are, but for ignorant chumps like you and your Order friends, it goes off without a hitch every single time,” Cezar answered as he resumed leading the way. “So, locking us in a cage, intimidating us and everything else, was just to make sure we ran faster? Are you fucking serious!” Vincente questioned in disbelief. “Pretty much yeah. Like I told ya, these girls they want to prove themselves to whoever they get heir hands on, and to them nothing proves that then besting a guy at his best. It’s just how their thinking works I’m afraid. Not to mention, they think it’s really cute when the guy they capture for themselves realizes he’s about to get banged instead of whatever they were fearing,” the mamono expert explained. “Cute?” Vincente pointed out, slightly taken back by the choice of words. “Their words not mine. Anyhow, while I know their reasoning for this is questionable at best, here is the first thing I will let you know about mamono. No matter how human they may look or act, their thinking is not one to one with our own. Finding and securing a suitable husband for themselves is and will always be their number one priority, even if they try to convince you otherwise,” Cezar forewarned as he pushed aside some low hanging vines aside. “And every monster…I mean, mamono, pull off shit like this just to get a guy?” Vincente blurted out in sheer confusion as he swatted away a large beetle from his shoulder. “Not exactly. If I’m being completely honest, those gals are perhaps not the best introduction to how mamono typically tend to act. Most are far more reasonable and will try to swoon and seduce you the old fashion way, at least the more civilized ones do, but it’s a little different out here in the jungle. Men are a valuable and highly scarce resource in these parts, since you know we’re basically in the middle of nowhere, so the girls out here tend to be much more desperate and far more opportunistic than your average mamono when it comes to men. Granted every single one of them, no matter where they are or what species they are wants a husband more then anything and they will not rest until they have one. The only real difference is how they go about it. Some are very direct and will just try to overpower you like our current gracious hosts, but others prefer more tricky approaches. Pheromones, magic, traps, you name it, if there’s a tactic a mamono can think of to tempt a man to their side, they can and will use it,” the local expert informed in a matter-of-fact tone, before letting out an annoyed sigh, “Which is why information is your best ally when it comes to handling or avoiding them.” “Speaking of avoidance, how exactly have you managed to avoid being you…..you know…..” Vincente inquired, fully aware of how awkward this question was. “What, getting hitched and plowed into the mud by one of the many lovely bachelorettes that stalk this jungle? Afraid that’s a trade secret but it helps I actually know who I’m up against and have some very helpful mamono as friends around here,” Cezar continued to reveal as he scanned his surroundings with the upmost care. Vincente gave his guide a puzzled look at the contradiction he detected, “But you just said……” “Relax, the mamono I deal with are already married and thus have no interest in me, even if they do still try and convince me to marry a relative or friend of theirs from time to time. I do a lot of favors for couples around these parts and in return they do me favors. It’s kind of the currency around these parts apart from simply trading goods. In fact, we’re currently on our way to meet one of my oldest associates right now,” Cezar revealed in a leisurely manner. “But I thought Jasper was a human settlement? Why would a mamono friend of yours be there,” the experienced craftsman inquired as he was rightfully confused by this turn of events. “Oh, she’s not in Jasper or anywhere near it, but for what its worth we were never headed there to begin with,” the local escort divulged. “Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean we’re not headed to Jasper? You promised to get me out of here, not lead me to meet some monstrous pal of yours!” Vincente understandably questioned this revelation. “I did and I will, but Jasper is not our best bet to get you out of this jungle, so we’re taking a much advised detour. Besides, we need shelter and a place to resupply, and my friend can provide both. Granted she’s only the halfway stop on our journey and will take another day to get there but she’s never failed to help me in the past. She can be trusted,” Cezar reassured as he stopped in his tracks to examine some disturbances in the underbrush, noting the numerous, chaotic sets of tracks. “Why? What’s wrong with Jasper. Don’t tell me it’s some kind of a trap,” Vincente concernedly inquired, as his thoughts went back to the safety of his abandoned battalion. “No, Jasper isn’t a trap or anything like that, although it’s not exactly the pure human settlement as promised,” Cezar more nervously informed as he noticed some large, unnatural looking bulges protruding from the ground around them. “Please, for the love of the Chief God elaborate. Just tell me my friends will be fine once they arrive there,” Vincente demanded the truth. “Well, Jasper is more of a mixed community let’s just say but there are more humans there then mamono and they will help escort your friends out of here. The only problem is none of them have a chance of ever making it there. Hell, most of them are going to get eliminated from this hunt in the next few hours, if they haven’t already. There’s a reason we call the first day of the hunt Culling day around here,” Cezar informed with an uncaring shrug as he rose back up, gave his surroundings one last check as he continued on with caution. “But I thought we had a whole day head start, or was that another lie too?” Vincente continued to interrogate as he was beginning to second guess the trustworthiness of his guide due to how much he had left out already. “First off, that little fib about Jasper was a necessary one. Otherwise, your moronic friends would never have the common sense to head there for their own good. However, it isn’t the Amazons or the Ocelomehs after us that are going to do them in today. Hate to break it to you, but they’re not the only mamono out here, far from it. There are plenty of single ladies who know about this contest and look forward to it just so they can take advantage of the chaos to steal a guy for themselves. This entire path is filled with mamono lying in wait to ambush your Order friends from here all the way to Jasper, so I doubt any of them are going to make it, especially once tomorrow arrives and the real hunt begins,” Cezar informed with a slightly more aggressive tone as it was clear he was not a fan of Vincente’s accusatory attitude. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you tell me before. I could have warned the others or something,” the Order follower expressed his worries for the safety of his ex-cohorts. “Honestly, I thought that fact would have been obvious and didn’t need pointing out. Although it’s not like any amount of warning would have done them any good given how headstrong your group was, or have you already forgotten how it went with your commander the last time you tried to give him some useful advice,” Cezar mentioned as he began to notice strands of silk littering the ground around them. “Even still, you should have told us,” Vincente rebuked with a growl. “Why? It’s better for us if they didn’t know what was waiting for them. Right now, they’re acting as the perfect decoys for us to follow this trail in peace before we eventually break off from it. Besides, I’ve already told you they will be fine and well taken care of by whoever nabs them. This is just the fate for the unlucky and underprepared, so get used to it and don’t look back,” Cezar coldly retorted with an uncaring tone. “Just who’s side are you on,” Vincente accused as his frustration grew, until his sense of betrayal and underlining guilt warped into distrust and suspicion, “How do I even know you will keep your word and that this isn’t some elaborate trap to deliver me to some monstrous friend of yours as some favor or something crazy like that?” Cezar took an annoyed sigh as he stopped in his tracks, “Listen, if I wanted to hand you over to a mamono, I could have easily done so. Hell, I could have just tied you to a tree and leave a marker for someone from my tribe to find you with, but just so we’re clear I’m not against or with any mamono. I’m a free agent and I follow my own gut, so my business is my own and that’s how I like it. However, just because I decided to help you out of the goodness of my heart on a whim doesn’t mean I’m on the Orders side either or anything crazy like that. So, if you’re done second guessing me and feeling sorry for your self-righteous pals, we need to get going. Unless of course you want to try your own luck navigating this jungle.” Vincente wasn’t sure what to make of this man, yet alone if he could trust him as he weighed his options. He was putting all his faith in the hope this uncivilized, mamono friendly native would stay true to his word and not betray him to some marriage starved beast. Of course, with all that said, Cezar defiantly knew what he was talking about when it came to this jungle and those mamono, thus making him the only one capable of even offering Vincente a chance to see his home and fiancé, Eleanor again. However, if the worst did come to pass, he assumed his old battalion was still within reach to regroup with as they couldn’t be that far ahead. Not to mention, he still had that stone knife he stole from that overgrown feline to potentially defend himself with as well. However, as his mind considered its use, he was also reminded of the words spoken to him by its true owner. Dycia was her name, if he recalled, and as he thought over his short encounter with that wild huntress, the fact she accused Cezar of wanting something from him stuck out in his mind. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more odd it was that his mysterious guide so easily came around to his cause despite being so standoffish at first. Of course, the idea that the Ocelomeh only said that to drive a wedge between them was another strong possibility, but before Vincente could will himself to resume following this man to parts unknown, he needed to at least try to get to the bottom of this now before it was too late to backout. “The goodness of your heart, right. Funny you say that, because you know, Dycia claimed you had ulterior motives for helping me. That you wanted something from me. Is that true,” Vincente defiantly accused as he refused to take another step until he had an answer. Cezar once more halted in place, this time not even bothering to look back at Vincente as he tilted his head up to stare into space and took a moment of silence before answering, “Well, I’ve got to hand it to her, she always could see right through me, but I expect no less from her. I suppose there might be something I want from you, but this really isn’t the time or place for us to be discussing such things.” Vincente took a nervous gulp, his hand instinctually reaching towards his pocket as his mind rushed through a million thoughts as to how to proceed, “I thought as much. So, what is this really? Extortion? Ransom? Which is it?” “Relax, it’s nothing like that. All I want from you is some information to quench my curiosity,” Cezar revealed as he turned back with a smug grin, “It’s only fair since I’ve been answering all your questions.” “That’s it?” the Order engineer questioned as his unease diminished causing his rigged posture to lax, although he still assumed there was some trick to this. “That’s it,” the tropical guide repeated. “Ok………what do you want to know?” Vincente cautiously inquired while remaining in place. “I just want to know what the hell is going on in Saint Manus isall. That place has slowly become more secured than a bank vault and I want to know why,” Cezar politely requested as he blocked the path ahead. Vincente instantly became nervous again as his heart sunk deep into his chest, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by Cezar, “What makes you think I know anything about that or anything going on there?” “Don’t mistake me for stupid, Vincente. You and your friends could have taken a dozen different and much safer routes to get to Saint Manus, but you chose to risk everything sailing through this jungle. The only reason you lot would ever consider doing that is to cut down on travel time and to arrive in the city more discreetly. Not to mention, you seem to be the only engineer in your little group, so you must know something,” Cezar nonchalantly interrogated as he advanced on his anxious client. “Why would that matter to you?” Vincente countered in a more defensive manner. “I got my reasons, but we can discuss that in more depth later. As I just said, this is a really bad spot to be going over such things. You really need to pay more attention to your surroundings, Order boy” Cezar lectured in only a semi-serious manner. “What the hell does that mean?” Vincente pondered as he finally noticed the random assortment of trampled and torn threads of silk that littered the path around them, “What is this? Some kind of spider thread?” “Close, it’s Arachne silk. You see those random mounds around us, well those are actually trap doors to borrows. Normally just stepping on this stuff would signal them to come out and try something but lucky for us, your friends already triggered nearly all of them when they passed it seems,” Cezar informed stonily, “That being said, watch where you step. Just because most of them already got what they wanted, doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few single ones waiting to pop out.” “And you weren’t going to mention this sooner?” Vincente reprimanded. “I was going too but then you got very accusatory and started this awkward conversation,” Cezar shot back in his defense. Suddenly the sound of snapping branches and rustling brushes coming from somewhere off to the left side of trail demanded the attention of both men. Once more Vincente’s head reached for his concealed blade, but Cezar remained calm and motionless as whatever was out there drew closer. However, when it busted through the brush, it was no monster that appeared before them, instead it was a man, much to the relief of both travelers. He wasn’t one of the men Vincente had accidently ventured here with, as he appeared to be one of the local captives who were captured before they were, but his cloths seemed to be slightly torn and a clear expression of pure panic was plastered all over his face. He was breathing heavily and sweating profusely as he stumbled back onto the path as if he just finished running a marathon. Vincente immediately rushed towards him to offer aid, “Are you alright?” “Oh, gods, I’m back here,” the exhausted looking man muttered under his breath before turning his attention to Vincente before angrily shoving him away, “Let go of me! This is every man for himself!” “Relax, I’m sorry but please tell me what happened? Where is everyone else?” Vincente inquired as he pleaded with the distressed man. “What happened? It all went to shit, that’s what happened! Everything was fine until these spider women started popping out of the ground and grabbing people. As soon as that happened all hell broke loose. Things came swooping from overhead or jumping out of the trees to abduct others, so everyone scattered, and I advise you to do the same. This path is cursed! Cursed I say!” the man warned with pure dread laced in his voice before running off. However, as the distressed native man resumed his mad dash back down the overgrown path, he suddenly tripped as his foot got caught in some remaining thread. As he toppled to the ground with a thud, a nearby lump of underbrush started to stir. Suddenly without warning, that small section of the forest floor erupted open as a woman with short black hair, perky breasts and a tanned voluptuous figure covered in blue body paint shot out to collect the fallen man. However, it was what followed the women that truly terrified Vincente and kept him frozen in place as he noticed her lower body was attached to that of a massive, glistening black spider. In the blink of an eye the surprisingly large arachnoid woman swiftly grabbed the man by his bounded feet and pulled him into her borrow, shutting the trapdoor behind them just as quickly as if nothing happened. “I swear, they set this ambush up closer to the starting camp every hunt. Why are the bug girls always the most impatient,” Cezar muttered to himself under his breath as if such a sight was a normal everyday occurrence for him. “What the hell was that!” Vincente muttered out in pure shock. “That was an Arachne. Haven’t you been listening? Anyways that’s one less for us to worry about so unless you want a spider for a wife, let’s get going before we draw the attention of the rest,” Cezar insensitively answered as he resumed his march forward despite the scene that just took place ahead of him. “Shouldn’t we help him or something?” the Order follower inquired despite still being shook by what he just saw. “Let me think…..no,” the native guide bluntly answered. “We got to do something. Who knows, he might be able to help us if we save him,” Vincente naively suggested. “There’s nothing to save him from. Granted, that Arachne is going to tease him to no end for a bit but eventually it’s all going to settle down. They’re going to make up, get to know one another and they’ll be fucking as a loving couple before you know it. Happens every single damn time. Listen Vincente, one of the worst things you can do, especially out here, is get between a mamono and her husband, so it’s best we mind our own business and continue on our way, you got that,” Cezar sternly advised before dropping down right by that Arachne’s camouflaged borrow, “Although, that doesn’t mean his sacrifice has to be in vain.” “What are you doing, get away from there, you just saw what happened. What if she pops back out?” Vincente questioned as he watched his guide begin to gather and collect the numerous threads around the natural trapdoor. “Relax, she’s going to be preoccupied for awhile and Arachne silk is a very handy thing to have on hand,” Cezar answered as he carefully used a stick to gather and coil the long, sticky rope like fibers before depositing it into the bag his Amazonian sisters granted him. “I can’t believe this; I thought you said you were an expert on them. You said they could be reasonable, surely there is some way to save his soul before he’s damned,” Vincente argued struggled to come to terms with that stranger’s fate. “They’re reasonable until they get their claws into you, but if you want to try, be my guest. Just know you’re going to get wrapped up nice and tight while that spider gives you a front row view to her lovemaking before she hands you off to a friend of hers,” the mamono expert warned with an almost cruel logic, “Besides, it wasn’t like he was a friend of yours or anything. You really want to risk your freedom for someone who most likely got thrown into this hunt after being captured for tomb raiding or theft?” Vincente wanted nothing more than to retaliate with some well thought out, emotional deep argument but not a single thing came to mind. There wasn’t even a single phase, reason or even a word the Order follower could muster to justify saving that man. The risk simply greatly outweighed any reward, not that Vincente could think of any solid reason to even gamble his future for someone he didn’t know. Vincente needed to get to Saint Manus, to see his Eleanor, even if it meant trusting this shady guide and leaving a lot of former associates behind. Perhaps this was simply the law of this jungle, a law Vincente would have to learn and accept before he too fell to it. “Lets…….lets just keep moving,” Vincente begrudgingly murmured as he joined up with his secretive dubious escort. “Well come on, we still got a ways to go before we can branch off from this path to our intended one and the sun waits for no one,” Cezar agreed with a coy smile as he led his reluctant cohort out of this silk covered minefield. As the trek continued and they left the Arachnes’ hunting grounds far behind them, the soil beneath their feet slowly became soggier as they entered a more marsh like environment. Large pools of distilled, muck filled water became a more common sight as the foliage transferred from straight, towering trees to more stouter, twisted species that were more suited to such a damp ecosystem. Various colorful plants the like Vincente had never seen decorated the moist landscape, although every so often the Order engineer would come across a few that he could only describe as unnatural and for lack of a better word, wrong. Yet despite those plants odd appearance, they were there the ones Cezar every so often would stop to collect a few samples of to toss in his bag without explanation. The insects as well became more noticeable and problematic as entire swarms of them could be mistaken for dark clouds hovering over the everything. They were relentless in their attempt to take advantage of all those who passed by, as even Cezar seemed to be affected by their annoying presence. At least the constant sounds of croaking and bird calls audible around here made it clear there was no end to the species that preyed upon the numerous bugs that infested this area, although it did make Vincente wonder what else was lurking out here, especially things of the mamono variety. Ever since that brief incident with that stranger and the Arachne, silence had once more dominated the space between the two travelers. While it was a wise decision to stay as quiet as possible to avoid attracting any hidden mamono, the real reason was that Vincente was truly beginning to second guess his decision in following this man. It became obvious thanks to that event that Cezar most likely wouldn’t lift a finger to save him from a mamono if one managed to drag him off, but what was worse to Vincente was the fact his escort was clearly withholding information from him, including their true destination and whatever secrets he uses to survive out here in this monster infested hellhole. Although, with that being said, Vincente could also admit ever since his capture, this entire jungle had put him on edge and made him more paranoid then he has ever been in his entire life and despite Cezar’s more questionable traits, he had kept his word thus far and his knowledge on these mamono has already proven to be invaluable, even though Vincente didn’t want to believe half his claims about them. He hated to admit it, but like it or not, it truly was in his best interest to continue following this mystery man, even though his trust in his motives was quickly diminishing over time, which led to Vincente’s other issue with his newfound self-proclaimed savior. The fact Cezar thought he knew anything about what was occurring in Saint Manus was a problem, there was no getting around that fact. While it was true Vincente was aware of some project occurring in the city, all he knew was that it existed and that his soon to be wife, Eleanor was apart of it. Thanks to a command from the Order, Eleanor had to put their marriage on hold a year ago and was forced to move all the way down to this Southern pit of the world to assist with securing the safety of the city for whatever this project had entailed. It was only recently she had even managed to get the clearance to invite him onto the project so they could be reunited and finally say their vows to one another. Vincente wasn’t sure if this information would be enough to sate his guide’s curiosity as he was worried whether he would even believe his ignorance on the topic or simply abandon him if it wasn’t enough for him. Vincente was considering simply lying to him and telling him some made up story but there was still much he didn’t know about this wildcard of a man for him to commit to that course of action just yet. After all, it was still possible he would be understanding and continue to guide him out of here if Vincente was simply honest with him about what he actually knew. However, regardless of how Cezar would react to the truth, Vincente was smart enough to realize that the knowledge he held regarding Saint Manus was perhaps the only thing maintaining this guide’s interest in keeping him safe from those mamono. “Once we pass this small wetland, we’re finally ditch this trail and head in the direction where my associate is. After that, we might as well be home free,” Cezar broke the silence as he reassured his client. “That’s great but you never told me who this ally of yours even is. I know you said she was a mamono and married but I would feel safer knowing who or what you’re leading me too,” Vincente inquired with a groan as he fought off an army of mosquitos from stealing his blood. “I suppose there’s no harm in telling you now. Her name is Chameda, she’s what is known as a Dryad. Basically, she’s a tree spirit, although she used to be a druid before she allowed herself to become one with nature. She lives in a massive tree in the midst of some old ruins, but we’ll be safe there. Although knowing her, I’m sure she will have some other guests with her, but I doubt it will be a problem and anyone we can’t simply negotiate with,” the local guide informed as he took out something similar to a mango from his bag to take a bite out of it. “Ok, if she’s the midway stop, what is our actual final destination to get me out of here?” Vincente finally inquired. “That’s a secret,” Cezar bluntly replied. “Why in the Chief God's good name is that a secret,” Vincente annoyingly questioned. “Well, truth be told it’s a safety measure just in case you get caught by my tribe, Dycia, or really anyone out here. I don’t need them knowing where I’m headed if I can help it. However, once we leave Chameda’s place, I’ll tell you the rest. But if it helps your nerves, just know the plan is to get a boat from some other friends of mine who are long over do on repaying me for a certain favor,” Cezar divulged before taking another juicy bite into his midday snack. “Well, if you’re worried I’m going to rat you out, why tell me about Chameda now? We still got a day or so before we arrive there, aren’t you worried about me revealing that spot if I get captured?” Vincente inquired curiously, a little confused by this man’s decision making. “Don’t get me wrong, if you get captured before we get to Chameda’s it will be a pain, but I can simply switch plans and head somewhere else nearby to lay low. However, the main reason I told you is to try and win back some trust from ya. I can tell your faith in me and my intentions has understandably flattered a bit since that moment back there with the Arachne and shit but I can’t have that. Not that I blame you of course, you’re definitely going through the most stressful moment of your entire life, but I need you to trust me if we’re both going to get through this. So, if you can promise to be honest with me, I’ll be as honest as I am allowed with you,” Cezar abruptly acknowledged the tension that has been growing between them. “Sounds to me you just want me to spill my guts about Saint Manus as soon as possible,” the lost Order craftsman accused. “True, I’ll make no secret about that, but I’ll tell you what. You can keep that information close to your chest if you want and I won’t ask about it again until I get you there, but you will tell me what you know if I succeed, got it. So, does that sound fair to you,” Cezar proposed as he stopped to hold his hand out for a shake, “We can even shake on it, since I know you Order types tend to trust that sort of thing.” Vincente froze for a moment as he considered this offer. It was more open and honest then he was expecting, plus it gave Cezar motive to keep him safe till the end. Not to mention provided Vincente plenty of time to consider what he was going to tell him, if he was going to tell him anything at all. It was a simple deal, but perhaps the best he was ever going to get out here. “Deal,” Vincente accepted as he shook his guide’s hand. As the two men finalized their arrangement amongst the clouds of insects and singing toads, a new sound emerged from up ahead. In fact, it sounded like several noises, everything from men yelling to the sound of splashing water. Whatever was occurring further within this miniature wetland, it was causing enough of a disturbance to cause a massive flock of birds to flee from wherever it was taking place as they flew overhead into the sky. “Ah shit! Well, that’s just great, it seems your friends are closer than I thought, and they fell into another ambush. That’s just fucking great. I was hoping that would have happen further down after we broke away from this path, but now we got to deal with it too,” Cezar groaned in frustration. “Wait, they’re nearby. Maybe we can actually help them this time? Wouldn’t it be a good idea to try and gain some allies. You know strength in numbers and all that?” Vincente naively requested. “Actually, more people traveling with us would only prove to be a hinderance more than anything out here. Need I remind you the plan was to look out for ourselves, so I’m sorry to tell you but they’re on their own. So, when we get there, no matter what you see, you are not to interfere, you understand,” Cezar reminded his client with a displeased expression as he realized the headache that awaited him up ahead. “I…..I understand. So, what’s our plan then?” Vincente begrudgingly accepted the reality of their situation. “Well, the terrain isn’t in our favor so we can’t simply travel around, not in this pain in the ass marsh. We’re going to have to sneak through and just keep our eyes open. Thankfully whoever are ambushing your friends isn’t likely to be a large group, so I imagine they all have already picked out their new partners by now, if they don’t have their appendages in them already, so they should be plenty distracted,” Cezar thought out loud about their situation. “And if they do spot us?” Vincente nervously inquired. “If you follow my lead to the letter that is unlikely to happen. But if one does spot us, don’t get cold feet, don’t show aggression and let me do the talking,” Cezar advised sternly, “Oh and for the love of Artemis, don’t try and be a hero. If you see a friend or associate of yours being dragged off, just let it happen, otherwise I won’t be coming to your rescue, understood.” “But what if……” “I mean it Vincente, no heroics. In fact, that’s going to be our number one rule going forward from now on, ok. I know you think me cruel, but this is just how it is out here, and you need to accept that. Otherwise, Saint Manus, that girl of yours, and anything else in your current life, you can say goodbye to all of it. So, promise me you won’t do anything stupid and just listen to me on this,” Cezar practically ordered as he tried to relay the seriousness of their upcoming obstacle. “I can…..I can do that,” Vicente more timidly agreed as he was starting to become nervous with whatever scene was waiting for them up ahead. A loud sigh of relief escaped the jungle veteran, “Good, that’s good to hear. Now, you’re probably not going to like what you’re about to see but try your best to remain calm. Do that and we should be fine. So, are you ready to see what this jungle really has in store for lost little sheep like you?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Thirteen men. Thirteen men had been chased into the swamp and now found themselves stuck waist deep in some disgusting bog water as they were forced to hurdle around one another as they faced off with some unseen enemy. Armed with nothing but broken off branches and the occasional large stone, they had positioned themselves in a circle, back to back, as they madly scanned their surroundings. This small group was mostly composed of members of the Order troops that were captured, but there were two strangers among them who appeared to have joined up out of desperation, but within the defensive circle’s centre, directing everyone was Captain Diamandis who unlike his fellow men retained some sense of composure despite their situation. In his hand the Order troop leader even held a makeshift flag made from some giant leaf he attached to a long branch which had the symbol of the Chief God smeared on its surface out of mud, all in some vain attempt to maintain morale and hope in his followers. The whole scene was quite the sight as Vincente and Cezar spied from the safety of the muddy shore hidden amongst some odd-looking flower bush. However, both men had very different reactions to what they were witnessing. Vincente had a demeanour more similar to those men trapped in the marsh as he too struggled to figure out who or what was after them as his stress rose with every second of uncertainty. Cezar on the other hand had a more amused look on his face, almost as if he already knew exactly how everything would play out and enjoying the sight of the self-righteous Order soldiers get humbled a little. “I’ve got to hand it to your captain, I wasn’t expecting him to hold this many men together this far into the day. Normally everyone scatters to the winds after the first ambush, but I will admit I am impressed by his leadership if nothing else. It’s too bad, a larger group only attracts more trouble around here,” Cezar snickered as he peered through the dense bush. “Who or what is after them? I don’t see shit,” Vincente quietly whispered to his personal mamono expert. “Well, it seems we got a few culprits here, but they don’t seem to be that well coordinated. I’m guessing they’re just a few individuals who all banded together last minute. So far, I’ve spotted six, maybe seven Vamp Mosquitos, a Mucus Toad, a Mantis, and one very large Lamia. Actually, I think that Lamia might be someone I know. It could be Synia, in which case, good for her. It’s about time she settled down,” Cezar answered in a casual manner as he reported what he spotted. “Where? Where are you seeing them?” Vincente continued as his eyes become more frantic in their search for these unseen threats. “Well, I can’t blame you for that, their natural talent for camouflage is no joke. You may not be able to see the Vamp’s but that buzzing you’re hearing is defiantly them, they’re just up way to high to spot right now. Amongst those lily pads you can spot the Mucus Toad’s head slightly peaking out and if you look to the other side, perfectly blended into the leaves of that drooping tree over there is the Mantis,” Cezar pointed out. “What about the lamia? Where the hell is she hiding?” the Order engineer inquired further. “Oh, she’s completely submerged right now, no doubt circling them as we speak and looking for some kind of opening. Honestly, I was lucky to have spotted that one small breach her tail made when I did, otherwise I doubt I would have noticed her myself,” Cezar admitted as it seemed his focus was more on the water then anywhere else. Vincente observed the spots his guide pointed out but he still struggled to see anything, at least anything concrete. He believed he saw the slight outline of something vaguely feminine within the branches of that gloomy looking tree leaning over the water’s edge, and he thought he saw something unnatural bobbing amongst that bed of lily pads, but he couldn’t be sure. Even that buzzing Cezar mentioned to him was faint, and if he wasn’t paying attention to it, he probably wouldn’t have noticed it, yet alone distinguish it amongst the natural insects buzzing about this muck hole. The Order craftsman couldn’t believe the sharp senses Cezar must have processed to detect all those unseen menaces, but yet again he had ben living among them for who knows how long, so perhaps his senses had no choice but to adopt to them and their tricks. “Ok, so what’s our plan now? I know you said these flowers would help hide our scent from them but what if one of them spots us?” the lost Order follower questioned the safety of their position. “As long as we stay still and be patient, we should be fine, all the attention is on them right now. As soon as one of those mamono makes a move, the rest will follow. Once that chaos breaks loose, then we move past,” Cezar revealed their plan, his eyes never moving from the scene. “And if one of them does notice us and think we’re easier targets, what then?” Vincente continued his questioning. “Worst case scenario, we get one mamono on our tail, in which case I will handle her,” Cezar more cryptically divulged. For the next few minutes, silence reigned supreme in this small patch of marshland as everyone waited impatiently for anything to happen. The tension was rising as no one dared to make a move, but it was obvious someone was bound to crack, sooner or later. The two strangers who had joined up with the Order troops seemed the most likely to abandon ship and make a break for it, as evidenced by the amount of sweat pouring down from their foreheads, but fear kept them in place if nothing else. However, it was odd, for Vincente at least, that none of the mamono had taken any initiative yet considering their clear advantage. “Why hasn’t any of those monsters made a move yet? What are they waiting for?” Vincente inquired as he could feel his legs begin to cramp from kneeling down for so long. “The right moment. You see, while your friends may feel like they’re in a life or death situation, the mamono see this as more of a puzzle. They want to make sure they pick out the right guy and snag their prize as quickly and as safely as possible, and they will wait for as long as it takes. Although, considering how impatient Synia is, I imagine shit is about to hit the ceiling any moment now,” Cezar guessed as his eyes narrowed onto the water surrounding the entrapped men. It was another three minutes before Cezar’s prediction came to pass, although it felt like an eternity for everyone else involved. One of the Order soldiers, a young red head, was suddenly jerked forward away from the others by some unseen force, before being dragged under the water and disappearing beneath its surface in the span of a heartbeat. The formation was ruined before anyone realized it, as panic set in soon after. Diamandis desperately barked orders to reform their group and maintain some sense of control, but it was too late. As soon as the red headed man resurfaced some distance away, trapped in the encircling coils of some caramel scaled, blonde haired lamia, everything went off like a stack of collapsing dominos. It was clear the lamia known as Synia was only displaying her catch to use as bait for the others to come rescue him as she thrashed about in the water with her new lover, yet that didn’t stop two men, presumedly friends of the captured man from breaking rank and going after them to save him from the curvaceous serpent. The first one, a chestnut browned hair man in his mid thirties, barely made it a few feet in the gloomy water before a pair of Vamp Mosquitos divebombed him before lifting him out of the muck and into the heavens. The pair consisting of a taller, thin one with black pigtails and a shorter, more plump one with a red bobcut, didn’t seem to have intended on going after the same target, as the two immediately started bickering as they flew off with their catch. Although, despite their displeasure about laying claim to the same man, that didn’t stop either of them from clamping their lips down onto the man’s neck from both sides in order to get a taste of the blood of their new mate. With two men already taken out of the game and captured in the span of a minute, all hell broke loose. While some stayed in place under the belief there was safety in numbers, six of the remaining ten men broke off to flee in all directions. Captain Diamandis roared angrily at the cowardly men, demanding they stand their ground and reform their defensive formation, but much to his despair none of them heeded his words as they ran towards an unknown fate. The panic and commotion appeared to have set off some predatory instinct in the other mamono as they seized their golden opportunity. The remaining Vamp Mosquitos descended upon the scurrying men as they madly scrambled overhead as they picked out their targets. An impossibly long tongue shot out of the water as it wrapped around the arm of one of the adopted native men as he barely had enough reaction time to stop it from connecting with his face instead. However, the moss coloured Mucus Toad attached to the other end of that tongue swiftly leapt out, arms out stretched before tackling her catch into the murky, swallow pool. As for the Mantis, the first man who ran close enough was instantly snatched off the ground and dragged into the tree. The insectoid woman pulling off her capture so swiftly, barely anyone noticed it, aside from a few wondering, panicked eyes. “Ok, that’s our que to leave. Come on, while they’re busy playing with their new partners,” Cezar uttered as he leisurely made his way out of the flower bush and made his way back onto the path. “You call that playing. It looks like they want to eat them, not fuck them. Are you sure there is nothing we can do to help them?” Vincente quietly demanded due to the uncertainty of everything he was witnessing. “We agreed, Vincente, no fucking heroics. How many times do I have to tell you, those men will be fine. Sure, the girls around here like to play rough, but I promise you they’re going to give those men better lives then you can possibly imagine,” Cezar groaned out as he thought he was done with hearing this nonsense. “Well, if being mamono is so great. Why aren’t you married to one,” Vincente accused as he exited the flower bush. However, much to Vincente’s shock, his little comment actually appeared to have struck a chord with his guide. Vincente practically froze in place when Cezar’s furiously cold glare stared him down, making it known such a topic was perhaps taboo. The Order grunt could see his muscles tense in anger before just as quickly relaxing as Cezar regained his composure, although the displeasure remained in the tone of this gruff voice. “I got my reasons, ok. Reasons, I don’t expect some self-righteous Order grunt to understand. But once again, this isn’t the place for such conversations. I swear you’re picking the worst times to start these moronic talks,” Cezar growled at his invasive client. Cezar grabbed Vincente by his arm and started to drag him in the right direction. Such an aggressive action naturally caused the Order craftsman to try and pull away out of reflex, but he couldn’t even get Cezar’s arm to budge an inch. Vincente wasn’t a weak man by any means, but his strength was apparently less then nothing to Cezar’s. He was strong, perhaps unnaturally strong. While such strength wasn’t entirely out of the realm of something a human could acquire and Cezar was defiantly more of the athletic type, Vincente was still amazed by it considering it didn’t seem to quite match up with what he was seeing. Perhaps this power was simply the result of being raised alongside Amazons, but Vincente still couldn’t be sure due to his serve lack of knowledge in such an area. However, that didn’t stop him from finding it odd. “Will you…..just…..unhand me,” Vincente muttered out as he continued to try and break free from his guide’s iron grip. “Hmmmmm, oh, right. Sorry about that,” Cezar apologetically uttered out as he realized what he was doing before releasing his hold. “By the Chief God, you got a hell of a grip,” Vincente pointed out. “I’ve heard that before, but we got to get moving. Have you forgotten we’re in the middle of a bit of a marriage frenzy here,” the mamono expert reminded his cohort before breaking into a light, silent jog to get out of this area. “Of course not, it’s just that…..oh never mind,” Vincente stated before also taking off in a mild trot to follow suite. However, just as soon as he started, Vincente temporary stopped and looked back at the men he was leaving behind. The Vamp Mosquitos continued buzzing frantically above the mucky water and terrified men, but Captain Diamandis wasn’t paying them any heed. Instead, he was looking straight at Vincente, eyes a mixture of confusion, surprise and disappointment as he spotted his battalion’s former engineer. Vincente in return could only look away in shame, before resuming his escape to catch back up with Cezar. The last sight he saw of his former commander was of him raising that makeshift flag with the muddy symbol of the Order smeared on it as high as he could as he faced an unknown fate with the determination only someone of his rank could hope to do so. “I can’t believe we just left them…..again!” Vincente complained aloud once they had escaped to a faraway distance. It had been roughly fifteen minutes of straight jogging before the two halted and resumed a more causal walking speed. It was awkward moving with such heavy bags, but Vincente was able to manage, despite this little venture reminding him that he should perhaps not lax on cardio so much in the future. Cezar on the other hand was completely unbothered, as he looked back with a stern expression on his face. “Will you get over it, honestly. I swear you Order types are such drama queens. They got themselves in that situation, so stop concerning yourself with them,” Cezar stated with annoyance. “Haven’t you ever heard of compassion for your fellow man?” Vincente rebuked. “Haven’t you ever heard of reaping what you sow, Order boy,” Cezar quickly retorted. “How exactly was that reaping what we sowed?” Vincente defiantly questioned. “That is what you all get for your damn ignorance of everything. I swear, you Order types think you can just waltz anywhere without learning a damn thing about the place and believe everything will just work out for you thanks to that little Chief God of yours. Well, guess what, her laws, her protections, don’t mean shit out here. Hell, I’m willing to bet it was their own damn pride and blind belief in their strength that led them into easily avoidable mess. If they had used their heads, understood the situation they were actually in, and knew even the basics about mamono, most of them wouldn’t have been hitched right there and then. So, stop feeling sorry for them. There’s no point in shedding tears for fools,” Cezar vented as he probed Vincente in the chest with a finger to highlight his point. “Well, I’m sorry I have enough of a conscience to realize those men who got “hitched” will never see their home or loved ones again. I may not be the most devote member of the Chief God, and I won’t say I don’t have my criticism with the Order, but at least I know they both exist for the sake of humanities protection and betterment,” Vincente argued. “Sure, as long as you follow their outdated beliefs and teachings. Otherwise, you’re a heretic or blasphemer. Doesn’t matter what jobs you’ve done for them in the past or what impossible tasks you completed for them, piss off someone devote enough to their cause, and you’re still be on the literal chopping block if you point out the world isn’t what they say it is,” Cezar debated with a haughty huff. “Just what is your problem with the Order anyway,” Vincente blurted out accusatory. “Oh, I got a list of grievances with your precious Order and those in it. But despite the numerous Order pricks I’ve had to deal with in the past, I’m wise enough to acknowledge you’re not all bad, unlike you lot. Sure, most of you are annoying, but you’re not always bad. Hell, I even like some of you guys, you can make for good clients but I just know the odds simply aren’t in my favor when I meet a new batch of ya,” Cezar conceded as he made the attempt to get less heated, “Listen, I’m sorry your pals had to learn things the hard way, but you need to get with the program if you don’t want to share a similar fate. Here, you either adopt or you lose. It’s that simple.” “I’m trying too, but even if I didn’t know those men for long, you can’t expect me to just forget about them. They had friends, families, a whole life before this jungle, yet seeing it all get snatched away, knowing the same could happen to me, its a lot to accept,” Vincente explained. “Well, if it helps, there’s a very good chance those mamono will eventually travel with whoever they caught to pay a visit to their hometown. Might take a few years but there’s no reason they wouldn’t make the trip,” Cezar informed as he tried to lesson Vincente’s guilt. “Oh please, every one of those men, like myself came from Sanctum’s Bliss. There’s no way those men are ever returning there, not with a monster hanging off their arm, and a defiled soul,” Vincente proclaimed. “Sanctum’s Bliss? Holy shit, you guys traveled all the way from that fortified cage? Well, if you’re from that ideological stronghold, it certainly explains a lot about your cluelessness,” Cezar uttered as he stroked his chin as if he was piecing together some things with this new information, “As for your friends, don’t underestimate a mamono’s willingness to see her husband happy or their ability to sneak into human settlements undetected. Even the most secured and devote Order cities, like Sanctum’s Bliss are infiltrated on the daily by mamono, so these girls will have no issue getting their husbands back home for a bit,” the mamono expert explained smugly. “You told me a lot of far-fetched tales up to this point, but the idea of mamono even making it past the walls of Sanctum’s Bliss is perhaps your tallest. That city has stood unpenetrated since its founding. If there were mamono wandering around about inside, they would be discovered and dealt with immediately,” Vincente exclaimed with a gruff. “Believe whatever you want to believe, but that doesn’t change the fact that…………..SHIT……MOVE DUMBASS!” Cezar shouted as he rushed towards his boastful client with great haste. Vincente didn’t have time to react before he felt the end of Cezar’s boot collide straight into his gut to send him tumbling onto his ass. The Order craftsman nearly had the air knocked out of him from that kick as he scrambled in the muck to regain his senses after that sudden impact but as Vincente finally recovered enough to give his guide a well-deserved scowl, however his misplaced anger was quickly corrected when he saw what Cezar just saved him from. Stuck to the ground exactly where he was ordinary standing was a slime covered, elastic tongue that stretched all the way back into one of the nearby trees where a Mucus Toad laid lurking. She was young looking, perhaps barely in her twenties, with dark cyan coloured skin that dripped with moisture along her shapely physique, and sported a set of black braids that dangled down to the base of her neck. Her gleaming yellow eyes were solely focused on Vincente as her tongue shot back into her mouth before it warped into a depraved smile. With her ambush turning out to be a failure, the Mucus Toad quickly hopped off the tree with unnatural grace and landed on all fours in front of the traveling duo to block their path forward. “Hey, Cezar, long time no see. If this guy is giving you so much trouble, I could take him off your hands for you,” the Mucus Toad casually offered before her head turned to face her target to give him a suggestive wink. “Tempting, but he’s off limits Una…..for now anyway. That being said, I got to say I’m surprised to see you out here, I thought your mother told you to stay away from this competition,” Cezar commented as he made small talk with the Mucus Toad he apparently recognized while standing in front of the prone Vincente. “Normally I would, after all Mom would prefer if I didn’t mess with someone else’s traditions and stuff, but then I heard there were a bunch of yummy Order boys participating this year, and I couldn’t resist. Mom married an Order man, so I thought I would keep the tradition alive,” Una cheerfully answered as her eyes kept darting back to ogle Vincente. “Well, I hate to disappoint you but this guy here isn’t one of them, so you’re out of luck. He’s just some wanabee treasure hunter who got his dumb ass caught by my old tribe while looking for fame and fortune. However, if its an Order man you want, there’s a bunch of them the way we just came from. If you hurry, you can still get your sticky hands on one,” Cezar corrected with a quick lie as he turned to give Vincente an expansion that signaled to him to play along. “Ummm….that’s…that’s right. I ventured in here and I got more then a bargained for. Cezar here is just…ummm….helping me correct my mistake and get me back home, cause he’s just such a stand up guy. So, if you will excuse us, we’ll be on our way, and you can return to your own business. Best of luck in your…endeavours and all that miss,” Vincente uttered as he finally got back on his feet. “Uh huh. You know I was eavesdropping on most of your conversation, right,” Una pointed out with an unimpressed tone as she crossed her arms under her modest-sized bosom. “Well, it was worth a shot. Can’t blame me for wanting to handle this the easy way,” Cezar chuckled as he quickly dropped the act. “Una, was it, listen I’m sorry for trying to deceive you but I doubt you want a guy like me,” Vincente nervously blurted out as he realized their little fib was an instant failure. “Don’t sell yourself short, handsome. You’re pretty cute and I see you got a nice pair of working man hands on you. Oh yeah, I bet you could hold onto my slippery body nice and firmly with those bad boys,” the Mucus Toad lewdly exclaimed as she licked her lips, “Besides I heard your problems, and I can promise you I would make for a much better traveling companion then Cezar here. He’s just going to abandon you eventually, but I can take you anywhere you like without issue, and just think of all the fun we could have along the way.” “You sure this is the guy want to take a risk nabbing, especially when I’m right here and you no longer have the element of surprise. You do realize every second you waste here, the likelihood of the others slipping through your fingers increases. Is this something you really want to bet on,” Cezar took on a more serious tone as he warned the Mucus Toad of her decisions as he stood between her and her target. “It’s not like I’m trying to marry you Cezar. After all, I’m not crazy enough to get on half this jungles bad side, I just want him. Come on even you must admit we would make a cute couple, and it would make my mom so happy to see her favourite daughter get married. Just imagine how indebted we both would be to you if you just stepped aside and let this happen,” Una proposed suggestively. Cezar took a moment to think things over, as if he was actually considering the offer. Vincente on the other hand could only give his guide and supposed guardian a look of pure disgust ashe watched him contemplate the option. “Please tell me you’re not actually considering selling me out to a god damn toad,” Vincente complained. “Relax I’m not going to hand you over. It would be weeks before I got a chance to talk with you again about that thing otherwise,” the local expert exclaimed as he sneakily reminded his client of their deal. “Oh, so you just see me as a toad, do you. Does a toad have legs as fine as these and thighs this deliciously meaty for you to enjoy,” the Mucus Toad highlighted her best features as she seductively caressed her plump, rubbery soft upper leg. “While I can admit those are……very nice, I’m afraid I must still pass,” Vincente attempted to politely decline the mamono’s offer, despite being a little tempted by the alluring features of her lower body. “Well, at least you got more manners than Cezar here, and I’ve got a thing for nice guys. So, why don’t you just come over here and let me show you my own blend of kindness,” Una flirted as she tempted Vincente to come to her side. “He said no, Una. Now hop along. If you hurry, you might still be able to snag someone more open to the idea of being with you,” Cezar advised as he tried to shoo away the lustful amphibian. The Mucus Toad gave Vincente one last pleading look before it devolved into a full-on pout, “Fine……be that way. A girl can take a hint. I’ll leave you two be and just be on my merry way.” As the Mucus Toad turned away, seemingly accepting her rejection, it wasn’t to last as after only a few steps Una quickly whipped back around and fired her slimy tongue straight at Vincente. The Order follower only had enough time to flinch as he saw the sticky muscle be hurled towards him but thankfully it never made contact. Stopped mere inches from contacting with his chest, Una’s tongue was caught and held in place after Cezar managed to reach out and snag it midair before it could reach it’s intended target. Cezar appeared to be struggling to keep the Mucu’s Toad’s moist, slippery tongue in his grasp as Una tried desperately to retract it, although judging by the expression of disgust on Cezar’s face, most of the difficulty seemed to came from how gross it must have felt in his hand. “Hey, Vincente, make yourself useful. You know where I’ve been storing those plants I’ve been collecting. I want you to reach in my bag and grab a red flower with a single yellow stripe along its petals, can you do that while I keep her in place,” the mamono expert barked his orders as he tighten his hold on the slimy tongue. “Ummm….sure….you put them in the left side right?” Vincente obliged as he rushed over to start rummaging though his guide’s bag. “That’s right, now hurry up. Do you have any idea how awkward it is to hold onto a Mucus Toad’s tongue!” Cezar growled as he fought to maintain his hold. Vincente quickly opened the spot where Cezar stored all those strange plants he plucked on their travel thus far. There was such an odd assortment of various flowers, leaves and other forms of vegetation that the unknowledgeable Order follower had to sort through. As he moved aside odd blue roots, plump orange petals and squishy, juice filled stems, Vincente eventually found the flower Cezar had described to him and handed it to his struggling guardian. It was much smaller than her thought it would be and he had no idea how such a little thing could possibly fend off a mamono like Una, but Vincente knew better then to question his guides instructions in this pivotal moment. Una in the meanwhile tried desperately to retrieve her tongue as she even started using her own hands to pull on it as she got into a tug-of-war with Cezar. However, the moment she saw Vincente pull out that tiny colourful flower, her eyes widened at the sight with worry. Much like a child panicking while being forced to eat a vegetable they despise, the Mucus Toad double, no tripled her efforts to escape. “Ok, Una, you know what this is and what it will do. So, unless you want me to attach it to the tip of your tongue before I let go, will you agree to be a good girl and stop bugging me and my friend here,” Cezar proposed his ultimatum to the slimy mamono, “Nod your head three times if these terms sound fair to you.” Una was quick to rapidly nod her head in agreement as she looked at Cezar with pleading eyes. Having gotten the answer he wanted, Cezar released his hold on the Mucus Toad’s tongue as he watched it fly right back into her wide maw, the impact actually causing her to fall onto her ample behind as she rubbed her jaw in annoyance. With the situation seemingly dealt with, Cezar took the time to wipe the sticky slime covering his hands on Vincente’s shirt before readdressing the young mamono, much to the Order follower’s irritation. “Oh, come on, Cezar, that was unnecessary. You know what those stupid flowers do to us. How am I supposed to capture the heart of a man today if my skin gets all dried out,” Una whined as she hopped back onto her webbed feet. “What the hell does that flower do?” Vincente inquired, amazed such a little thing could cause such a reaction in the toad woman. “Technically it’s the pollen in the flower, but this little guy is called a Pepper Devil Lily and Mucus Toads loathe them like nothing else. Not only does tasting it give them a tummy ache, but it messes with the mucus they produce through their skin, until it dries them out a good bit. It only lasts for a few hours but it’s a very handy deterrent for their kind,” Cezar divulged the secret of their little petaled savior. “Yeah, yeah, I’m sure you both think you’re very clever, cheating a helpless maiden like myself out of acquiring a perfectly fine man, but have it your way,” Una mopped as she seemed genuinely upset about this turn of events. “Listen, I’m sorry I had to humble you like that, Una but I needed you to know I was being serious. I promised to get Vincente out of here unmarried and that’s what I intend to do. However, I was being honest about others being available for you back there. So, just do what I suggested before and hop along and leave us to our own business. With any luck you’re find somebody today, if you hurry,” the local guide advised once more as he tried to make amends. “Fine, but you just remind your friend here he just missed out on being married to the cutest toad in this whole jungle later, got it,” Una commented with clear irritation in her tone as she jumped into a nearby tree. “Well, thank you for being so…..understanding, Una. Tell your parents I said hi, oh and best of luck with the rest of your day,” Cezar smuggly addressed as he motioned Vincente to follow him as he tried to leave. “Wait, Cezar, just one more thing I need to ask before you go,” the Mucus Toad suddenly uttered from within the safety of the branches. “And what would that be?” Cezar begrudgingly asked despite continuing on his way. “What do you want me to say to your little girlfriend, Dycia if I just so happen to run into her,” Una mockingly inquired, although it almost sounded more like a threat. “I would prefer it if you told her nothing, but if you think ratting me out to Dycia is your best chance at getting some payback on me, go ahead. It’s not as if I don’t expect her to be on my trail eventually anyway,” Cezar leisurely dismissed. The Mucus’s Toad’s green cheeks went full red upon hearing Cezar’s carefree retort, “You just wait Cezar, you’re cockiness is going to bite you in the ass one day, and when that happens, well….I hope you intend to at least invite me to the wedding.” “When that day eventually comes, you and your family will be first on the list, but I don’t intend of getting hitched anytime soon,” Cezar chuckled as the conversation somehow seemed to smooth itself over. “You better, otherwise you would have to deal with mom, and you know how she is. Well, good luck you two. You’re going to need it,” Una jested now in a better mood before hoping away through the canopy towards the location Cezar and Vincente came from. “I thought she would never leave,” Cezar grumbled to himself as his body laxed now that the danger was gone. “I must admit, you dealt with her, surprisingly well. Thank you for…..you know, looking out for me,” Vicente admitted with a sigh of relief now that he no longer had to be worried about getting married a slimy toad. “I made a promise to you and that actually means something out here, so I just couldn’t go and break our arrangement now could I,” Cezar admitted as he patted his client on the back. “Well, I appreciate it none the less. I don’t think too many guys could have gotten us out of that situation like that,” Vincente applauded his guide’s quick thinking. “It just goes to show you that it pays to do your research around here, that’s all. Now come on before we get any other unexpected visitors. We’re far along on this path to finally hop off it and head to Chameda’s place. Be warned though, from here on out we’re traveling through the rough and it will be easy for you to get lost if we’re separated,” Cezar informed as he gave his surroundings a quick overview before heading into the mucky brush. “Are you sure there isn’t somewhere dryer we can exit off of to reach your friend’s home,” Vincente hesitantly asked as it was clear he wasn’t looking forward to having to step into that swamp gunk. “You afraid to get your feet wet or something. Well, you’re going to have to tough it out for a bit, we should only have to put up with it for about a mile before we return to more stable ground. After that we keep moving until we can find somewhere to camp for the night. Does that sound alright with you,” Cezar teasingly inquired as he ventured further into the partially submerged terrain. “Do I have much of a choice?” Vincente relented as he took his first step into the gelatinous mud. “That’s the spirit,” Cezar chuckled to himself as he led his companion on the untraveled portion of their peril filled trek.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A fading shimmer of orange blanketed the Silvervein Jungle as twilight approached to herald the end of the first day of the hunting competition. The final hours of the captives’ head start were approaching as night drew near, but back at the temporary encampment of the Amazons and Ocelomehs, excitement and morale were at an all time high as every single participant eagerly awaited for the next morning so they could finally begin tracking down a worthy husband for themselves. However, another event, a dispute actually, was the current source of the frenzied cheers and rousing shouts among the mixture of mamono as members from both tribes gathered around to bare witness to the quarrel that was taking place in the heart of their camp. A large crowd had encircled the pair of bickering mamono as they settled their differences through perhaps the most traditional manner within their shared cultures, a good old fashioned wrestling match. However, this fight was an expected one amongst the tribes as it was between the well-known rivals Evelynand Dycia, as the overly protective Amazon had once again challenged the ambitious Ocelomeh for the sake of her little brother, Cezar. This infamous tussle had almost become a tradition in of itself, as Evelyn would always pick a fight with Dycia in order to get her to leave her brother alone every time the tribes gathered to compete and every time she would lose after putting up a hell of a fight. Even after gaining a husband herself, and having the clear advantage in sheer strength, the experienced Amazonian warrior just could never best the elusive, skilled Ocelomeh, and this year was proving to be no different. Both proud warriors had stripped their bodies bare of clothing as they allowed their powerful, nude bodies to clash against one another as they fought for dominance. For nearly an hour they grappled and pinned one another with hold after hold, as they took turns breaking out of each other’s body locks and switching positions. However, Dycia’s superior flexibility and technical knowledge was the clear difference maker in their intimate skirmish, as she had a much easier time of escaping the Amazon then Evelyn did escaping her. However, there was another advantage the gruff looking Ocelomeh held over her Amazonian, and that was regardless of all of Evelyn’s training, Dycia was the one opponent who always had no problem getting in the Amazon’s head and under her skin, thanks to her history with her and her brother. “You know, we really must stop it with these childish fights. After all, we are going to be sisters-in-law one day,” Dycia uttered as she held Evelyn upright in a classic full-nelson hold. “Like….hell…..my little brother….is marrying…..you!” Evelyn grunted as she struggled to break the hold, “I keep telling you……he’s going to marry….a nice…strong….Amazonian girl and……that’s final!” “And I keep telling you, if that’s what he wanted, he wouldn’t have ran away from your tribe when he was younger,” the well-endowed Ocelomeh countered before tipping both their bodies forward. Everlyn was caught off guard as Dycia leaned forward and forced both their bodies back into the dirt and smushed their well-grafted bodies together. In the brief moment the Amazon needed to come to terms with their new position, Dycia had already repositioned herself perfectly into a rear naked choke hold. Evelyn cursed herself the moment she realized the technique her fur covered opponent had trapped her in, as it was the very same one she usually tended to use to end all their matches. It had become almost predictable at this point that she would use this method to finish her off, yet every time the Amazon fell victim to it all the same, much to her own embarrassment. “You know the drill by now, Evelyn. You want me to let go, you need to tap out and surrender the match to me,” Dycia confidently purred as she tightened her arms around her prey to make her point. As always, Everlyn continued to struggle in vain but this was one hold she never could seem to break out of, at least not when it was Dycia was the one performing it. Although, despite her misgivings with the brutish feline, Evelyn had to give the overgrown jungle cat credit, unlike most of her ilk, Dycia refused to use her claws in their matches and fought more in line like an Amazon as a show of respect. In fact, Dycia was keen on learning as much of the Amazon’s techniques as she could, and while Evelyn actually respected the fact she was willing to learn from their tribe, it concerned her that they weren’t her only source for lessons. If the rumors were true, the secret behind why her holds were especially impossible to escape from was thanks to teachings she received from local lamias in the area, which helped forged her into such an expressively dangerous opponent, but that was all the more reason Evelyn needed to defeat her, if not for her own pride but for Cezar’s sake. Who knows how rough she would treat him once she had him pin under her after years of him teasing her. Her little brother deserved better then to have his virginity violently devoured by this savage predator, what he needed was an Amazon, like one of her friends for instance, to carefully but still roughly, ride him into submission. However, despite her personal wishes regarding her brother, even Evelyn could accept her victory would not come this day, so regretfully she had to tap the ground in surrender. A sigh of relief washed over the sweating Ocelomeh as she witnessed her long-time opponent once again admit defeat, “There……was that so hard?” Dycia released her hold as Evelyn scrambled to get out of the Ocelomeh’s arms and put some distance between the two of them. As the Ocelomehs cheered for Dycia’s victory despite her unpopularity in the tribe, the Amazons also cried out in support for their representative despite her loss. Both mamono sat there in the dirt, taking a moment to catch their breath and wipe away any lingering sweat from their foreheads as they stared each other done. Dycia held a satisfied, smug expression as she basted in her well-earned victory while Evelyn continued to shot daggers at her with her piecing glare. “So, it seems I’m free again to hunt your brother for another year. However, I must say you made much improvement since our last match. Whatever training you’re going through is clearly paying off,” Dycia acknowledged as she forced herself back on her feet. “I don’t want your praise, I want you to give up on trying to claim, Cezar. He belongs with us, we’re his family, whether he accepts it or not,” Evelyn groaned. “Well, Cezar made it so he now belongs equally to the whole jungle, which means I have just as much right to him as anyone else. He chose the game, I’m just participating in it, but I will be the one to catch him and win his affections. That being said, you know you can trust me to care for him, Evelyn, that’s the least I can do to repay you and your family for him,” Dycia proclaimed as she reached her paw out in an act of sportsmanship. “Save it,” Evelyn muttered as she softly swatted her rival’s hand away before standing, “Honestly, I’m not sure what I’m so worried about. You’ve been chasing him nonstop for years and you’re still no closer than anyone else.” “Perhaps, but that distance between us has getting shorter and shorter with each passing year, despite all his tricks and blessings. So, I see no reason to stop my pursuit now that I’m so close,” the rough looking Ocelomeh announced as she left the makeshift ring they had made to go collect her clothes, “Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for you and your friends.” “Oh, please that’s hardly fair, and you know it. We only get to chase him during this contest, but you get to fail at hunting him year round. However, this time is going to be different. I got both my friends Heleia and Joyne aiming for him this year, and with Phoebe leading them, he’s as good as caught,” Evelyn declared as she brushed the dirt clinging to her shapely, nude physique. “You make such a claim every hunt, but you lot never change your strategies or tactics, so why do you always expect a different result. Honestly, Evelyn, you must really stop underestimating your own blood so much. Unlike you and your tribe, I actually taken the time to understand him, to study him and his habits. He’s as perfectly suited to this jungle as any mamono, if not more so. The sooner you realize he isn’t the helpless little man you grew up with, the sooner you might have a chance at capturing him,” Dycia dismissed the Amazon’s boastful proclamation as she slipped her poncho back on over her well-endowed figure. “I’m starting to think cockiness is a trait you both share,” Evelyn huffed as she made her way back to her own cliché which composed of her close friends and her younger yet taller sister Phoebe. “Perhaps you should consider taking a lesson in adopting and thinking on your feet from him the next time you see him, maybe you’ll learn something. But if you’re set on making the same mistakes time and time again, who am I to stop you,” the experienced Ocelomeh advised as she looked back at her potential future sister-in-law. “As if. We Amazons have our pride you know. So may the best hunters win,” Evelyn challenged her rival despite not actually being a participant in this hunt. “Yeah!” Heleia and Joyne, the two Amazons Evelyn had tasked with wedding her brother spoke up to back up their friend. “I always welcome the competition, but I am the one destined for Cezar. You’ll see, it’s been written in the stars and when that time comes, I hope……I hope there are no hard feelings between us,” Dycia announced passively before she made her way through the crowd to get some much needed space and alone time. Evelyn in the meanwhile chose not to respond as she watched her cat eared adversary disappear into the crowd, although that didn’t stop her from giving Dycia a nasty scowl as she left. The other Amazons welcomed her back as Joyne tossed her beaten friend back her skimpy two-piece outfit for her to readorn herself with. After some much needing stretching after her little bout with Dycia, Evelyn gathered the three women she was entrusting her brother’s safekeeping with this year for a huddle. “Ok, I know I was talking a big game to Dycia, but please tell me you all feel confident in your abilities to track down Cezar this tie around,” Evelyn pleaded as her unruffled façade faded. “Well, we have been practicing our tracking skills but I’m not sure it’s going to be enough to find him. You know why hard it is to find him, it’s like tracking a ghost. Perhaps its best we start thinking of other ways to get your brother married outside of this contest?” Heleia, the blonde, topless Amazon with the headdress admitted as she thought over their chances of success. “Yeah, I’m having second thoughts too. A girl can only fail so many times before she realizes she needs to move on. It’s not like I wouldn’t love to bag him, trust I would but I don’t want to remain single forever, and well, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in some of those Order boys we captured this year,” Joyne confessed nervously. “They kind of have a point, sis. Maybe its best we let Cezar find his own way and allow fate to play out whatever plans it has for him. Besides, is it really that bad if Dycia is the one to claim him, she’s a nice girl if a little awkward, and she’s known him for a long time, so its not like she’s a stranger or anything,” Phoebe added as she too was getting tired of being made fool of by her own kin. “Our brother is not going to get with that overgrown pussycat! Come on girls, where is your Amazonian pride, you can’t give up on him just because he refuses to stop playing hard to get. It is our duty to bring him home and ensure that gift he was blessed with is secured within our tribe,” Evelyn argued as she tried to rally her tribe members up. “Yeah, yeah, we know, but we also have our own individual pride to consider. Not even you could track him down when you were competing in these hunts, so how can you expect us too?” Joyne countered. “Yeah, it’s not exactly fair you’re the only one in our friend group to have a nice man waiting for you every time you return home, we want that too you know. Don’t get us wrong, your brother would make for a fine husband and if I get the chance to subdue him, I’ll defiantly taking it, but I just want to focus on securing myself a husband this year, so I got to start looking at the other contenders,” Heleia proclaimed as she made her own intentions clear. “Yeah, like that cutie who was hanging around Cezar. Vincente I think his name was. Now he seems like the kind of man ready to settle down and be easy to care for. I bet I could easily train him to be the perfect little house husband. The kind of man ready to please me no matter how rough my day was. Oh yes, now he would be perfect,” Joyne uttered as she fantasized about married life. “Oh, I know what you mean. It was so adorable how nervous he was when we were having breakfast together. But I bet he would look so much cuter with his face buried in-between my thighs. For some reason I get the feeling he would know exactly how to properly treat a woman down below, if you know what I mean,” Heleia amusingly agreed. “I bet he enjoys snuggling,” Phoebe softly added as she wrapped her arms around herself, imaging Vincente encased within her embrace. “Ladies, focus here. Besides, that man you’re drooling over is currently in the care of Cezar, or have you forgotten. You can’t claim him, without finding Cezar,” Evelyn pointed out with mild frustration. “Yeah, for now, but let’s be honest, the idea of those two sticking together for long is unlikely. Either Vincente will run off in a panic or Cezar will ditch him for one reason or another. Then that little cutie will be as vulnerable as everyone else and easy for me to swoop in to save,” Heleia proclaimed with a playful smirk. “Not if I sweep him off his feet first,” Joyne retorted with an equally smug smile. “You know what, fine. Do what you want, you two. I won’t stop you. I’ll just find another way to bring my brother back home,” Evelyn grumbled as she realized her two best chances at getting Cezar a nice, caring Amazon wife had given up on him. Heleia could see the disappointment on her friends face as she tried to counsel her, “Oh, Evelyn, we can promise to try and keep a lookout for him. It’s just that, well…..” “Save it. It’s not like I don’t understand where this is coming from, nor can I blame you for wanting to finally settle down. I just want the same for my brother is all, but perhaps I’ve been underplaying the true challenge of capturing my brother has been,” Evelyn confided with her two best friends. “We know, Evelyn, but think of it this way. It’s not like he’s entirely against the idea of settling down, so he’s not a total lost cause. Tell you what, once this hunt is over, we’ll help you think of some other way to snag that elusive brother of yours, even if we have to break that stupid agreement he made with our chief to do so,” Joyne proposed with a careful shrug. “Maybe such actions are required, as dishonorable as they may be. But let’s just see how this hunt plays out first before we actually consider such reckless action. Who knows, maybe you or one of our other tribe members will somehow pull off a miracle and return with Cezar in tow,” Evelyn uttered with a more monotone expression as it was obvious she wasn’t holding her breath over such an outcome. “Well, I think me and Joyne here best be heading off to make our own plans now for tomorrow. We’ll see what we can do about your brother, but again, we can’t make any promises this time around,” Heleia stated as she turned to leave and focus on her own needs. “Well, anyways, good luck with dealing with that bratty brother of yours,” Joyne added as she joined Heleia to discuss their own matters privately. “Gods damn them both. What are we going to do now, Phoebe,” the older sibling groaned out in distress. “We’ll think of something. It’s not like they are the only Amazons here. I’m sure we could convince a few others to go after Cezar,” the younger sister proposed. “Everyone else is too far inexperienced to be of any actual help. Having you lead them around would just be a massive waste of time,” Evelyn uttered with a defeated tone. “Well, I can still try and hunt them on my own. I’ll just drag Cezar back to the tribe and hand him over to someone we can trust while I keep Vincente for myself,” Phoebe offered even if it was obvious she wasn’t a hundred percent confident in her abilities to back up her words. “I can’t ask for you to perform such a miracle, not by yourself,” Evelyn mumbled, “Perhaps, you should follow their lead and focus on acquiring your own husband this year. At least that way mom will have at least two of her offspring happily married. Anyways, I’m going to go to my tent and rest for a bit. Perhaps you should do the same and prepare yourself for tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll just think things over and kick myself while I’m at it.” With that Evelyn wandered off to contemplate and rest her bruises as she left her little sister behind. Phoebe could only look on as she tried to find her own solution to their family’s little conundrum, as seeing her brother happily married was a desire she too greatly shared with her older sister and mother. However, unlike her more prideful sister, Phoebe wasn’t as strictly set on seeing her brother married to someone from their tribe. As long as he was married to a mamono she could trust to take care of him, then that was all she could really ask for. Which was why she was more than willing to ask for help from those Evelyn would never consider or approve of. After a few minutes of scanning her surroundings, looking for the one woman who could assist her in her quest to get her brother happily married, she spotted her shooting a volley of arrows into a stumpy tree for practice. “Ummmm…..excuse me, Dycia. I know we haven’t really spoken much before, since you usually deal with my big sister, Evelyn but I was wondering if you would like to hear me out on something?” Dusk was setting in and the darkness of the night was not too fair behind it, as Vincente and Cezar set up the minuscule space that would be their temporary camp for the night. They had discovered a small patch of dry space, one surrounded by odd purplish ferns, large bushes covered in multi-coloured berries, and moderately tall trees with spiraling trunks. While they discovered this spot while there was still sunlight and they could have easily continued on their trek for at least another hour or so, Cezar had ensured for whatever reason that this was the ideal spot to spend the night. While Vincente didn’t quite understand it, he followed his guides advice without argument or complaint. After all, after that incident with the Mucus Toad, the Order engineer felt he could actually start to trust the local expert and more importantly his advice. Both men had retrieved their sleeping sacks and fruit dominated meals from their bags before hiding them in a nearby tree for safe keeping before Vincente set up a small fire to supply some soothing warmth and light. As instructed by Cezar, it was as small as a bonfire could get to avoid attracting unwanted attention, but Vincente would be lying if that small light of the fire didn’t offer some sense of security to him, especially once the night set in and swallowed the jungle in its darkness. As the Order follower enjoyed his citrus rich dinner across from his guide who did the same, Vincente felt now was such the time to at least try to ply some more information from his secretive escort. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask. Not sure if this is a private matter or anything like that, but were you born here by any chance?” Vincente inquired Cezar of his origins. “Well, I suppose there’s no harm in divulging a little bit of my history. To answer your question, no I wasn’t. I was actually born in Saint Manus, if you can believe it. Same with my parents and my sister Evelyn,” Cezar revealed as he took a fresh bite out of a banana like fruit. “Wait, that doesn’t make any sense, your mother and sisters are monsters. How could you have lived in Saint Manus before ending up here?” Vincente questioned in complete bafflement. “By the gods, I knew you were ignorant, but I didn’t think you were this clueless of the world. Ok, listen up, the reason we were able to live in Saint Manus before was because my family used to be human, you got that. At least they used to be before they got corrupted into mamono. You know what corruption is at least, don’t ya?” Cezar questioned back in complete astonishment. “I’ve heard rumors about such stories, that monsters had the means to corrupt innocent people to join their ranks, but I didn’t believe them, or perhaps its more accurate to say I simply didn’t want to believe them,” Vincente admitted shamefully. “Don’t feel too bad about it. You know I also heard rumors that Sanctum’s Bliss held an iron hold over what its people knew like no other city, but I also didn’t want to believe it, but here you are, living proof of its talent for censorship. These past few days must have been a hell of a wake-up call,” Cezar chuckled to himself as he tossed the skin of his fruit into the fire. “That would be an understatement,” the order engineer sighed as he lost his gaze to the flickering flames, “I just don’t get it. Why would the Order keep the true nature of our enemy from us? It just seems so……counterproductive.” “Oh, it is, no argument there. In fact, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the Order keeping you and your home in the dark, is actually quite the anomaly. The vast majority of kingdoms and nations, to my knowledge at least, are more than aware of how mamono actually are, and quite a few have already opened their doors willingly to them. However, if I had to hazard a guess, considering the importance of Sanctum’s Bliss to the history of humanity, I’m willing to bet the Order is simply desperate to maintain that ideal culture of purity that seems to thrive there. From what I’ve heard of Sanctum’s Bliss, is just one giant time capsule of how things used to be before the ascension of the Mamono Lord and her depraved legions. I bet mamono just love visiting it in secret, if just for a laugh,” the local man theorized in an almost mocking tone. “I will admit, it is very, very traditional there, but that still doesn’t explain why they would purposely keep us in the dark about this,” Vincente continued to question his entire life. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe it has to do with all the civil unrest that would be sure to follow the moment they admitted the big, scary enemy you morons were fighting and losing against, were in fact, extremely attractive, if slightly bizarre looking women who only wanted to fuck and love you. I can’t imagine that going over well if that little fact just came out of the blue. Hell, I bet a good portion of the single men in that prudish city might get overly curious about them and abandon the Orders teachings the moment they lay eyes on their first mamono. Then you got the people who would just start out right questioning the Order and its decisions, and those who would want to invite the mamono in for the sake of peace, and next thing you know your city is divided into a chaotic civil war and fighting with itself. You know before the mamono take over and settle things their way,” Cezar continued to speculate as he warned the outcome of simply revealing the truth in such a misinformed society. “That makes a little too much sense then I’m comfortable with,” Vincente uttered as he was struggling to come to terms with this revelation. “You know despite my personal issues with the Order and a few specific individuals in it, I can kind of get where they’re coming from. Like I get it, their concerned their relevance and power in the world is dwindling and their desperate to hang onto what little they have left. I can’t imagine it’s easy for an organization that once prided itself as humanity’s savior and last line of defence to accept it’s being left behind by those it once protected. At least that’s how I see it,” Cezar confessed as he played devil’s advocate with himself. “I suppose that makes sense, but if I may, I would like to get back to the ordinary topic. How exactly did your family, you know, end up like they did?” Vincente more cautiously asked, as he hoped his question wasn’t too personal. Cezar took a deep inhale, as if contemplating going into further detail before deciding to continue his story, “You see, my father used to be an explorer and my mother was, or should I say, still is, a botanist. A botanist is someone who studies plants by the way.” “I know what a botanist is,” Vincente quickly retorted with an unamused glare. “Ok, just checking. It’s a little difficult to know what you do or don’t know, is all. Anyways, my parents used to visit this jungle all the time when we used to live in Saint Manus, often together but sometimes alone, which in hindsight was perhaps not the wisest idea. Anyhow, when I was eight years old, my mom went missing for a few days during a solo trip for some exotic flowers; had me, dad and Evelyn worried sick. However, as we later learned, during that time she had a run in with the local Amazons and they invited her to join the tribe after becoming impressed by the simple fact she was married. I’m not sure of how it all went down, whether they persuaded her or tricked her, since you know, I wasn’t personally there, but one way or another, my mom returned home as a proud, seven foot tall Amazon. Like aside from the height, tail and horn, it was still her, maybe a little more dominate and outspoken then she used to be, but she was still obviously my mom. Although, before I even had a chance to rationalize my mom’s changes, she was carrying us all off in the middle of the night to our new home in the middle of this jungle,” Cezar divulged as the unfocused look in his eyes revealed he was getting lost in memory. “Are you telling me your mom, kidnapped you all and forced you to live here?” Vincente questioned in disbelief. “Ok, technically she screwed my dad for like two days straight and convinced him to move out here, but that’s not the point. My point is, my life got turned upside down before I even had a chance to realize it. One day I’m walking the streets of Saint Manus going to school and the next I’m getting tossed around a village of Amazon’s like I’m the most valuable thing they’ve ever seen. Do you have any idea what it’s like being raised in a tribe of Amazons as the only male child, because let me tell you, it was annoying. Every older or more mature member basically became a secondary mother that would dote over me and every younger Amazon that was even close to my age either wanted to do everything for me or use me as practice dummy to test their skills. I swear, half the games they wanted to play with me as a kid was just an excuse to either chase me around or put me in a hold. Usually both,” Cezar continued as he basically started to rant about the difficulties of his childhood. “I can’t claim to be able to relate to your experiences, but if it helps, you have my sympathies,” Vincente tried to counsel his escort. “Honestly, it wasn’t really that bad, all things considered. I just wished they all valued my space and independence more is all. I swear Amazon’s see all guys as helpless glass figures who can’t do a thing without a strong woman’s help,” Cezar sighed as he divulged his grievances with his tribe. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you avoid becoming corrupted yourself living with them when your family didn’t?” Vincente further inquired, as he secretly hoped this would reveal some trick to keep himself safe. “I suppose, ironically enough, I have my mother to thank for that. Lucky for me, my mother was just overly protective enough that she didn’t want to see me corrupted and married until my eightieth birthday and trust me, there was plenty of push back from the others on that decision. Nearly every other mother in the tribe wanted my mom to marry me off to their daughter and it got so bad, there was even talk of setting up some competition to win my hand in marriage when I became of age. I tell you it was crazy, especially as I got older. Anyhow, it eventually got too much for me, so I decided to run away when I was only sixteen, which as you can imagine, didn’t go over quite well with everyone when they learned of my sudden disappearance,” Cezar continued to reveal his past. “How in the hell did you manage to avoid them when you were that young, yet alone survive in this hellish forest?” Vincente outspokenly asked in utter shock of this claim. “Sorry but that’s…….private. Although, aside from all the survival shit I learned from my Amazonian sisters, let’s just say I had help,” Cezar partially answered as he refused to elaborate any further. “Help, huh. Let me guess, it was your sisters, or perhaps that scary cat lady?” Vincente boldly guessed as he hoped this would bait him into revealing more details. “Scary cat lady? Oh, you mean Dycia? Nah, it wasn’t her but I’m sure she would have, if only to claim me for herself at that time. You should have seen how sweeter she was when she was younger. I swear, she used to beeline it to me anytime our tribes got together, especially if she saw anyone getting to rough with me. Although her hanging around me always seemed to piss Evelyn off through, something about her taking over her job or some stupid crap like that. Their constant bickering sure kept things interesting though,” Cezar reminisced as he snickered to herself as if imaging a particular amusing memory, “As for my sisters, no they didn’t lend a hand either. Hell, Evelyn practically led the charge to reclaim me before I managed to make a deal with the elder years later to volunteer myself to take part in this stupid hunt whenever it arouse in exchange for getting everyone off my back. Honestly, I’m amazed they agreed to it, but I guess being a member of the tribe, and also recovering a preciously stolen artifact, tends to give one brownie points in such negotiations.” “Ok, if it wasn’t them, then who? Why can’t you tell me?” Vincente pushed further for an answer. “Because you Order bastards always get weird whenever I reveal the rest of this story, that’s why. So, just drop it. I got my secrets and you got yours, so let’s just leave it at that for tonight,” Cezar grumbled as he stood up from his spot, “Anyways, it’s getting late. We best get ourselves ready to bed.” “Already? But it just got dark. It must only be only be seven or eight o’clock right now?” the conflicted Order follower questioned. “Perhaps, but the hunt officially starts tomorrow, which means we need to leave here as early as we can. Not to mention, the longer this fire keeps going, the more likely one of the more nocturnal residents will notice it and try to pay us a visit. Which, reminds me, I need you to eat this,” Cezar explained before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a strangle bundle of light blue roots. “Why exactly do you need me to eat that?” Vincente questioned as those roots didn’t exactly look appetizing. “Because you need to suppress your mana in order to reduce the chances of someone finding you while you’re asleep. Also, this shit will knock you right out, so you don’t have to worry about not getting a good night sleep,” the local expert informed as he handed his client the bluish, organic strings. “Are you sure knocking myself out in the middle of a jungle is the wisest choice? Wouldn’t that leave me completely defenceless?” Vincente pointed out as he took hold of the strange plant matter. “You're defenceless either way, especially against the girls around here who thrive in the dark. The trick is to make yourself as invisible as possible to them and pray one doesn’t randomly stumble across you while you’re napping. This root will help with that, so just eat the damn thing,” Cezar retorted with a more annoyed tone as he imagined this was what it was like trying to convince a child to eat something healthy they despised. “If you say so,” Vincente relented before popping the roots into his maw and began to chew the surprisingly tough vegetation. “There, now do what we talked about before and nestle yourself between those berry brushes, it should help hide you and your smell, but don’t eat any of them. Now, you just focus on getting yourself to sleep while I set up a few traps with that Arachne silk I collected a while back,” Cezar instructed as he went off to finish the final preparations for their slumber, “Oh, and pleasant dreams, Vincente.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was as perfect of a day for a wedding as one could dream for. The sun was in just the right position for its radiant rays to illuminate every single one of the numerous stained-glass windows that adorned the great temple, casting the hall in numerous vibrant, warm colours. This most sacred place was filled with the natural scent of the various freshly plucked flowers that decorated its interior and the soothing smell of divine incense the caretakers used to keep this holy building pure. Truly there was no better location for Vincente to finally tie the knot with his beloved Eleanor then here. Vincente was dressed in a high collared, midnight black tailcoat embellished with gleaming, golden buttons, as well a matching pair of finely tailored, velvet pants. Behind him stood the flawlessly carved altar to the Chief God as a faceless priest stood before it as he waited alongside the groom for the woman of the hour. As Vincente looked down the rows of benches that supported his friends and family, he finally saw the two great oak doors creak open at the other end of the holy temple and reveal his future wife. Attired in a traditional, flowing, snow white grown, the elaborate dress served only to enhance Eleanor’s perfect beauty. Her flawless, creamy white skin barely visible thanks to how much of her modestly designed wedding dress covered, aside from her gentle face, soft shoulders, and smooth arms. A crown of flowers adorned her tied up, light blonde hair while her signature egg-shaped glasses rested gracefully in front of her icy blue eyes. Her delicate hands were draped in matching silk gloves as she held her bouquet close to her chest. Any stress Vincente was feeling about today’s event was instantly soothed as he saw her stunning, tender visage approach him and join him at the altar. “Now do you Vincente Viveros, under the all-protective gaze of the Chief God, take here Eleanor Blomstrom to be your wife. Do you promise to protect and cherish, to devote and support, to love and to care for this woman for rest of your days together,” the featureless pastor uttered in an unfamiliar tone. “I do,” Vincente responded gleefully as he took his wife’s hand into his own and stared deeply into her frosty eyes. “And do you Eleanor Blomstrom, also under the benevolent eyes of the Chief God, take here Vincente Viveros to be your husband. Do you swear to guard and to serve, to commit and to ravage, to love and to lust over this man before you like no other woman nor mamono could ever dream to,” the pastor put forth to Eleanor as his voice became oddly much more familiar to Vincente. “I do,” Eleanor quickly answered as her fingers tightened around Vincente’s. “Ummm….I don’t think those were the proper vows for her to take. You didn’t misread them by chance……..wait….Cezar when did you become a pastor?” Vincente questioned the priest overseeing their wedding before realizing it was none other than Cezar adorned in the typical robes of the Order. Confused and slightly concerned about this turn of events, Vincente’s head swiftly turned to the crowd attending his wedding. As expected, Vincente saw both his and Eleanor’s parents, as well as their old friends from their home city of Sanctum’s Bless, but it was the others he spotted in the crowd that froze the very blood in his veins. Every member of the battalion he traveled to that jungle with, as well as the numerous Amazons and Ocelomeh’s that had captured them were scattered amongst the benches. He spotted Dycia and Cezar’s sisters, Evelyn and Phoebe amongst the guests as well as they stared back with joy and happiness for him. Even Una, that Arachne he saw drag a man underground, and the numerous other mamono he witnessed ambush his former squad back at the marsh could be found as well, much to his utter disbelief. They were all there, seated and watching him as he made his vows to Eleanor, each one with a twisted look of anticipation upon their face as if waiting for whatever came next. Suddenly the bright sunshine that had brighten their wedding darkened as if the night itself had decided to attend their ceremony as a red moonlight was now cast upon them. Deeply disturbed by all these sudden, puzzling changes, Vincente snapped his gaze back to Eleanor, but what he saw wasn’t his Eleanor anymore, at least not entirely. Her dress was now mostly torn and barely covered her body as she now towered over Vincente by a good foot and a half. A piecing horn now jolted out of her blonde covered scalp and a rigid arrow headed tail now swung menacingly from her ample backside. All in all, Vincente’s once elegant and gentle Eleanor, now looked nearly identical to the Amazon’s that once held him captive. “What’s wrong, Vincente. Don’t you love me?” Eleanor softly questioned as she looked down upon him. Vincente reactively stepped back and quickly slipped onto his behind due to the shock of this unforeseeable twist. However, as he looked back up, Eleanor’s appearance had changed again. This time she was more similar to the Ocelomehs as she now was adorned with spotted fur, jaguar-like ears and feline claws that tore through her gloves. Vincente was speechless as he tried in vain to understand what was going on. Once more his gaze returned to the guests witnessing everything in the hope of getting some kind of clue from them but received none as they all acted as if there was nothing wrong with what was occurring. “Look at me Vincente. I asked if you still love me?” Eleanor requested with a slightly more demanding tone. Once more his wife-to-be’s visage had changed, as her skin was now green, smooth and covered in a thin mucus. Her face had rounded with a noticeably wider maw, her legs had thickened a good deal and her fingers were now webbed instead of clawed. She was defiantly a Mucus Toad now, much like Una, but Eleanor’s shifting forms only fueled Vincente’s fears and befuddlement. “What’s going on Eleanor. What is all this? What’s happening to you?” Vincente mumbled out as he slowly tried to put some distance between him and Eleanor. “You’re avoiding my question!” Eleanor blurted out as her form shifted again. Her skin returned to normal along with her proportions but that didn’t last for long. Soon the bottom half of her dress exploded and was torn to shreds as a massive spider abdomen erupted from Eleanor’s lower body along with eight, spindly spider legs. However, the changes didn’t end there as her form continued to adopt more mamono features. Additional, serrated. Insect like arms popped out from behind her shoulders much like those of the Mantis and mosquito like wings sprouted from her back. Once more her physique became muscular like that of an Amazon as the matching horn returned once again, while the Ocelomeh like ears and claws appeared as well. Her human skin became like a Mucus Toad’s again as her eyes became slitted, her teeth fangs and her tongue forked to match a Lamia’s facial features. In a span of seconds, Vincente’s Eleanor had become some freakish chimera of every mamono he had encountered in that accursed jungle thus far as she towered over him within this temple to all things pure and benevolent. “Do….YOU……LOVE……ME?” the corrupted monstrosity asked once more. “I……I…..I don’t…….I don’t know,” Vincente uttered as he could not come up with a solid answer. “Then allow me to remind you…..how much…….YOU……LOVE…..ME!” the twisted version of Eleanor unnervingly uttered as she crept closer. Vincente watched as the heavily corrupted mamono Eleanor had become reared back much like a spider would just before striking its victim. Vincente could only think to raise his arm to shield himself from whatever Eleanor intended to do to him but just as the imposing silhouette of Eleanor was about to come clashing down on him, everything went black. Vincente awoke with a terror filled gasp as he struggled to regain control over his breathing. It took him a moment for him to come to his senses and realize what he just experienced was just a horrid dream while his eyes tried to adjust to the all-encompassing darkness that surrounded him. However, oddly enough he felt something unseen poking him in his cheek, before a familiar male voice whispered to him. “Oh, thank the Chief God you’re alive. I thought you were dead there for a moment. You were as stiff as a board and unresponsive. I’ve been trying to wake you for nearly an hour now,” the voice quietly muttered. “Captain Diamandis? Is that you? Wait, why are you hanging upside down?” Vincente mumbled out as he started to make out the inverted outline of his former battalion leader dangling a foot away from him. “I appear to have fallen into some sort of snare trap that was set near you. I don’t suppose you could cut me down before that psychotic new friend of yours returns,” Alexander softly requested as he continued to lightly swing by his ankles. “Who? You mean Cezar? Wait….what’s going on?” Vincente pondered as he tried to sit himself up, although he found it odd how tired and sluggish most of his muscles were. “Your little jungle buddy ambushed us and he’s currently tying up my other men I arrived here with to a tree as we speak. So, get me down and talk some damn sense into that savage,” the captain practically ordered as he continued to keep his voice down. “Why would he do that and…..wait, how did you find us? Last I saw you; you were surrounded by mamono with the others. How did you escape?” Vincente questioned as he rubbed his eyes. “I’ll explain everything but first you must get me down. You owe me this much after abandoning us not once but twice,” Alexander demanded with an unamused grunt. “Hang on, I’ll figure something out. I’m sure I can explain everything to Cezar and get him to release you and the others,” the Order engineer offered as he shakenly rose to his feet. “Vincente, I don’t know what that heathen promised you, but he’s leading you astray. Now hurry and free me, so we can both get away from here,” the captain uttered as his tone became more pleading. “I don’t know…..Cezar has proven to be trust worthy so far. I truly believe he is our best bet to escape this jungle, of that I am certain. If you just let me speak to him, maybe I can convince him to help you out too,” Vincente tried to reason despite being half asleep and unsure what to do in this situation. “Do not be a naïve fool, Vincente. He is a filthy monster sympathizer. I don’t know why he marked you as his target, but all he is doing is leading you to a fate worse than a clueless engineer like you could possibly imagine,” Captain Diamandis forewarned as he continued to hang helplessly. “Oh, don’t listen to this lying thief, Vincente. Your noble captain here was trying to loot our shit long with his goons while we were asleep. If anyone here is trying to lead you astray, it’s this rat bastard,” Cezar’s voice interrupted from the darkness. “Gods damn it,” Alexander mumbled under his breath. “Cezar, are you there? Where are you?” Vincente called out to his unseen guide. “Hang on a moment, I’ll get some light going. This is going to be a pain on your eyes but just bare with me for a bit,” Cezar stated before the sound of flint scrapping against one another could be heard. Suddenly, a small yet blinding light appeared in the darkness as Cezar managed to light a branch covered in leaves aflame to illuminate the area. He was standing only a few feet behind the dangling Alexander with a rather displeased look on his face, however it was the condition his former captain was in that truly caught the tired Vincente off guard. To say he looked rough would have been an understatement but it was clear whatever he had to do to make it here past all those mamono clearly took its toll and robed him of his usual dignified appearance. Any remnant to the captains once proud visage was long gone as his hair was a total mess, his clothes were heavily torn and waterlogged, his entire roughed up physique made it obvious how fatigue his experiences had left him. “Is what he claims to be true, captain?” Vincente questioned Alexander. “Partially but you must understand, Vincente. The men and I, we haven’t had a thing to eat all day and we have been run ragged thanks to being ambushed by those monsters again and again. So, when we saw you had bags full of food when we came to rescue you from this deceitful cretin, we couldn’t pass it over,” Captain Diamandis tried to explain. “Sure, you were. Now tell us, did you come to save Vincente before or after I already caught you lot stealing from our supplies,” Cezar bluntly interrogated as he moved to stand beside the hanging captain. “What does it matter. Listen to me, Vincente, I swear on the good name of the house of Diamandis I wasn’t going to leave you behind, not this time. I was a fool not to take your advice before, I see that now, but we can still make it to Saint Manus. Don’t let this traitor to humanity fool you and pull you away from your sworn duty,” Alexander argued despite his attempts at appealing his actions made him seem more desperate than anything else. “Captain, how exactly did you find us and how did you know we even had supplies?” Vincente inquired as he was confused by this turn of events. “I also wouldn’t mind knowing how exactly you found us,” Cezar agreed as he kneeled down beside the entrapped captain. “After I spotted you both fleeing from the site where me and my men were being attacked, I gathered what few men who stayed beside me and made a break for it to follow you both. It wasn't easy but we made it through despite heavy losses. However, we quickly lost track of you, until we came across some disgusting frog woman. She managed to steal another one of my men, but she did point us in your direction as some graceless form of thanks. Despite not initially believing that slimy creature, her directions did lead us to a single set of tracks which in turn led us to you. There happy. Now cut me down,” Captain Diamandis divulged his story, although reluctantly. “Fucking Una. She just had and go make my job harder,” Cezar whined to himself under his breath as he realized this was an act of sabotage from the spiteful Mucus Toad. “Just how many others were you able to bring with you, captain? What happened to everyone else?” the Order craftsman inquired further. “Three others and that’s it. All of which are currently tried to a tree thanks to your heretic friend here. As for the others, if they weren’t taken by a monster, they’re all scattered to the winds to look out for themselves. I thought I taught those men better. That a squad is only as strong as the trust they held in one another and their leader. But perhaps I am to blame. I was so confident in my ability to keep them safe but I failed them. No wonder they were so quick to take their own chances and run off in this forsaken jungle,” Alexander lamented as he struggled to come to terms with how everything went wrong so fast. “Well, I’m glad to hear you’ve become aware of your own short comings, but Vincente and I must get going. So, good luck with whoever you end up with and maybe I’ll see you around once you settle down with a nice mamono girl. Now come on Vincente, it’s a bit earlier to resume our trek then I would have liked but the sun will begin to rise in an hour or so, so might as well get a move on,” the local guide suggested as he motioned Vincente to get up and join him. “Wait, we’re not going to leave them like this, are we?” Vincente questioned as he looked over the dangling form of Captain Diamandis. “Why not? We’ve done it twice before and I thought we agreed to look out for only ourselves. Not only did they try and steal from us, but they woke me up early. If that isn’t grounds for us to leave them as they are for some mamono to rescue, then I don’t know what is,” Cezar argued with an oddly carefree attitude. “I know what we agreed to, but now that they are asking us for help, I can’t just ignore them. One of the teachings of the Order I hold close, is to help those who need it, and they defiantly need our help, Cezar. If you can guide me, you can guide them. I promise to keep them in line. They won’t cause any trouble, I promise,” Vincente spoke on behalf of his fellow travelers. “Vincente, their mere presence is going to cause us trouble. The more of us there are in a group, the easier it will be for any mamono to find us. But I tell you what, if you can find a way to cut through that Arachne silk in….let’s say, five minutes, I will consider humbling your noble request. Otherwise, we’re leaving without them,” Cezar issued his challenge leisurely as he knew there was no chance in hell an unarmed man could cut through such unnaturally strong thread. Vincente thought quickly about the options he had at his disposal before realizing the solution was resting by his side this entire. He still had that black, stone knife he stole from Dycia hidden away in his pocket. While he wasn’t sure how Cezar would react to him having such a weapon on him, if there was any time to use it, it was now. With great haste, Vincente slipped the small, earthly blade from its hiding place and brought it against the thin string of webbing. Much to Vincente’s surprise, the blade easily sliced through it without any hint of resistance as Captain Diamandis landed on the forest floor with a loud thud. After that, Vincente quickly went to work cutting the threads tied around Alexander’s ankles next to secure his freedom. “Thank you for the assistance, Vincente. The blood was really starting to rush to my head there,” Alexander showed his appreciation to his rescuer. “Give me that knife, Vincente,” Cezar more coldly ordered once his eyes got a glimpse of the hidden blade, as it was obvious by his stonily expression that he was by no means amused by this discovery. “You said if I could cut him and the others loose, you would let them join us,” Vincente was quick to remind the mamono expert. “I know what I fucking said, and I said I would consider it. However, that’s not my concern right now. I know that’s one of Dycia’s knives and I will let you know right now, it is in the best interest of everyone here if we toss that thing away,” Cezar advised with an irritated groan. “Don’t listen to him, Vincente. It’s obvious our little monster lover here just isn’t a fan of the fact that we can defend ourselves now. Hang onto that knife as if it was your very life and go free the others. I will hold him off here,” Alexander proclaimed as he stood valiantly in front of Vincente to put himself between him and Cezar. “Captain, I really don’t think any of this is at all necessary. Maybe we should listen to him to see why having his blade on hand isn’t perhaps the wisest option,” Vincente commented as he found his former leader’s need for heroics more awkward than anything else. “Listen, Vincente, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you got played. If you think for even a second you slipped away with Dycia’s knife without her noticing, I’m afraid you’re wrong. Knowing her, she wanted you to take it and there is a one hundred percent trance that blade has a mana marker on it for her to track us with. So, be smart and get rid of it, or better yet give it to me,” Cezar informed, slightly disappointed that Vincente thought taking such a thing in the first place was ever a smart decision. “He’s obviously lying, Vincente. He just wants you defenceless for whatever trap he wanted to lead you into. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with the responsibility, give me the knife and I shall use it to slay this villain and any other horrid creature lurking in this jungle,” Captain Diamandis offered to take the burden of the blade onto himself. “Sir, we are not killing him. He’s an asset, not a threat. Without him, we have no chance of getting out of this rainforest,” Vincente argued as he pulled the blade away. “You see this shit, Vincente. This is exactly why I avoid getting involved with people like your captain here. A dangerous mix of self-righteous and moronic,” Cezar groaned as he couldn’t believe he was having this discussion, “Besides, that blade is made from mamono obsidian. It can’t even draw blood yet alone kill somebody. Granted that shit will cut into your spirit cleaner than anything else and infect your soul to stop any wound from closing properly, so it really isn’t something you want to be playing around with.” “Another clever deception. You really expect us to believe that,” Alexander barked back as it was clear his previous experiences today had left him a little paranoid. “Ok, for the sake of fucking argument, why in all of the heavens and hells, do you think I’m trying to pull one over on you,” Cezar confrontationally inquired the Order captain. “Because you don't fool me, I know exactly what you are. You’re an Incubus, a plant put in those cages to befriend and exact information from one of us when we were at our most desperate. I’m sure of it. I see you as the beast in human’s clothing that you are now, and we won’t fall for any more of your tricks any longer,” Alexander defiantly proclaimed as he guessed Cezar’s true identity. “Wow, you fell off the deep end rather quickly didn’t you, big guy. While I’m surprised to learn one of you actually seems to know what you’re talking about, but I’m sorry to say you’re wrong. I’m no incubus, at least not yet. One day sure, but right now I’m as human as you are. So will you please come to your senses and stop making an ass of yourself, it’s honestly to early in the morning for this crap,” Cezar dismissively uttered in annoyance. “I think he’s right, captain. He wasn’t lied to me yet and he’s already saved my ass once. We have to trust him on this,” Vincente lamented before tossing the blade over to Cezar for safe keeping. “Well, I’m glad to see you're still reasonable. I knew I was right to put some faith in you, Vincente,” Cezar uttered as he let out a sigh of relief as he held the obsidian knife in his hands. “Vincente, you idiot. That was our only chance at having a means to defend ourselves,” Alexander growled before he turned his fury to the current source of his woes, “Hand it over, traitor. I will have that knife one way or another.” “Listen, I know you think you want this knife, but trust me you don’t. This little blade will bring you more trouble than you can imagine. I should know, Dycia has been after me for years. So just let me dispose of it and I will consider at least trying to lead you and what few men you have left out of here. How does that sound,” Cezar proposed as he made an attempt to soothe the situation over. “I say you either give it to me or I will take it by force,” Captain Diamandis countered as he raised his arms and assumed a fighting pose, “I feel it is only right to warn you, but I used to spare with the great hero, Vandis. So, it’s best you just hand it over now.” “I’m sure this Vandis guy is someone very impressive back where you’re from, but I feel it is only right that I warn you, you have no chance in hell of getting this knife away from me,” Cezar warned as he causally slipped the knife into his own pocket. “And what makes you say that,” Alexander grumbled out as he inched closer. “Aside from the fact you’re exhausted and underfed, I grew up rough housing with Amazon’s my entire childhood. So, you really don’t want to do this,” Cezar cautioned one final time. The Order captain choose to ignore the local guide’s warning as he prepared to lunge towards the man he saw as an obstacle to his cause, “I’ll take my chances. Now hand over that……..” However, the fight was over before it even truly started, as Alexander was sent collapsing backwards onto the jungle floor after running head first into a shift punch to the lower jaw. The impact left his skull ringing as he felt weightless for a brief moment before clashing into the ground unconscious. Vincente could only look on, maw agape in disbelief as he saw his former battalion commander defeated with a single, well-placed blow. “I did try to warn him,” Cezar mumbled out as he shook his hand about after landing such a punch. “Is…..is he going to be alright?” Vincente stuttered out. “Well, he looked like he needed a nap to start with, so I’m going to assume so. Anyways, just leave him to sleep his stupidity off. Now come on, we got to get going if we want to reach Chameda’s place at a decent time,” Cezar commented as he got ready to take his leave. “But what about him and the others. You said you would guide them,” Vincente argued. “I offered to, but your dumbass captain here refused when he lunged at me. So, he and the others he came here with can take their chances like everyone else,” Cezar dismissed. “I know you got bad blood with the Order and Captain Diamandis’s actions here were inexcusable, but he deserves a fighting chance to make it to Saint Manus. I know it might be hard to believe after everything, but he really is a good man and I’m sure the others he came here with are the same. So, please, just give them a chance,” the Order Engineer pleaded on behalf of his fellow men. “You really want to take a chance with them and risk never seeing your girl again,” Cezar questioned before reaching his hand into his pocket and pulling out a familiar silver pendant. “Wait, that’s my pendant. So, you did get it back from those Amazons,” Vincente pointed out as he recognized that precise piece of metalwork anywhere. “I did but I thought I would hang onto it, in case I needed to remind you what you were struggling for,” Cezar informed before opening it up to peer at the portrait of Eleanor inside, “This your girl? She’s quite the looker. I can see why you want to get back to her so badly. What’s her name?” “It’s Eleanor. Now give it back,” Vincente demanded as that tiny, metallic necklace was all he had left of the promise he made to his beloved. Cezar was quick to toss the pendant back to its rightful owner before continuing to make his point, “So, Vincente are you truly willing to risk never seeing your Eleanor again for the sake of these thieving pricks.” “I….I got to try. We got to try. No one I traveled here with wanted to be in this mess, and it isn’t fair if I’m the only one who gets a chance to return to his old life. So, yes i feel it is only right we give them such a chance,” Vincente confided with his escort. “You’re really not going to budge on this, are you?” Cezar questioned as he put his hands on his hips. “I can’t in good conscience abandon them like this. Not this time,” Vincente boldly stated as he reminded himself of everyone else he left behind thus far. “Hmmmm……..fine, have it your way,” Cezar relented as he flung his arms up in defeat, “I can at least give them the option to follow us but I will not be held accountable for anything that happens to them and if they try anything stupid, I won’t hesitate to hand them over to a mamono myself, understood.” “Thank you for seeing reason, Cezar. I am in your debt and I’m sure the others will feel the same way once we properly explain everything to them,” Vincente exclaimed as he let out a heavy exhale of relief. “Don’t thank me yet. You may have just made our journey ten times more hazardous, and I will warn you of this now, not all of you are going to make it if they agree to this, including you. Hell, none of you might escape this jungle now. So, this is your last chance to back out of this shortsighted, merciful decision,” Cezar warned as he gave the Order engineer the opportunity to reconsider. “The high road isn’t necessarily always the easiest nor the safest. I’m sorry, Cezar but we’re taking them, that is if they wish to join us,” Vincente answered with a gleam of determination in his eyes. “I was afraid you were going to say something noble like that. As long as you know the risks, who am I to stop you, but you better tell me what I want to know by the end of this, no matter how this ends, you understand me,” the native guide uttered as he reminded his client of their deal. “I haven’t forgotten, and I promise I will keep my end of things. Anyways, what should we do about the captain here? He is welcomed to come with us, right?” Vincente inquired as he looked down at his slumbering commander. “He is, even if I’m not looking forward to being called a heretic nonstop for the next few days. But I want you to bind his arms behind his back with that silk you cut. I don’t want him trying anything stupid again. Otherwise, I will bind him to a tree, lather him in rotten fruit and leave him for the Beelzebubs, and you tell him all that when he wakes up too, got it. I won’t tolerate such crap again,” Cezar answered with a disgruntled huff. “Well, I still appreciate it. You’re a surprisingly honorable man when you want to be, Cezar,” Vincente acknowledged with a sly smile. Cezar rolled his eyes with amused annoyance, “Oh, shut it. Now come on, let’s go properly introduce ourselves to our new traveling buddies and get them ready before I change my damn mind.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“What the hell did you do to them?” Vincente concernedly inquired as he looked upon the aftermath of Cezar’s nighttime activates. “I swear, they were this roughed up looking before I laid a hand on any of them,” Cezar defended himself as he looked upon his handy work, “Anyways, do you recognize any of them? Anyone worth vouching for here?” Before the two travelers were three, currently passed out men bound tightly to the base of the large tree they had set their camp around. At least two of them Vincente was vaguely familiar with, although not on a personal level due tot heir different positions in the battalion, but he did at least know their names and had a decent idea of their characters. The first of the two was a man named Alamo, a powerfully built yet softspoken individual with ginger red hair who Vincente had come to acknowledge as a gentle giant who preferred minding his own business. The second identifiable captive was a more notorious member of their battalion with greasily black hair and matching thin mustache, although he was someone Vincente was genuinely surprised to see to have made it this far. His name was Vasco and he was as well known for his boastful, exaggerated tales as he was for his womanizing, which were using the focus of his stories. Neither man were someone Vincente would call problematic or difficult to reason with, however it was the third man tied to that tree Vincente was unsure of. He was a young, hazel haired man of average build but he definitely wasn’t a member of their battalion, most likely one of the other prisoners who was captured for this deranged husband hunt, but that just made him a wild card in Vincente’s eyes. From what Cezar had vaguely informed him about the other captives, it was that they seemed to be mostly made up of trespassers and thieves, at least that was what his guide hinted at. Although, Vincente couldn’t be sure if that was the case for all of them. Who knew how he would behave if he was allowed to join them, but yet again he seemed to have stuck with the captain’s group for this long, so maybe he was more manageable than Vincente was giving him credit for. Besides, it would be hypocritical of him if he left this individual behind while taking the others. Despite whatever circumstances which lead him here, he still deserved a chance to obtain freedom. At least, that’s something Vincente wanted to deeply believe. “I can vouch for two of them but that man on the left, I can’t speak for. He wasn’t apart of our group, that I know for sure,” Vincente commented on the three unconscious men before. “So, you have no issue with maybe leaving that one behind than?” Cezar carefully asked. “We got to at least give him a chance, but maybe we just keep an extra eye on him,” the Order craftsman recommended. “Well, so much for making this full ordeal a little easier on me. It was worth a shot. Now come on, lets wake these bastards up before the sun properly rises,” Cezar uttered leisurely as he squatted down before the three of them. “I still can’t believe you took out all three of them, and even more so I slept through it all,” Vincente commented as he joined his guide by the ground. “Well, it helped they were all dead tired and one of them fell into a snare before I even made my move. Of course, considering I gave you nether root to chew on, I didn’t have to worry about waking you up, so I was free to be as rough as I liked as well. I tell ya, that shit would have kept you sleeping like the dead even if an elephant snuck up beside ya and blew its trunk right in your ear,” Cezar mentioned playfully as he started to lightly slap Vasco across the face to wake him up. “Wait, if that root was that strong, how the hell did these guys rummaging through our bags manage to wake you up?” Vincente inquired with a raised eyebrow. “Oh, I never took to begin with. Plus, I’m a very light sleeper. Kinda of have to be around here, especially if you’re on your own,” Cezar divulged in a carefree manner as he stopped his slapping to address his client. “What do you mean you didn’t take it. What about all that hiding our mana crap,” Vincente questioned as he was unsure how to respond to this information. “You needed to hide your mana, I didn’t. It’s that simple. I got my own method to hide my presence, so relax. It wasn’t like I was trying to trick you or anything, if that’s what you’re concerned about,” Cezar quickly responded despite not seeing what the big deal was. “And what exactly is this method?” Vincente bluntly asked. “Well, it’s private and it’s not exactly something I can teach you, if you must know. Don’t tell me you’re starting to mistrust me or something. I’m literally taking one of the biggest risks of my life agreeing to help your dam friends here. Some appreciation would be nice,” Cezar answered, unamused by this line of questioning. The truth was, Vincente’s trust in the man had once again been shaken, especially after that dream he just had which showed Cezar as the pastor to his marriage to that twisted imitation of his fiancé. Vincente wasn’t sure if that was a premonition, the work of his nerves, or just a side effect of that nether root he consumed. Perhaps it was a combination of all three or neither, Vincente couldn’t tell. Not to mention, Alexander accused Cezar of being an Incubus, whatever that was, and while Cezar denimed it, Vincente had to consider he was lying, especially since his senses and abilities seemed to surpass normal human limits. Regardless, Vincente knew simply jumping to accusations wouldn’t solve anything as Cezar was still his best chance of getting out of here, no matter what he truly was. “I would be lying if there weren’t things I’m starting to question about you, but believe it or not, I still trust you. And I do apprentice what you’re doing, it’s just, well…..I’m surprised you even agreed to this in the first place. You don’t, perchance have some ulterior motive to helping them, do you?” Vincente hesitantly, yet boldly accused. “Don’t get me wrong here, Vincente. All I’m doing here really is just humoring you a bit. Most of these men are not making it out of this jungle, even with my guidance and that’s a fact. Best case scenario, one of them joins you on your way back to Saint Manus, and that’s if you’re very, very lucky. All you’re really accomplishing here is putting yourself at higher risk, and that’s it,” Cezar grumbled out as he prepared to resume smacking the unconscious men before him. “Is this trek really that difficult,” Vincente uttered with a more defeated tone as he second guessed his decision. “It is now, and you’ve only got a glimpse of what this jungle has to offer. But look on the bright side, we now have plenty of bodies to sacrifice to the wolves when they inevitably start hounding us. You better hope your friends here are smart enough to listen to my advice and follow my lead, otherwise none of us are getting out of here unmarried. But perhaps it’s best you see for yourself,” Cezar groaned out before slapping all three men at the same time, “Wake the hell up!” “I’m up!” Alamo hollered out as he was forced out of a pleasant dream. “THE FUCK!” Vasco shouted out as he was ripped out of his short-lived slumber from such a thunderous smack. “Ah shit, it’s you. What do you want now?” the mystery man grumbled out as he realized their situation. “Morning shit for brains. Sorry for the rough treatment, but we got a proposition for you all,” Cezar mockingly greeted his three captives. “What kind of a proposition?” the mystery man inquired with a piecing glare. “Why should we listen to anything you say. You jumped us without warning and beat the crap out of us,” Vasco complained as he started to struggle within his silky confines. “Well, we did try and steal his food. Maybe we should hear him out, Vasco,” Alamo commented with a more reasonable response. “You don’t have too if you don’t want to, that’s fine by me. However, Vincente here, for whatever reason, wants to give you all the choice of joining us on our way out of here. Now it is only fair to warn you, we are currently on our way to meet some monstrous friends of mine and I will not try to save you if one of them gets their hands on you. So, if you don’t want to follow us, I completely understand,” Cezar divulged as he hoped his brutal honestly would scare a few of them from joining up. “You didn’t have to tell them like that, you know,” Vincente commented as he saw through his guide’s intentions. “Hey, it’s best they know what they’re getting into and I’m not going to sugarcoat it for them. They need to know their chances aren’t going to improve that much if we form a group,” Cezar pointed out. “Don’t listen to him. Cezar’s your best chance to get out of here. He knows everything there is about this jungle and the mamono who live in it. He has a plan and if we follow it, we’re as good as home free,” Vincente countered to help sway his old cohorts. “Honestly, you’re giving me too much credit here, Vincente. You’re making me sound to be some kind of miracle worker here. I’m humble enough to admit I can not nor will not try to keep everyone here safe,” Cezar amusedly admitted as he downplayed his talents. “Will you stop that,” Vincente blurted out. “Stop what?” Cezar asked coyly. “You know what! Trying to give them a reason not to follow us,” the Order engineer accused. “I’m just giving them a fair shake on the risks and all that. It would be awfully irresponsible for me not too,” the native guide rebuked with a playful grin. “Ok, I think I speak for all three of us when I say you’re confusing the shit out of us. Are you trying to recruit us or convince us to avoid you like the plague here?” Vasco interrupted as his looked at the two with pure puzzlement. “I second that. You’re giving us some real mixed messages here?” the nameless man added. “Are you going to help us or not?” Alamo questioned. “We will, but you’re going to have to trust me and more importantly Cezar here. If you listen to what he says and follow his advice, you will be fine. He’s survived this jungle on his own for years. If there is anyone to follow here, it’s him,” Vincente put forth to convince the remnants of his squad to take a chance with them. Alamo was the first to speak up, “Listen, Vincente, it isn’t that we don’t trust you, it’s just that…..” “…..that bastard you’re with is a damn menace. He strung up poor Efrain here by his ankles before he jumped out of the tree like some crazed monkey and bashed my skull against Alamo’s here,” Vasco continued with a harsher tone. “First of all, you were trying to steal from us and making a rachet while you were at it. So don’t blame me for correcting your behaviour and stopping you from bringing real trouble down upon us, you damn thief,” Cezar defended himself with an unamused snarl. “We just wanted some damn food,” the mystery man now known as Efrain retorted as he squirmed in his bindings. “Well, I got fruit and other shit in there you really don’t want to eat. So, you’re welcome that I stopped you numbskulls from putting anything in your mouth you would regret,” the jungle expert rebuked. “If that was the case, why didn’t you say anything?” Alamo questioned. “As if you Order punks would have listened to me. Besides, I needed to silence you idiots before you attracted any unwanted attention. Do realize how many mamono around here are nocturnal. I’m surprised none of you were dragged off in the middle of the night before you even reached our camp with all your nonstop bickering” Cezar lectured the three captives. “See, he knows what he’s talking about. I know you all had a bit of a rough introduction, but Cezar here is willing to make amends by helping you to get out of here. So, what do you say. Come with us. It’s better then wandering this jungle by yourselves, isn’t it,” Vincente offered as he made one last ditch effort to convince these three to join them on their travels. “Vincente, where’s the captain?” Vasco suddenly questioned out of the blue. “Excuse me?” Vincente responded in surprise. “I asked where’s the captain. He went to fetch you, so where is he?” Vasco straightforwardly asked again. Cezar could barely hold his laughter in before he answered on Vincente’s behalf, “Oh, your noble leader is just resting back there. I won’t lie I had to get a little rough with him, but he’s fine.” “You knocked out Captain Diamandis!” Alamo blurted out in disbelief. “Technically yes….but he started it,” Cezar hesitantly answered before deciding to cut through all this shit and get straight back to the point, “Anyways, are you guys going to join us or not.” “I’m fine with joining, as long as it means I won’t be tied to a tree any longer,” Efrain gave his answer rather quickly. “Is the captain joining us?” Alamo concernedly inquired. “We will be dragging him along, at least until he wakes up and gives us his own answer,” Vincente informed truthfully. “Will you give us some damn food, without kicking our asses this time?” Vasco put forth. “I will, as long as you don’t try going through my bag again,” Cezar warned with a shit eating grin. Alamo and Vasco looked to one another and nodded before giving their answer simultaneously. “We’re in.” “Oh, thank the Chief God. You won’t regret this, I promise,” Vincente let out a sigh of relief as his own old cohorts saw reason. Cezar rolled his arms before taking out Dycia’s mamono obsidian blade and sliced through the threads trapping them to the trunk of the tree, “Well, if you’re joining us, better make yourselves useful. Help Vincente here remove as much of our trace here as you can. You guys know how to do that much, don’t you?” “We can do that. When we’re done, it will be like we were never here,” Efrain confidently declared now that he was free from his bindings. “Right….anyway. I need to go hide this knife, so I’ll be back in five minutes. Once I return, we’re heading out. So, get up, do your shit and you all better be ready by the time I get back, because as far as I’m concerned I’ve wasted enough time on you all as it is. So, if you understand all that, get to work,” Cezar ordered as he sat back up and headed towards the brush to dispose of Dycia’s little tracker in a manner he knew she would enjoy. “Honored huntresses, the time is nearly upon you to begin your hunt for the man whom you shall cherish for the rest of your lives. By now, the jungle has taken it’s share and left the most deserving men for you to claim and bed,” the Amazonian elder, a very mature and heavily traditionally dressed woman announced to the group of Amazons and Ocelomehs as they gathered by the edge of their encampment. “Yes, but remember not all of you will succeed this year and any man you may have had your eyes on may have already been taken by the jungle. However, if you are skilled and determined enough, there is a man waiting out there for you. You need only track him down and claim him. Now prepare yourselves, as soon as the light of the sun sweeps through the treetops, you can all finally begin your pursuit,” the Ocelomeh elder, an equally traditionally adorned woman, added as she prepared to give the signal to begin the hunt. Every single eligible huntress from both tribes eagerly awaited within the starting area for the first glimmer of sunlight to bless them. Each one had all the supplies they would need to take care of not only themselves but any man they hoped to capture. Everything from weapons to traps to food could be found on their person as they all desired to leave nothing to chance, as each participant was hell bent on finally claiming a husband for themselves during this long-honored tradition. Some had formed hunting parties, while others were more than fine heading out solo, however there was one pairing, everyone was surprised to see. “You know, I was kind of surprised you agreed to team up with me, Dycia. Since, you know, we’re from different tribes and technically competing and all that,” Phoebe addressed the older Ocelomeh despite all the looks they were getting hanging around one another. “As long as I can get my claws on your brother, I don’t care who wins this hunt. Although I admit, I was more surprised you came to me, considering my reputation within your family,” Dycia commented as she glared at some judgemental, whispering Ocelomehs staring at them. “Oh, it’s not that bad. Sure, Evelyn doesn’t want you anywhere near our brother, but you know how hardheaded and prideful she is. Truth be told, she has more of an issue with Vincente not listening to her then she does with you pursing him,” the youngest of the Valentino siblings commented. “I am more than aware of how determined your elder sister is to see Cezar wed to someone from your tribe. Although I will admit, it’s nice to finally speak with someone related to Cezar who is a bit more open minded. Just out of curiosity, has your brother ever mentioned me in passing when he’s come to visit you and the others?” Dycia more bashfully inquired as her typically intimidating aura mellowed out a bit. “Of course, all the time in fact. He’s told me so many stories about you and you’re constant chasing. They’re so romantic. Which reminds me, he’s been wanting to thank you for helping him out with getting away from that nasty Archdemon and Oomukade a few years back. He would have thanked you in person, but you know, fear of commitment and all that,” Phoebe revealed with a cheerful tone. “Is that so.....that’s…..nice to know,” Dycia more softly uttered as her ears couldn’t help but perk as her cheeks blushed. “Phoebe Valentino, I had to see it to believe it! What do you think you’re doing!” Evelyn called out as she forced her way through the crowd along with her two friends, Heleia and Joyne. “Oh….hey sis, I was just….talking with Dycia here…getting some tips and tricks….just stuff like that,” Phoebe more nervously replied to her approaching sibling. “Then what is this nonsense I’ve been hearing about you teaming up with this overgrown stalker here!” Evelyn growled as shot daggers at the messy furred Ocelomeh standing beside her sister. “There’s nothing in the rules against it, Evelyn” Dycia shot back. “I don’t care if it is or not. No sister of mine is going to help you steal our brother away from our tribe!” the oldest of the three Valentino siblings declared with gritted teeth. “Evelyn, it isn’t like that. Dycia is the only one who can even get close to Cezar. With her help, I might be able to finally bring him home,” Phoebe defended her decision. “Don’t give me that hogwash, Phoebe. You just want her help to get closer to that Vincente guy,” Evelyn bluntly accused her younger sister. Phoebe’s eyes broke contact with her sister as she looked away in a shifter manner, “……….maybe?” “See, I knew it. You can’t fool me. I swear our brother has been a terrible influence on you, you’re just as self-serving as he is. Why can’t either of you put the honor of our tribe ahead of your own needs for once,” Evelyn complained as she grasped her forehead in disappointment. “That’s easy for you to say, Evelyn, you’re already married. Which reminds me, didn’t you give up chasing your brother after eventually claiming your own man during one of these hunts. Don’t you think it’s a little hypocritical of you judging your little sister for simply wanting the same,” Dycia countered back with her sharp tongue. “That was completely different. I found my darling, Edward, injured and in need of rescuing. I couldn’t just ignore him, not when he was looking at me with those big puppy eyes of his. I would have continued hunting for Cezar, but I just got….you know, distracted with other responsibilities,” Evelyn more softly rebuked as she couldn’t help but remind herself of that passionate night she claimed her husband. “Sure, it was. Regardless, your little sister here is more than old enough to make her own decisions. Maybe you should consider putting some faith in your own blood for a change and be less of a control freak,” the experienced Ocelomeh recommended with a wicked smile. “I am not a control freak, you thieving harlot. Why don’t you get a clue and realize Cezar isn’t into you,” the elder Amazon rebuked. “Nice try, but I can’t stop my pursuit, especially now that I know for certain that he…..thinks about me,” Dycia muttered as her voice got more sultry at the end as she hid her blushing face into the fluff of her wild mane. Evelyn immediately gave her younger sister a displeased look, “What did you tell her, Phoebe.” “Nothing, just that Cezar tells us stories about his encounters with her is all,” the younger Amazon innocently answered. “You shouldn’t have told her that. Now she has the wrong idea,” Evelyn groaned. “I don’t think she does. I think there is something between…..” Phoebe responded before being interrupted by her older sister. “Don’t finish that sentence, Phoebe,” Evelyn interjected. “Why can’t she? It isn’t like it’s a full-blown lie. Cezar loves being chased, and I love to chase him. We’re a perfect match when you think about it. I’m sure once I finally pounce on him, he’ll melt in my paws and finally confess his love to me,” Dycia teasingly responded in a clear effort to mock her self-proclaimed rival. “You stay out of this, you raggedy tabby. You’re not marrying my brother and you’ll defiantly not going to go out husband hunting with my sister. I forbid it,” Evelyn declared as she put her foot down. “But sis, that isn’t fair. Just imagine it. Both me and Cezar returning home with a special somebody on both of our arms. Mom would be so delighted to finally she all her kids happily married. Don’t you want to see her happy?” Phoebe whined as she tried to guilt trip her older sister. “I want nothing more than for that to be the case, but Dycia is not joining our family. No ifs, ands or buts,” the eldest Amazon stubbornly declared. However, as the oldest Valentino sister went on her rant, the first ray of sunshine broke through the canopy to shine upon all the participants. With the signal to begin finally appearing from the heavens themselves, a chorus of cheers and excited shrieks erupted from the mixed crowd of mamono. All of fourteen other Ocelomehs and twelve other Amazons broke off into a charge as they entered the jungle to hunt down their future mates, until only Dycia, Phoebe, Evelyn and her two friends were left. “Oh, look at that. The sun has risen, and it seems we must get going,” Dycia exclaimed as she began to take her leave before turning back to address Phoebe, “You coming or what?” “Coming,” Phoebe answered with an electricized look in her eye as she jogged after her new hunting companion. “Phoebe, for the love of Ares, don’t you run off with that bitch!” Evelyn cried out in one last attempt to stop her sister. “Sorry, sis but you’ll come to thank us when we bring Cezar back. So, wish us luck!” Phoebe cheerfully bid farewell before disappearing into the jungle alongside Dycia. “I don’t think she’s listening to you anymore,” Joyne finally spoke up with a look of disbelief plastered on her face. “Seems, your little sis has finally taken a page out of your brother’s book. Who knew she had it in her,” Heleia added equally shocked. “I can’t believe this. I don’t suppose you two intend to catch up with them and talk some sense into her,” Evelyn muttered, her disappointment on full display. “Not really, but we could try if we happen to bump into them,” Heleia awkwardly offered, despite her mind being focused on finding her own man. “Yeah, we can try but we got to get going too, Evelyn. We’re already behind and our husbands won’t catch themselves you know,” Joyne stated as she prepared to take her own leave. “Fine, I get it. Go, go on than. I’ll just wait here, and pray to Ares for a favorable outcome until you all get back,” Evelyn sighed as she threw her arms up in a defeated motion as she gave her two best friends the go ahead. “Thanks for understanding, you’re the best. See you in a few days, Evelyn,” Heleia waved goodbye as she ventured into the brush. “Yeah, pretty soon you won’t be the only one with a cute husband to call her own in our group. So, wish us luck as well,” Joyne stated proudly before following suite. “Great, that’s just great. I’ve officially been ditched by everyone, including my own sister,” Evelyn muttered to herself with great displeasure before reminding herself of the one bright spot in her life right now, “At least Edward is waiting for me in my tent. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind cheering me up.” For hours, Cezar led the raggy group of Order men through the dense foliage of the Silvervein Rainforest after dealing with the remnants of their temporary campsite before leaving it far behind them. As they traveled, much of the conversations they held focused around Cezar informing the new arrivals everything he had already told Vincente regarding this jungle and the true nature of the mamono who call this place home, in order to catch them up to speed. Much like Vincente before them, they couldn’t take most of the absurd claims seriously despite what they had already experienced. The only one currently not listening in was Captain Diamandis who remained in slumber as his unconscious body was carried effortlessly on the back of the burly Alamo. While they could have woken their captain up, everyone was in agreement he needed his rest while Cezar was simply glad he didn’t need to hear his ideological nonsense for the time being. “So, you’re telling us, that all monsters are just super horny, super hot woman now and all they want to do is fuck us,” Vasco questioned every word his new guide had informed him and the others. “That’s right, although I’m not sure why you’re questioning it. You literally have met a ton of mamono already who match that very description,” Cezar retorted as he wasn’t exactly a fan of having to explain everything all over again. “We all thought they were wearing perverted disguises to lower our guard so they could more easily drag us off to eat us. At least that’s what Captain Diamandis told us,” Alamo explained their doubts over such claims. “Artemis, give me strength,” Cezar muttered under his breath, before readdressing his new followers, “No, their sex appeal is no trick. Every curve and ample asset is one hundred precent real, as well as their overly clingy affection for you all.” “So, even Goblins are like that?” Vasco questioned further. “Yes.” Cezar unenthusiastically answered. “Werewolves?” Alamo pondered. “Yes,” Cezar answered again. “What about Griffons?” Vasco continued down this curious rabbit hole. “Yes,” Cezar grumbled out. “Oh, what about Dragons hoarding a ton of gold?” Efrain chimed in. “Yes, although I’m not sure if I should be concerned about how you phased that,” Cezar responded with a raised eyebrow as he could already tell Efrain might cause trouble later down the road. “I know it all sounds crazy but everything Cezar has mentioned thus far, well, it’s turned out to be all true as far as I’ve seen,” Vincente commented to back up their shared guide’s claims. “Well, that would explain quite a few things. Including my odd attraction to many of them,” Vasco carelessly admitted aloud. “Vasco, I have known you for only about twenty-four hours and I already know the reason you find them all attractive is because you’re hornier than a stray dog in heat,” Efrain ridiculed as he wiped away some sweat that had gathered on his forehead. “Well, you’re not wrong. I do have an appreciation for the female form. Perhaps I could sample a few of these mamono women as well since I no longer have to worry about them eating my handsome face,” Vasco boastfully commented as he already imagined all the things he might be able to get away with in this jungle. “Yeah, good luck with that, playboy” Cezar mockingly dismissed. “What do you mean by that, friend. You’re the one who told us they were easy women,” Vasco questioned slightly confused. “Oh, they’re quite easy to get with, but the thing is, they’re also insanely loyal, like to a fault. To them sex is marriage, so the moment you fuck one of them, you’re hitched for as long as they live,” Cezar warned with an amused grin on his face. “They may be loyal, but I’m more of a free spirit, you see. I can not be weighed down by one woman, no matter how attractive she may be. I am like the bumblebee, I need to get my legs wet in a lot of flowers, so to speak,” Vasco sleazily replied as he explained his luscious lifestyle. “You really are the most shameless man I know, Vasco,” Alamo commented with disappointment as he shifted the passenger on his back to get more comfortable. “Hate to break it to ya, but you might have a bit of trouble with cheating once you sleep with any mamono. You see, spirits tend to get connected during intercourse, and you’ll basically be marked as theirs forever. No mamono woman will ever lay eyes on you again once you’re marked, let along sleep with you. Not to mention your interest in other women will basically disappear once you’re married to a mamono. Although, harems are a thing if you manage to seduce a few of them before you’re claimed, but that outcome becomes insanely harder after the fact,” Cezar lectured as he shot down the man’s dreams in an instant. “Is that…is that really true?” Vasco questioned as his face got paler. “Every word,” Cezar replied leisurely. “Then I am very glad you are getting me out of this seductive hellhole. I see now I belong solely to the human women of this world,” Vasco commented as he realized the mistake he almost made giving into temptation here. “Well, don’t thank me yet. Personally, if I had to make a bet on who gets dragged off first, my bets on you,” the mamono expert mockingly replied as he continued to lead the way. Many of the other men couldn’t help but chuckle at Vasco’s expanse as his lewd dreams were torn apart before they could even begin. However, as they continued, the loud sound of snapping branches and oddly audible rumbling silenced everyone in the group as they froze in place, expecting the worse, all except for Cezar. He silently motioned the others to stay still as he moved to position himself in front of the group while facing the direction where the noises were emitting from. While everyone expected some new, massive mamono, or perhaps a horde of them to appear from the bushes, neither outcome appeared. Instead, something worse, something more monstrous stepped forth as it forced its way past the dense foliage to confront the group. It was truly a massive beast, nearly as tall as an elephant but much longer in body. It walked on giant clawed knuckles, had an insanely long bushy tail that fanned out, and its entire body was covered in dense, black and purple fur. But its most noticeable feature was its insanely elongated head and snout that had an equally long, whiplike tongue snaking out of its surprisingly small, dagger filled mouth. For anyone seeing such a creature and knew of the local animals who thrived in this jungle, the beast was very similar in appearance to a giant anteater, only much more colossal in size and heavily corrupted in form. “I thought you said all the monsters became sexy women?” Vasco whispered to his guide as he couldn’t take this eyes off the terrifying creature. “That’s because that’s not a monster. It’s just a mamono beast, so just let me handle it,” Cezar softly replied with a bit more volume as he avoided making any sudden moves that could come off as threatening. “That thing looks like it wants to suck out our guts. How is that not a monster,” Efrain quietly argued as his legs couldn’t help but shake. “I agree with them, Cezar. There’s no way that thing wouldn’t consider making a meal of us. It’s clearly a carnivore, just look at those teeth,” Vincente added as he shared his concerns regarding the corrupted creature. “Relax, as long as we don’t provoke it, it’s harmless. Mamono beasts, contrary to their admittedly intimidating appearance, are surprisingly docile. In fact, I think I just got an idea on how we can make up for some lost time and than some,” Cezar cryptically stated as he came up with a creative solution on the spot as he began to rustle through his bag for a very specific type of fruit.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“I got to admit, I was worried for a bit when I agreed to take you all under my wing, but we are making crazy good time right now. This might be one of my luckiest breaks yet,” Cezar avidly exclaimed as both a steady rush of wind and greenery rushed by his face. “I know we’re in a hurry, but would it be too much to ask, for you to slow this thing down a bit!” Vincente cried out as he hung onto some shaggy, yet oddly soft back fur for dear life. “I would but I’m not the one deciding the speed. You have to take it up with the big guy here!” Cezar jested with a hearty laugh, as the local guide was having the time of his life. Plowing through the underbrush at an alarming speed, the great mamono beast after some enticing, had been persuaded to serve as the fortuitous mount for the group of fleeing men. Motivated by the oddly gelatinous fruit dangling on a thread from an elongated branch ahead of it, the colossal, corrupted anteater charged through the foliage despite its cumbersome size to acquire it and more, while only getting the occasional lick in despite it’s long, flexible tongue. However, despite the awkwardness of steering such an unwieldly beast in such an unorthodox manner, Cezar was proving to be quite the surprisingly talented beast wrangler as he guided it to whatever location he had in mind, while the others held onto the creature for dear life. “Well, you need to do something to calm this thing down. I can tell the terrain is getting rougher and it’s getting a bit too bumpy back here for our slumbering captain,” Alamo protested as he hung at the back of the corrupted beast along with the still unconscious Alexander. “Personally, I wouldn’t mind knowing exactly where we’re headed. You clearly have somewhere in mind, and I feel like that is some very important information you need to divulge with us,” Efrain whined before a low hanging branch smacked him in the face. “We’re headed to the ruins of an ancient city if you must know. One of my most trusted associates lives inside a tree there. She is a mamono but she can be trusted, so don’t do anything stupid and just follow my lead when we get there. As for the ride, I’m afraid it’s only going to get bumper the closer we get, so just hang on and stop complaining. It won’t be much longer till we arrive at this speed,” Cezar informed his passengers as he focused on driving the beast forward. “Did you just say she was a mamono?” Alamo expressed his concerns. “Did you just say she lives inside a tree?” Vasco questioned further. “I did, she’s a Dryad. Living inside trees is kind of their thing. Her name is Chameda, and as I said she can be mostly trusted. She’s happily married, and you won’t find a sweeter woman, as long as you don’t try and piss her off. I’ve sought shelter in her home plenty of times and never had any trouble. She used to be powerful druid, until she underwent under some rite to become a mamono to help better preserve the balance in this jungle. Nowadays, she is a highly sought after herbalist, so she may or may not have other mamono with her when we arrive,” the local expert informed while avoiding an incoming branch. “Like how many other mamono are we talking here?” Vincente was quick to continue this line of questioning. “Let’s see…..I have honestly no idea. Could be a few or a few dozen. Chameda likes to keep most of the ruins to herself, since she’s basically turned the whole place into her personal grove. There are a few other mamono who do live there but most of them they’re also hitched and tend to keep to themselves and travel a lot. It’s any visiting mamono we really need to look out for. Granted Chameda is pretty good at keeping the peace, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try something,” Cezar forewarned in a nonchalant manner. “This place sounds risky. Isn’t there any safer spots to seek shelter in,” Alamo timidly requested as he continued to look after the captain by the rear of the beast. “We’re deep in the middle of a jungle that is home to countless mamono. Safe is a very relative term here. As long as none of you don’t start trouble and use some common sense, you will be fine. Worst case scenario, one of you, most likely Vasco here, gives into temptation and willingly gives themselves up. There should be no one there who will try and snatch you away, unless you ask it. So, any other concerns or are we good?” Cezar inquired of his passengers while maintaining his control over the hulking beast he was steering. “I do, actually. Why do you keep saying I will be the first to be picked off? It’s a little disheartening to hear you have so little faith in me, you know,” Vasco questioned with an overdramatic, playful tone to make it clear his feelings weren’t that actually hurt by the accusation. “Oh, come on you know why,” Cezar tauntingly replied with a coy smirk. “You do have a certain reputation, Vasco,” Vicente bluntly added. “Honestly I’m more surprised you didn’t openly invite one of them back at the swamp to fly off with you,” Efrain pitched in with a snarky comment. “Oh, you can all go to hell. As if I would allow the monstrous harlots of this jungle to deny the women of the world my unique services. I have my honor to uphold, you know,” Vasco declared in jest. “I don’t think your unique services could be viewed as honorable. Especially, in the Chief God’s eyes,” Alamo replied as he rolled his eyes. “My friend, you only say that only because you’ve never experienced the moment a woman decides to grace you with her touch. There are few things more virtuous than to earn the affection of a beautiful woman,” Vasco exclaimed proudly yet smugly. “Oh, please. I bet the only women who pay attention to you are the kind who do so for only a night for a few loose coins,” Efrain groaned out, as despite only knowing Vasco for a little bit, was already tried of his boasting. “Well, you’re not entirely wrong, after all the ladies of the night need to make a living too,” Vasco uttered with a carefree shrug. A deep groan escaped Cezar as he was forced to listen to this tasteless back and forth between the group he had foolishly agreed to babysit. At least on the bright side their destination was close at hand, and everyone soon would have something else to talk about besides this childish dribble. However, in the meantime he would just have to put up with it, and with any luck his number of passengers would lesson sooner rather than later. Una had finally accomplished the dream all mamono held dear, she had finally caught a man to call her own. Even if the whole experience was a little more awkward than she expected, it had all worked out in the end. While she may have struck out with Vincente thanks to Cezar’s interference, luckily her future husband was not far behind after such a disheartening failure. His name was Julio, and he was the most adorable man Una had ever laid eyes on. Sure, he struggled a good bit and was terrified when she first snatched him away using her tongue from those barbaric Order goons he was with, but he eventually calmed down once she showed him first hand what she had to offer. It took some explanation and even more reassuring to convince him that she meant no harm, but eventually the Mucus Toad was able to lower his defences just enough for her to properly seal the deal. His inexperienced moans were music to the young amphibian’s ears the moment they finally had some privacy, and her tongue snaked its way down his pants to sample her prize as it swelled in its slick embrace. That captivating face he made the first time he blew his load into the wrappings of her elastic tongue would forever be engraved into Una’s mind for as long as she lived. It wasn’t long after that before Julio started to take the initiative and went out of his way to get himself nice and dirty to please her. It seemed he had a special attraction to her ample thighs and meaty rump, although that was hardly a surprise, after all those were the areas the Mucus Toad was most prideful of, and she would’ve been insulted if those weren’t the first things he buried his face in. They mated all through the remaining day and night, their cries of pleasures mixing with the other newly wedded couples nearby as their combined echoes formed a chorus that traveled through the jungle for all to hear. Whenever they weren’t riding one another, they simply talked and got to know one another before getting back to exploring every each of each other’s forms. Apparently her previous Julio was a fairly new recruit and was chosen to take part in some project at Saint Manus, but none of that mattered now, he was hers and she was his. It was a magical night, one Una would never forget but as the sun of the new day crept on them, Una wondered if she had pushed her new man a little too hard, as he was clearly exhausted and in need of some proper rest after she had put him through her paces. Currently both of them were resting in a deep mud puddle, as poor little Julio was held in grip of a peaceful slumber after tiring his little heart out to keep up with Una’s insatiable sexual appetite. The poor lad didn’t fall asleep until just before the sun was beginning to rise, so he was currently in blissful slumber leaning up against Una as if her bosom was his personal pillow, while they both laid half submerged in the muddy water even as noon hour was approaching. Apart of Una wanted to wake her newly acquired beloved as soon as possible so she could show him their new home or get back to business, but she had to admit seeing him cuddling up so closely against her slimy body, completely peaceful as he clung to her, caused her heart to race in a manner she had never experienced before. She almost never wanted this moment to end as she lovingly combed her webbed fingers through his hair as she slept. It was truly a magical moment, as she imagined her future together with this man and the family they would create together. As she drifted to a daydream like state of mind, the one thing the Mucus Toad knew for sure was that nothing could spoil this moment for her right now. “Una, is that you? Were you able to spy Cezar when he passed through here like I asked?” the familiar voice of Dycia called out to the relaxing Mucus Toad from out of the blue. Snapped out of her blissful stupor and surprising her enough she thought she was going to leap out of her skin there for a second, Una’s head snapped around her before noticing the towering, armed Ocelomeh standing behind her on the mucky bank. However, much to the amphibian’s surprise Dycia was not alone, as standing beside her was of, all things, an Amazon, and a younger one at that. The stranger despite her imposing height, physique and greataxe, came across as bubbly and upbeat, which completely contrasted with Dycia’s more hyper focused, no-nonsense stance. Despite being completely baffled by her feline friend’s new pal, Una wasted no time to scramble out of her makeshift pond to properly greet her guests, but not before gently resting her new sweetheart’s head on the bank to ensure his slumber went undisturbed. “Oh, shit, Dycia. Hey, how are you. Do you think we could talk over there and maybe keep it down a little. My new husband here needs all the rest he can get, you know, for later,” the surprised Mucus Toad quietly requested as she led the duo to a spot further into the brush. “I didn’t mean to disturb your moment, Una but I need to know if you saw Cezar make his way past you and if there was a white-haired man accompanying him?” the shaggy maned Ocelomeh questioned again, although in a softer manner. “It’s alright, we already had our moment and I’m just waiting for our next one right now. Anyways, I did see Cezar pass through here and there was a white-haired man with him. I actually tried to snag that guy for my husband but as you can see, that didn’t work out,” Una informed as she lovingly looked back at her half-submerged Julio. “I’m sorry, you tried to do what?” Phoebe cut in unexpectedly with an unnervingly false bright and cherry expression. The sudden question, combined with the slightly aggressive undertone, caught Una off guard as she suddenly felt the need to explain herself, “Well, he was cute and since he was with Cezar….I thought….maybe I could…..just grab him and no…one…would….care?” “It’s fine, Una. Ignore her. After all you have your own man now. Just tell us which direction they went, and we’ll get out of your hair as soon as possible?” Dycia interrupted to get things back on track. “Oh right. They turned off left just a little further up ahead on the path. Not exactly sure where they’re headed, but it seemed Cezar knew what he was doing, per usual,” the Mucus Toad divulged. “That’s good to know, but I just needed to confirm if his passenger was still with him. We can take it from here. Thank you for keeping a lookout on my behalf, Una. I promise to send those prized pelts to you and your new husband once this hunt ends, however, we must be going,” Dycia thanked the younger amphibian lookout while making it clear she was still in a hurry to catch up with her prey. “Oh, one more thing, Dycia. I directed a few other guys their way. With any luck, they reached Cezar and that other guy and hopefully formed a group with them. That should slow them down nice and easy for you to catch up,” Una informed, a hint of pride in her voice as if thinking her plan was genius. “Ha, as if Cezar would be foolish enough to travel in a pack. But I appreciate the attempt. If anything else, it they will help show the way to him and Vincente. Again, you have my thanks, Una,” Dycia uttered before getting ready to depart. The experienced huntress prepared to take her leave, having gotten the information she desired and not wishing to take up any more of the newly weds time. Dycia turned her glare towards the Amazon as she nodded to signal it was time they resumed their hunt before breaking into a dash. Phoebe however, just as she was about to sprint after her new companion, quickly turned to address the Mucus Toad one last time before departing herself. “I’m very happy you were able to find a man to call your own, Una. I hope your life with him is one full of happiness. Although, truth be told, I’m more glad my little Vincente-poo was able to evade you. Otherwise…..I’m not sure if we could ever become friends,” Phoebe exclaimed with a cheerful smile despite her words coming off as more ominous more than anything, “Anyways take care. Maybe, we can hang out some time after I bag my own man.” With that, the Amazon finally took off as she dashed to catch up with her more experienced hunting partner. Left alone once more, Una only shutter after such a brief encounter with that looming woman. It was clear, despite her lighthearted personality, the Mucus Toad just avoided a natural disaster by failing to claim that white haired man who was clearly that Amazon’s target. She knew Amazon’s had a reputation for being a little territorial with any man who caught their eye, but that was the first time the young frog had ever experienced it first hand. “I starting to think all Amazons are crazy,” Una expressed to herself under her breath before turning to look back at her slumbering love, “I think I’m more thankful than ever that you were the one I ended up with, Julio. Perhaps when you wake up, I should show you just how thankful I really am.” Phoebe bolted through the soft, marshy landscape as she struggled to keep pace with Dycia. As expected of an Ocelomeh, her ability and speed were astonishing, even by mamono standards, as the muddy, vegetation laced terrain did nothing to slow her down. It was obvious to anyone she knew exactly where she was going despite the lack of clear directions, however what truly puzzled Phoebe was the fact her new hunting companion hadn’t once taken the time to check her surroundings for tracks or any other signs of their prey. In fact, now that she thought about it, Dycia hadn’t stopped to actually do anything resembling proper tracking since the hunt started. They had just bolted past everything as if their final destination was set from the very beginning. “Dycia, slow down for a second, won’t you. Shouldn’t we be, you know, tracking or figuring out where they’re headed, or anything like that?” Phoebe called out as they both made their way through the jungle at an alarming pace. “There’s no need for us to waste our time doing any of that right now. Your precious Vincente is still with Cezar, which means I can track both of them. He took one of my knives, which means he’s currently carrying around one of my mana markers. However, while I can sense it, it’s only a matter of time before your brother realizes he has it on his person and disposes of it, so we got to cover as much ground as possible before he does,” Dycia stated in a matter-of-fact tone as she refused to slow down. “Oooooohhh…..wait, if you had a mana tracker on them the entire time, why did we waste time talking to that Mucus Toad?” the Amazon questioned as she picked up the pace in order to avoid being left in the dust. “Had to make sure Vincente was still traveling with Cezar and wasn’t abandoned by him. Otherwise, we would be chasing the wrong target,” the Ocelomeh went on to explain as she focused on sensing her mana marker. “Well….it really wouldn’t be the wrong man for me, but I see your point. Regardless, I can’t believe you were able to trick him into taking it. Don’t tell me that was the reason you were acting all mean to him back at breakfast banquet?” Phoebe inquired with a sterner tone, as it was clear she hadn’t completely forgiven the Ocelomeh for how she treated her future husband back than. “I had to provoke him to take it somehow, and what better way than fear and resentment. Although, considering he belongs to that accursed Order, he probably would have taken it the moment I turned my back regardless of how I talked to him. That’s just how they are after all,” Dycia proclaimed as she effortlessly made her way through at top speed. “Oh, Order men aren’t that bad. At least they aren’t once we get our claws into them and settle them down. I’m sure Vincente, no matter what his rough edges might be, will turn out the same,” the Amazon responded with an almost anxious upbeat tone. “Sure, they’re fine after they’re claimed, but the problem is the damage they can do before that happens. I still can’t fathom why Cezar is taking such an unnecessary risk traveling with that savage. That weasel is only going to end up trying to stab him in the back, just like anyone else would from his self-righteous tribe,” Dycia growled as she tore through some foliage to make a path. “Vincente is too sweet a guy to try something like that. And you be careful who you call a weasel, that’s the future father of my children you’re talking about. Just what is your issue with the Order anyways. Cezar always told me you held a special hated for them. Just what have they done to you to make you distrust them all so much,” Phoebe interrogated as she wasn’t sure what the story was behind this hostility towards her soon to be partner. Dycia stopped in her tracks as she turned to address the issue properly, “Don’t you remember when your brother returned home bloody and on death’s door after being double-crossed by some men who hired him to gather supplies. Those men belonged to the Order, and they nearly took Cezar from us just because they saw him as a traitor to their beliefs. That’s unforgivable and you know it.” “I know that was bad, but they’re not all like that. Cezar’s worked with plenty of Order folk over the years, and he says most of them are pretty reasonable,” Phoebe defended as she halted to address her feline partner. “Some sure, but those who fight for the Order, like your Vincente, are a different story. They are too zealous, too hypocritical to be trusted. Sure, your little Vincente has been frightened into compliance for now, but once he’s comfortable around Cezar enough to regain some spine, who knows what he might be capable of,” Dycia expressed her concerns as she tightened her paws. “You’re joking. Vincente is a sweetheart who couldn’t harm a fly. He’s not even a solider. He’s just a harmless engineer. Cezar even told me so back at breakfast. Besides, even if Vincente was some blood hungry fighter and tried anything, do you really think my big brother wouldn’t be able to handle a guy like him. I thought you knew him better than that,” Phoebe informed with a teasing huff. Dycia couldn’t help but get a little red in the face after hearing this new information, “Just an engineer? Well…l,,,,.I didn’t know that part. Regardless, humans are capable of anything, especially those who worship the Chief God and I don’t want to take any risks. So, the sooner we find them, the better.” “You really do care for my brother don’t you. You’re a lot softer than you look, Dycia,” Phoebe derisively asked with a growing coy smirk. “Of course I do, but that’s…. besides the point. And I am not soft. So, if you’re done with the banter, let’s just get back on our way before we lose them, ok,” the scarred Ocelomeh uttered as she tried to save some face, before continuing on with her pursuit. “Whatever you say,” Phoebe replied as she chased after her before finishing her thought secretly under her breath, “You and my brother are going to make such a cute couple.” “This is our pit stop?” Vasco blurted out in disbelief at the sight he was seeing. “Who could have thought this jungle held such a place,” Vincente uttered as he too was caught off guard by the unbelievable site they were overseeing. “Yup, it’s quite the place, but trust me when I say this, this doesn’t even crack the top ten when it comes to the wonders this jungle has hidden away,” Cezar proudly exclaimed as he brought the corrupted beast under his command to a complete stop, “However, from here, it’s best we continue on foot. Easier to get down there that way, trust me.” Before the makeshift crew of disinclined explorers laid a massive, rocky clearing that dipped inwards to its centre. It was one massive, ancient crater, one that had existed long before the arrival of humans in this land but the odd thing was that the ruins of an entire civilization lined it’s sweeping walls and filled it’s centre. Numerous crumbling staircases and worn away roads connected everything within the entire natural concave as time ravaged, stone buildings of various sizes and designs filled its cavernous space while being covered in lush, colourful foliage. However, it was what was at the centre that nearly took every newcomer’s breath away. Located in the exact centre of the bowl-shaped valley was the largest tree any of the foreign men had ever seen. Such a thing looked like it was ripped straight from a child’s story book as it towered over everything with ease while it’s crown of leaves and branches shadowed everything beneath it like some colossal umbrella. It was massive, impossibly so, and yet everyone could not deny its existence. Alamo especially was dumbfounded by its sheer natural majesty as for some reason it reminded him of his family’s orchard back home. Cezar slid off the hulking mamono anteater before allowing the beast to finally feast on the melty fruit he had been dangling in front of it the entire journey. The local traveler could only thank the gods, mamono beasts were such gentle, easily tameable creatures, otherwise he and the others probably wouldn’t have made it this fair before nightfall. Cezar would have loved to ride this creature all the way out of here but knowing Chameda, she wouldn’t want such a thing running amok in her private grove and gorging on her gardens. So, like it or not, he had to leave the creature behind for now if he wanted a good night’s sleep and some extra supplies from his floronic ally. However, knowing mamono beasts, there was a good chance it would stick around or try and find him again for more treats after their time in the overgrown ruins came to an end, so leaving it temporary behind probably wasn’t a total loss. “Come on fellas. The free ride ends here for now. As you have all probably guessed, that massive tree in the center of all these ruins is our destination. However, as we head down, do follow my every step and don’t go off to explore on your own. Chameda may be expecting me, but she isn’t expecting any of you. So, I need to let her know you’re all with me before we can even think about relaxing and settling down here,” Cezar lectured as prepared to lead them all down into the ruinous grove. One by one the other men departed from the back of their bestial ride and left the monstrous creature behind just as they had gotten used to traveling on it. With Cezar taking the front, the group descended the nearest set of stairs in a single file line down the steep, battered steps. As they made it past the outer rim of the crater and entered the more structurally packed inner circle, the outsiders couldn’t believe how well-preserved many of these ancient buildings were. Vincente especially was impressed by how they all seemed to have stood the test of time, even if their designs weren’t like anything he had ever seen. Worn down statues of ancient warriors and beasts could be found all around the abandoned settlement and engravings of the daily life and battles this ancient civilization once took part in decorated the walls of many of the more impressive buildings. This place truly was a time capsule of a different time but strangely enough the various plants that covered nearly every structure here seemed to be helping to perverse everything instead of erasing it. As they continued inward, Vincente couldn’t help but notice how some specifically placed vines were the only thing keeping a crumbling statue together or how a nearby fruit tree was acting as support to stop a wall from collapsing. It was a peculiar sight to say the least, but if this was the work of whoever this Chameda was, it was obvious she cared just as much about preserving this ancient civilization as she did about the exotic flora she had planted all over this ancient city. Efrain however viewed the area with a much different lens. To him the entire location was the exact kind of spot he had gambled everything to find in this green hell. Who knew what valuables and hidden treasure’s this lost city held. If he played his cards right he could easily find something that could finally grant him access to the easy life just as he always dreamed, or at the very least buy him a half decent house. The only issue right now was that anything of value he could spot was impossible to carry out of here even with the added man power and the fact he was forewarned of so far unseen mamono who live here. It would be risky to venture off alone here, but perhaps there were other ways of precuring something here that would make his trip to this jungle worth it. Alamo on the other hand was more perplexed by the variety of plants that seemed to have been purposively planted all over the ruins. He recognized some of them, exotic flowers and fruits both native and exotic to this environment, but there were others which seemed much, much stranger. Oddly coloured and twisted appearances combined with wiggling appendages and bizarre fruit, made some of those plants look like something that came of a nightmare instead of mother earth. Even the fruit that hung from their stems appeared natural as many of them were heart-shaped or even gelatinous in appearance. He even spotted the largest flower he had ever seen tucked away in one of the run down buildings, although he swore he saw a man and a green skinned woman inside it for a split second before the petals closed tightly around one another. However, he chalked it up to paranoia and his worries getting the best of them, after all a plant was a plant, nothing more. “Just what is this place?” Vincente inquired as he couldn’t keep his eyes away from studying the infrastructure of this lost city. “Just the remains of a civilization lost to time. From what I know, whoever used to live here were wiped out around the time of the third or fourth monster lord. But if you want to know more, I recommend asking Chameda’s husband about it for more details. It’s been his life’s goal to unravel the mystery of this place and document every little thing he’s uncovered,” the local guide recommended as he continued to lead them closer and closer to the colossal tree at the centre. “Yes, yes, that’s all very interesting but I don’t see any mamono anywhere? I thought you said this place would be crawling with them?’ Vasco butted in as he surveyed every inch of the ruinous grove. “There here, somewhere, so don’t worry. Although I must question your interest, Vasco, whatever happened to your declaration of sticking with human women,” Cezar taunted. “I did and I still intend to keep it. However, there is nothing wrong with simply looking, right. As long as I don’t touch them and they don’t touch me, then everything should be fine, correct,” Vasco responded with an unworried expression. “That’s a great underestimation, but you’re free to do whatever you wish. But I will warn you this one last time, a mamono's appearance is not their only lure,” the local expert cautioned as he continued to lead them all deeper. “You’re all damn fools,” Alexander groaned as he finally stirred from his enforced slumber. “Captain, you’re awake!” Alamo gleefully expressed as he quickly dropped his leader from his shoulder. “Oh, the great, the zealot’s awake,” Cezar grumbled out. “What are you idiots doing? Why are you following this heathen? You can’t be foolish enough to actually believe his lies about getting us out of here,” Alexander reprimanded his men as he finally started to notice his new surroundings. “Well, captain, with you unconscious, we didn’t have much of a choice,” Vasco explained slightly nervously. “We know you disprove but he’s proven inviable thus far. I don’t think we would have made it much further without this aid,” Alamo defended their decision of entrusting Cezar. “Besides he done a much better job thus fair than you did,” Efrain more coldly remarked, after all, unlike the others. he was far from loyal to Alexander. “I don’t know where we are, but even I can tell this place is just some trap. Look around you, this man has brought us to out doom,” Captain Diamandis hissed before noticing his hands were bound behind his back, “Quickly one of you untie me, while we still have time.” “Captain, please calm yourself. I know this place seems strange, mainly because it is, but we need to trust Cezar. This is no time to let our pride or fear divide us. We must continue forward together if we want a chance,” Vincente spoke up as he pleaded one last time with his captain. “Listen to your troops, dumbass. They got a much better understanding of your situation than you do. Besides, we’re nearly at the base of the tree, so I really need you to play along and behave. Otherwise, well, I won’t be able to save you from the consequences of your stupidity,” Cezar forewarned as he tauntingly cracked his knuckles and gave his reluctant companion a shit eating smirk. A low hiss emitted from Alexander as he looked over all his men and seeing none of them were willing to stand beside him on this. It was disheartening to say the least, humiliating even, but he understood where they were coming from, especially with all the loss they had all suffered thus far. Despite his hatred for the man leading them now, abandoning the few troops he had left would be unforgivable. Besides, there was still time to make the see reason and return them to the proper path. So, as much as it disgusted him to his very core, the good captain swallowed his pride for now. “Do you all truly trust in this man’s abilities that much?” Captain Diamandis inquired of his men with a low growl. “Well,……I mean, he’s kept his word so far,” Alamo stuttered. “And he actually knows his way around here,” Efrain pointed out casually. “Not to mention he didn’t leave us tied to a tree,” Vasco grumbled out as he avoided eye contact. “Fine……I will play along for now, but the moment you show your true colours Incubus, I’ll slay you,” the bound captain threatened as he turned his gaze to Cezar. “Again, not an Incubus, but you’re welcome to try, Order dog. Now hush up, because we’re here and I can’t have you barking your nonsense. Not unless you want to put everyone here in needless danger,” Cezar coyly replied as he dismissed the captain’s remark. Soon, the traveling group had arrived by the base of the great tree, as they were all finally able to get an up close and personal understanding of this ancient plant’s true scale. Its trunk was absurdly thick especially around the base, as it easily dwarfed any building they had passed thus far and easily took up an entire city block by itself, while its height was impossible to guess accurately as it shot towards the heavens. Massive, engorged roots spread out from all around it, causing the entire surrounding stone streets to be torn up and uneven while its dense branches allowed only a bit of light through them, casting a permeant shadow upon everything beneath it. It was a sight to behold from a distance but up close, it was surprisingly intimidating. Yet, Cezar stepped forward and gently grasped a nearby flower growing around one of the colossal base roots and brought it by his face. “Chameda, I’m here and as you can see, I may have brought a few guests with me this time around. I hope that isn’t a problem,” Cezar announced his presence into the flower, despite the odd looks everyone gave him from witnessing him do such a thing. “Did he just talk into a flower? Is that normal around here?” Vasco whispered to Vincente, expecting him to know the answer. “I don't know. This is the first time I’ve seem him do it, so maybe?” Vincente quietly answered back. However, everyone became silent when a being started to emerge from the root of the tree itself. At first it appeared as if a new root was emerging from the wood, but it soon took on a feminine shape as the bark that covered swiftly shifted to flesh. Within seconds a woman with flowing green locks, emerald eyes, and olive toned skin formed from the mass of fibrous material before everyone’s very eyes. Vines and flowers covered her hair and arms, while a very tribal like dress, decorated with odd symbols adorned her shapely figure, with the cloth hanging very loosely around the woman’s impressively large breasts. Her entire appearance and the aura she gave off, could only be described as warm and motherly by all those who laid eyes on her. “Oh Cezar, you should have told me you were bringing friends over. I feel so underprepared with this many new guests.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
High within the countless branches of the Grand Everblight Tree, far from the husk of the lost civilization below, movement was beginning to stir behind its concealing leaves. Chittering giggles and cheeky banter broke out amongst a small troop of enthralled Kakuens as they spied upon the latest bounty that had stumbled upon their territory from atop their high perch. Despite only being four in number, each one varied in shape, size and the colour of their coat but each one shared the same scheming expression that twisted their delicate faces. “What do they look like. Tell us, tell us, boss,” the shortest and bustiest one with golden blonde fur excitedly inquired of her leader. “Please, give one of us a turn with the telescope, Kamala. You can’t keep hugging it all to yourself,” the gentlest looking Kakuen with the snow white coat begged. “Hush Scilla, I’m concentrating. Although I must say they look as appetizing as a bundle of perfectly ripe fruit. But I also spy one little problem that might get in our way,” the dark-haired Kamala, the most bottom heavy of the Kakuens and the leader of the troop, replied as she hung upside down from her reliable tail while peering through her trusty scope. “What kind of problem?” the tallest one adorned with rustic brown fur, inquired. “Well, Canna, if you must know. I think I see Cezar with them?” Kamala groaned disheartened by this discovery. “Oh poo,” Canna pouted. “I don’t get it. Why is he traveling with so many of them? That isn’t like him, is it?” Scilla questioned curiously. “Hell, if I know. Wait, aren’t those stupid Amazons and those airheaded Ocelomeh’s doing that silly hunting competition this year, Senna?” Kamala inquired of her blonde lacky. “Actually, I think they are, boss. So, those guys must be runaways, but that still doesn’t explain why Cezar is helping them?” Senna informed while posing her own question. “Obviously they’re bribing him with something he wants, what other reason could there be. Whatever it is, it must be valuable enough for him to risk escorting so many at once given who are after them,” Kamala grumbled as she scratched her chin. “Perhaps, or maybe only one of them has it and the others are just part of some deal?” Scilla unknowingly correctly guessed. “Well, we only need one, so maybe Cezar won’t mind if we lightened his load, just a little,” Canna commented as she tried to make out the dots below who were apparently men. “Of course he won’t, but even if he did, this still requires further investigation. With any luck, we’ll find someone who both meets our fancy and is easy to lure away among them,” Kamala deviously chuckled to herself before swinging herself back up to join her troop, “I say we show those boys some good old fashioned Kakuen hospitality.” Cezar couldn’t help but notice the glint of a very small but highly reflective surface as he briefly looked up, dotted amongst the leaves high above him. Well, that was just great, he thought to himself, it appeared there were some nosey mamono spying on them already, which meant that was going to be a headache later for sure. The only real question now was what species was lurking up there and how many. Thankfully the woman with all the answers he needed for that future problem was now standing before him and welcoming him into her home. Which was more than enough reason for him to return all his attention back to his most gracious, floral host. “Chameda, again, sorry about the surprise guests, they were a…ummmm….last minute addition. So, you really don’t have much of a problem with them staying the night here. I feel it only right to warn you these are Order boys I got with me,” Cezar honestly admitted to his long time Dryad caretaker. “Of course not, dear. While they can’t stay in my tree, they are free to camp nearby as long as they behave like good boys. Of course, they are welcomed to stay as long as they like. I’m sure I have room for some of them in my grove,” Chameda warm-heartedly offered as she gave the group an acknowledging and welcoming wave. “Tempting but that’s something you would have to take up with them personally. Anyways, I don’t suppose you could keep an eye on them when night falls, just so they don’t have to worry about getting dragged away in the middle of the night,” Cezar causally requested, as if her saying no was a reasonable outcome. “I can see what I can do, but even with my plants everyway, I am not omnipresent and what little protection I can provide has its limits as you know. That being said, you must have had a long journey to get here, would you like to come in so we can distress more private matters. It was been months since we last caught up with one another,” the Dryad ardently offered as if Cezar was a member of her own family. “I would honestly love a small break to just talk with someone sensible. I’m fine with sitting for a spill and chatting for a bit,” Cezar accepted as he began to walk up the root following the motherly Dryad. “Wait, hold on. You’re not leaving us, are you, Cezar!” Vincente called out alongside his cohorts. “Yeah, I thought you agreed to be our god damn shepherd through this lush hell,” Vasco cried out. “Oh, relax. I’ll only be gone an hour or so to discuss some business. I’ll be back soon with tents, beds, and if you’re lucky, a nice, warm meal for you all. In the meantime, find a spot you all feel safe to set yourselves up in and maybe do some exploring while we still got light. There’s plenty of food growing about, both natural and corrupted, so only take what you recognize,” Cezar recommended as he continued his ascent to the base of the Everblight. “Wait, what about the mamono around here? We’re completely defenceless or have you forgotten,” Alamo added, his tone sounding a bit more distressed. “Rest assured, all those who reside in my grove are well-behaved. In fact, I’m proud to say most of them have already found their perfect match but for those who haven’t, well, that will be up to you to decide if you want to make them happy or not,” Chameda warmly proposed as she opened a passage to the inside of her home with a leisurely wave of her hand. “Don’t insult us. No one here would willing give themselves over to whatever terrors you have lurking in these ruins,” Captain Diamandis scornfully declared as he shot daggers at the Dryad. “My, my, aren’t you an interesting mix of spice. Well, regardless, never say never. In return for shelter, the only I thing I ask of you in return, is that you all keep an open mind and try to be friendly to any of the girls who try to interact with you. If you behave, they’ll behave. You have my word,” the soft-spoken tree spirit uttered dismissively. “Is that a threat, you overgrown weed,” the Order commander growled back with a hateful scowl. “Oh, will you shut it, Alexander! That wasn’t a threat, and you know it. Would it kill you to use some of that Order chivalry you’re all so proud of and show a little gratitude to someone offering you a safe place to sleep,” Cezar barked back before turning to Chameda, “Sorry about that, I know how much you hate needless aggression.” “It’s quite alright. Everyone is scared at first but perhaps this will be a good opportunity for them to learn a thing or two,” the Dryad calmly stated as she paid the captain no mind, “So, shall we head in. You don’t visit me and Jonna nearly enough nowadays and we have so much to go over, Cezar. So, why waste the little time we have on empty bickering.” Cezar’s attention returned to the huddle mass of Order men one last time before stepping though the entrance way, “Ok, you lot, last warning before I leave you all be to make your own mistakes or scheme behind my back. Don’t eat anything you’re not supposed too, don’t venture beyond the ruins and if a mamono shows up, don’t start shit with them. If you can follow all those simple instructions while I’m away, you’ll be fine. If not, well, I’ll know what happened to you at least.” With that both Cezar and Chameda ventured into the tree’s opening before having it seal behind them. The group was now free to make their own choices for the time being within the remains of this lost civilization, yet they all stood in place unsure of what to do like a herd of frightened sheep, all except two that was. Oddly Vincente was the first to try and venture off on his own to look over some nearby buildings, however Diamandis howled at him to halt as he was trying to gather what little left of his crew to huddle around him. “Vincente, get over here! We need to make a plan while we have some privacy and I need you to tell me everything you know about that Incubus you have leading us,” Alexander ordered. “Captain, just what is your problem with him anyway and why do you keep accusing him to be an Incubus? I know he’s a little gruff and hasn’t been the most respectful to your authority, but he is actively acting in our best interest. I know you hate it, but we do need him to get out of here, and you know it. It would be suicide not too,” Vincente argued back. “Don’t take that tone with me, I am still your superior officer. Even if you are only an engineer, you are still a member of the Order’s forces, and we need to stick together or we all fall alone. Don’t let that thing’s empty promises drive a wedge between us,” the captain angrily pleaded. “Captain, you make it sound like Cezar isn’t human?” Alamo questioned. “That’s because there’s no way he is. When we fought, I’ve never been hit that hard before in my life, aside from maybe when I used to spar with the hero Vandis. There’s no way he could be that strong, not to mention there’s the matter of his footprints,” Diamandis divulged a little embarrassed about discussing his previous defeat. “His footprints? What’s so odd about his footprints?” Vincente inquired befuddled about this odd point. “It’s not that his footprints are weird or nothing, it’s just that he doesn’t seem to leave any. How have you not noticed that when traveling with him?” Efrain pointed out. “Wait, that can’t be true. You said you tracked us by our footprints,” the Order engineer rebuked as he actively thought back to anytime with Cezar and tried picturing the sight of his tracks. “I said we followed a single set of tracks, Vincente. Yours. The entire time we followed your steps, we didn’t see any beside yours,” Alexander bluntly informed. “Well, that doesn’t mean he’s an Incubus. It could be that he’s just using some kind of spell to hide his tracks. After all it makes sense he would have to know such a spell to avoid all the mamono who apparently chase him on the daily around here,” Vincente defended. “That’s true. My cousins a mage, and magic could easily explain such a phenomenon. Have you seen him use any other spells while you traveled with him, Vincente,” Vasco put forth as the explanation was more than reasonable. “Perhaps, but that still doesn’t explain his strength. Not to mention we can’t overlook the fact he seems to have no problem getting along with monsters,” Alexander debated. “Captain, didn’t we find him locked in the same cage we were in. It’s obvious he doesn’t get along with everyone in this jungle,” Alamo put forth. “That’s because he’s a fucking spy, I’ll already told you all this. They put him there to gain our trust and uncover our purpose for heading to Saint Manus. He isn’t our ally or savior, he’s a snake waiting to bite us in the back. He will not only be our doom but Saint Manus’s as well if we continue to follow him blindly,” the Order captain argued passionately, “Be honest with us, Vincente. During the entire time you have been with him, has he done anything strange or inquired about Saint Manus.” Vincente debated with himself as to what he was willing to disclose about what he knew about Cezar. A lot of what Alexander was accusing their guide of wasn’t entirely unfounded, as he did make some good points about his oddities and motives. It was true Cezar had an unusual interest in what was going on in that city, after all it was the sole reason he seemed to be putting up with him as his guide. However, if Cezar was to be believed, Saint Manus was his old home city, so it would only be natural for him to inquire about its wellbeing. Besides, if the information was all he truly wanted, there were plenty of other ways Cezar could have gone about extracting it from him, especially considering his superior might. Unfortunately, the truth was, there was much Vincente still didn’t know about Cezar, but he knew he couldn’t allow rumor and mistrust to spread in his group, otherwise they really would be doomed. So, he made the decision to neglect telling his former cohorts about what he knew of Cezar’s background and motives to ensure civil war didn’t break out among them. “I know he has some crazy good senses and any interest he’s had in Saint Manus has been faint at best. However, I must ask Captain, what exactly is an Incubus and why are you so sure Cezar is one?” Vincente inquired as he changed the topic on his former leader to hopefully avoid further inquires regarding Cezar. “An Incubus is a treacherous creature that is born when a man commits the greatest sin imaginable, laying with a monster and accepting corruption into his soul. They may look the same as they did when they were human, but I can assure you there isn’t an ounce of humanity left in them. They are slaves to the monsters that had claimed them, but they have been gifted dark powers in return. It’s obvious whatever talents and gifts that man has is a result of such a dark binding. Why can’t any of you see that,” Alexander ranted madly. “But Captain, none of that matches up with what I’ll learned about Cezar or mamono. Far too many mamono are after him for him to have already been claimed. It doesn’t add up,” Vincente countered. “Don’t be fooled. Its obvious this is all a grand deception and every monster you’ve have met is just playing along to ensure that viper gets what he wants,” Diamandis continued his distrustful rant. “Or maybe you’ve just gone paranoid and are mad because he’s usurping your position,” Efrain muttered out in a disapproving tone. “Just out of curiosity, captain, there has been something that’s been bothering me. How exactly do you know about all this? Before we entered this jungle none of us had any idea regarding the true nature of our enemy, but now that I think back, you already seemed to have known a thing or two about mamono already? Why is that?” Vincente inquired as he was beginning to wonder if Cezar was not the only one here with secrets. “Of course, I knew about them and their sickening ways! One doesn’t receive the title of captain without experiencing their true enemy firsthand. Unlike you, you who have thankfully only seen action against the rebellions of your fellow men, I have been on the frontlines of our real war. I have seen the true nature of these monsters in women’s clothing, and I have pushed them back. It is why I was specially chosen to take part in the project, it is why I was tasked with leading all of you, and it is why you must follow me now,” Alexander defensively shouted out. “Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me you knew the whole-time monsters were nothing but attractive, overly horny women. Why in the heavens would you or the Order keep such important information from us?” Vasco questioned in an accusatory manner. “Oh please, Vasco you of all people should know why. Those monsters know that men are weak to the temptations of the flesh like nothing else. If I or our homeland let the truth out, not only would our forces dwindle but there would be chaos in the streets due to fools believing those harlots lies. Why do you think so many kingdoms have fallen already. Why do you think we most focus half our forces on dealing with rebellions in our other kingdoms. It’s because the will of the average man is weak, but that will change once we reach Saint Manus, mark my words. So, come to your senses and let us come up with a plan to escape this mess Vincente has led us into,” the Order captain madly spouted. “So, you and the Order have been lying to us the entire time than?” Alamo weakly expressed. “NO! Of course not! Just because we had concealed what they truly look like and how depraved they acted, doesn’t mean we lied about their true nature. They are pure evil, and everything about them is a well-crafted lie designed to trick humanity into becoming their slaves,” Alexander defended the falsehoods of their divine Order. “Ok, so what was the game plan when we did eventually did face them. How can you expect us to face one thing than pull the rug underneath us and have us fight something completely different. I don’t know about you, but when those Amazon’s came rushing out of the trees to capture us, I immediately dropped my guard when I saw they had tits the size of my head,” Vasco argued, seemingly the most offended by this white lie. “We weren’t supposed to engage with any of them until after you became more prepared at Saint Manus. The truth would have been revealed to you there and the project would have helped us all better face these monsters of temptation. Which is all the more reason we need to stick together and get there with as many of us as possible. As far as we know, we might be all that is left of our battalion,” Alexander beseeched his men to follow his lead once more. “Just what is the project waiting for us at Saint Manus anyway, captain? All I know is my fiancé is helping with it but even she couldn’t tell me what it was?’ Vincente inquired as he saw this as his chance to get some answers for himself. “Honestly, not much if I’m being truthful. All I know is that it’s being overseen by some wizard who has agreed to co-operate with the Order and that he specifically asked for devote troops with no previous knowledge or experience with mamono to take part in it,” the Order captain divulged. “Oh, that sounds super trustworthy. So, we don’t even know what’s waiting for us in that city either. I wish I was never drafted into this stupid army,” Vasco groaned with displeasure from the lack of an actual answer. “It is an honor to fight for the Order and be chosen for this project, whatever it may be. Of that there should be no doubt. However, if you all feel that way, perhaps none of you were truly worthy to begin with,” Alexander lamented as he tightly closed his fists in frustration of losing control over his own men. “Nobody is arguing with you about getting out of here, captain, but we have no idea where we are but Cezar does. Like it or not, we have no choice but to rely on his word,” Alamo put forth apologetically. “No, you do have a choice. You have the option to abandon that deceiving rat and allow the Chief God to guide us. No matter how perilous this jungle may be, she will not abandon us if we retain our faith in her,” Alexander tried to rally his men to see his way of thinking. “Oh, like she guided us when we got lost and hit those rapids, or maybe when she was watching out for us when we got ambushed and dragged off by a bunch of Amazons. Oh yes, the Chief God really has been looking out for us the entire time since we entered this damn jungle,” Vasco argued as his frustration with this entire journey came boiling to the surface. “Calm yourself Vasco, getting heated like this, isn’t going help any of us get anywhere,” Alamo advised hoping to settle the matter. “He’s right. If anything, all this shouting and hollering is only going to attract attention we don’t want right now. We got to do what Cezar recommended and keep a low profile so we can set ourselves up for the night unheeded. We don’t have time to allow ourselves to be misguided by mistrust and make the same mistakes that got us in this mess. I say we use this time to make an actual game plan, gather some food and find a good, easy to secure spot to camp for the night,” Vincente advocated as he took on a more leadership role. “Finally, one of you is making sense,” Efrain uttered as he was getting tried of all the pointless bickering. “I think I saw some mango and banana trees just a little ways back where we came from. I think that would be a good spot to start,” Alamo recommended. “Good a start as any. There seem to be plenty of stable looking buildings around we could choose from, but I think its best we find a larger one with as few entrances as possible so we can all camp together with minimum security risk. Once Cezar gets back, we can ask how to make any alarms or traps to better fortify ourselves while we sleep,” Vincente formulated his plan to unify everyone. “And just who do you think you are, giving out orders around here all of a sudden. I don’t care what lessons or advice Cezar gave you, you’re still just an engineer,” Captain Diamandis barked as he couldn’t help but feel he was being usurped. “With all due respect sir, I am taking lessons I learned from both of you into account on this. However, if you have an issue with what I’m proposing, by all means, point out the flaws and correct me,” Vincente challenged back. The sound of Diamandis’s teeth grinding against one another was nearly auditable enough for everyone to hear, as if he was preparing for an explosive response. However, when he saw the others, his own men, move to take Vincente’s side, Alexander calmed himself just enough to stop whatever foul thing was about to sprout from his mouth. The sense of betrayal the captain was feeling now was beyond comparable to anything that had come before, but he knew deep down he needed to restrain himself before he pushed this to a full-on mutiny. Despite every hardship they had already experienced, it seemed his stragglers still needed to experience a little more suffering before they could be guided back to their senses. Perhaps whoever remained after whatever trap they had walked into was sprung would be more open to reason and common sense. All he had to do in the meantime, was be a little patient and find a way to ensure his own safety for the time being. “There…there isn’t anything wrong with such a course of action. However, if I might add, it would also be wise to have someone quickly scout out the area to ensure our safety and discover any points of interest. In fact, I volunteer myself for such a role,” Captain Diamandis forced himself to utter before turning to head off on his own. “Wait, it isn’t smart to be going off alone. Didn’t you hear a thing Cezar said,” Vincente called out as he watched his captain walk away before he felt a hand stop him from pursing him. “Relax, Cezar also said we would be fine as long as we didn’t venture out of the city. Besides, I think our dear captain needs time to vent and comes to terms with a few things, if you catch my meaning,” Vasco advised as he stood in Vincente’s way. “I know, its just we still have a ways to go but it feels like we’re already at each others throats. I just want all of us to make it out,” Vincente confessed as he wasn’t exactly a fan of the role that has been forced upon him. “We know Vincente, and given a little time, the captain will too.,” Alamo chimed in. “Well, I suppose there’s no more time to waste then. Captain Diamandis has his job, so we should do ours. Show us where you spotted those bananas and mangos, Alamo,” Vincente exclaimed before setting off with the others to do a quick exploration of the ruins. However, as the group left in search of what they required to feel secure for the night, none noticed how the environment changed after their departure. If any of them had been paying attention to their surroundings, they would have noticed how every single flower that was around them drooped downwards as soon as there was no longer a single man around to keep them company. Sitting around a coffee table at the centre of Chameda’s personal parlor, the Dryad and Cezar were leisurely eavesdropping on the commotion that was taking place just outside of the towering tree. The entire discussion was being transmitted to them as the bickering voices played out from a lush orange flower with long narrow pedals as it hung down from the ceiling. Every decision and argument down below was overheard by the two spying cohorts as they simply sat back and enjoyed a homebrewed cup of specially imported green tea. “My, my, you certainly have brought a rambunctious bunch to my doorstep, Cezar. Although, I’m glad to hear most of them are agreeable enough to not start any trouble,” Chameda stated with a tone as smooth as silk. “I can’t believe those guys got that heated that quick. I wasn’t even gone for five minutes. But at least I now have a decent idea where everyone stands. That should make things a little smoother, going forward at the very least,” Cezar groaned as he kicked up his feet onto the sofa he was lounging on. Nestled within the confines of the Grand Everblight Tree was the multi-leveled, grandiose home of the formal druid, Chameda. Nearly everything within from bookshelves to tables were formed from the tree itself as the Dryad had made the entire space more than a suitable, comfortable home for herself and her beloved lover. Very few were ever given the honor of venturing into this secret sanctum, but due to Cezar’s long history with the usually private woman, he was one of the few exceptions. “Boys will be boys as they say. Although, I can’t believe that Alexander fellow thinks you’re an Incubus. What a silly, shortsighted man he is turning out to be. Are you sure you don’t want one of my few remaining available girls to calm him down with their sweet nectar?” Chameda offered causally. “I sincerely doubt any of them would want a man with that much hate in his heart. Besides, as much as I hate to admit it, he is a little dangerous, so there’s no need to put them at risk. If it comes to it, I’ll just find another way to pacify him is all,” Cezar casually replied back. “Well, this Vincente is proving to be quite capable. I can see why he was the one you ordinary entrusted to help you. Although, I must admit he would make a lovely addition to my grove. I’m sure the fruit and nectar born from the love he could have with any of my lovely Alraunes would be of the highest quality,” Chameda put forth as she took a long sip from her teacup. “He can’t help me get into Saint Manus and uncover the bullshit they’re doing there if he’s rooted in place here. Besides, he’s already taken, not officially, but he already has eyes for someone else I’m afraid. His love for her seems to be the genuine article too, so there’s no reason for us to interfere with it,” Cezar replied, perhaps a little too carelessly. “Cezar, you know how I hate hearing that kind of language in my home. But I’m happy Vincente has already found his soulmate, that can be so rare in human society nowadays. Although I’m amazed your tribe didn’t release him from the hunt after he told them about her,” Chameda inquired curiously. “That’s because he didn’t tell them,” the veteran traveler divulged. “Why didn’t he? Surely, you informed him they not only would have but might have offered to escort him back home personally as well?” the Dryad questioned further. “Well, I may or may not have told him a small white lie instead?” Cezar admitted, a little ashamedly. “What did you tell him, Cezar,” Chameda asked with a more disproving tone. “Well, I may said that his engagement and desire to marry would make him more attractive to the mamono around here and thus make them want to steal him away for themselves, in order to scare him into relying on my services,” Cezar confessed a little more bashfully. “Cezar, that’s awful,” the Dryad uttered in shock of this confession. “I know it was a terrible thing to do, but it wasn’t like it was a complete lie. Don’t act like there aren’t more than a few desperate and feral girls in this jungle who wouldn’t give two shits if he was engaged or not and you know it. I just needed him to believe the Amazons and the Ocelomehs were similar in order to gain his trust. Besides, I need him. Without his cooperation than the visions all those shamans foresaw about Saint Manus becoming a dark mamono realm may come to pass, and we both know we can’t allow that to happen. The entire balance of this jungle depends on it,” Cezar defended his course of action. “Surely, your tribe would have helped you both if you simply informed them of your plan to avoid this crisis,” Chameda questioned further. “I’m sure they would but than Vincente would have no reason to assist me with my mission. This only works if he’s scared enough to rely on me and feels indebted enough after to help me. Not to mention, even if my tribe did help out, you know the exact kind of offer they would put forth to Vincente’s fiancé if they met her by chance. I don’t want to put Vincente or his girl into that position if I don’t have too,” Cezar expressed truthfully before taking a long sip of his tea. “I understand but from what we just overheard, it seems your friend doesn’t know as much about what is occurring in Saint Manus as you were probably hoping,” the Dryad commented as she took another sip. “That is unfortunate but he can still get me in, and that’s all I really need from him. Besides, he technically just revealed a few interesting things already by questioning his captain just now. For starters, I now know a wizard is in charge of this project of theirs, which definitely explains those annoying magical gates they set up there, so that’s something at least. Not to mention, while Vincente may not know much, his girl does, so she’s my in,” Cezar acknowledged before his expression got a little more somber as he set down his cup, “Listen, Chameda, I know you don’t agree with my methods on this, but I need you and your husband to play along.” Chameda took a deep sigh as she looked deep into her teacup, “You’re right, I don’t agree but I can also see where you’re coming from. You have a good heart, Cezar, even if you have a funny and questionable way of showing it sometimes. So, I won’t reveal your fib to him, but I entrust you to eventually tell that poor man the truth once all this is said and done and you reunite him with his love. Now on that note, I have also made my decision regarding your earlier request. Considering everything you’re putting that man through; I now have no problem inviting him into my home for the night.” Cezar let out a deep sigh of relief, “Thank you Chameda. I swear, I’ll do right by him and you once this is over.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Are you sure this plan is going to work, Kamala?” Scilla timidly asked as she struggled to balance the absurd amount of fruit piled in her arms. For the last two or so hours, the determined band of simians had ventured to their favourite snacking trees to pluck the juiciest, most tantalizing fruit they could find. With their insane dexterity and acrobatic skills, no prized produce was out of their reach, but considering their targets were being led by Cezar of all people, they made sure only uncorrupted fruit was plucked in order to better gain their trust. Mangos, pears, papayas, bananas and even a few of Chameda’s prized grapes were collected in order to create a good first impression on the obviously starving men, and it was that desperation for a good meal that the opportunistic Kakuens were banking on, especially their braggart leader, Kamala. “Of course it will. The quickest way to getting a man’s pants off is through his stomach. Once we feed those clueless guys some normal fruit, they’ll let their guards down and then we can sneak this into the pile,” the dark furred leader proudly declared before pulling out her secret weapon from the satchel hanging from her hip, “whichever lucky guy eats this specially ripe prisoner fruit is the one we target. The moment it touches his lips, he will be begging to join our troop, and we will finally get laid!” “Right, right, we know the plan boss, but don’t you think you could help us carry some of this? Like I’m having a hard time seeing where I’m going,” Senna complained as the pile of fruit she carried easily bypassed her head. “Nonsense, as troop leader I need to be the one to make introductions and I can’t do that while hulling a bunch of fruit in front of me,” Kamala quickly and conceitedly answered, after all avoiding grunt work was her favourite thing about her position. “Ok, but how will they see how irresistible we are if the fruit is in the way?” the towering Canna cluelessly asked. “They will see everything you girls have to offer after you put the fruit down, after laying eyes on me first of course. Come on, Canna, it’s not that hard to figure out,” Kamala sighed out in disappointment over Canna’s typical ditziness. “Oh right, I guess that’s true. Whoopsie,” Canna laughed off her own blockheaded comment. “Now, everyone, keep quiet. We should be nearing the spot they decided to hold themselves up in. Oh, I can’t wait to see their worn out, helpless faces light up when offer them the solution to their empty bellies. It's going to be priceless,” Kamala gleefully giggled as they approached the remains of the building their quarry were stashing themselves away in. With questionable stealth the small troop made their way behind a partially crumbled wall across the way that was just near enough to the makeshift shelter for them to keep an eye on everything but just fair away enough so the cheeky monkeys wouldn’t be easily heard as long as they kept their voices down. Through the few brick sized holes missing in the damaged structure, Kamala on behalf of her preoccupied members, spied on their quarry with keen interest. It appeared the structure they chose to spend the night in was one of the ancient storage houses but what caught the egoistical mamono off her guard was the fact how well off they seemed to be. They had not only already barricaded any holes and windows with rubble but from what she could tell by looking through the exposed doorway, they had already secured a good amount of food for themselves as well. Such a sight wasn’t what the prideful Kakuen was expecting or hoping for. She was counting on these guys to be completely clueless and in need of saving, or at least be completely exhausted after having to travel with that slavedriver Cezar. Instead, she finds a bunch of competent, well-organized men enjoying themselves with joyful banter after securing everything they would need. Well, at the very least the work they had put in today left them sweaty and their skin glistening, which Kamala couldn’t help but curl her lip with the eye candy she was now ogling. At least, there was no Cezar to be found anywhere, and if there was no Cezar, there was no one who could warn them of their crafty nature. “Can we go see them now?” Canna mournfully inquired as impatience got the better of the towering monkey girl. “Keep your voice down, will ya. One of them is missing and we got to wait till all four of them are in there, then we can make our move. Although on the bright side, it appears our new men are more talented at foraging than I gave them credit for. Maybe we should really start thinking about bagging more than one of them,” Kamala replied without ever taking her eyes away from her spy hole. “So, we don’t need all this fruit than?” Scilla inquired innocently. “I suppose not. You can drop a few of them if you girls want, but only a few,” Kamala off handily offered her troop while refusing to look away at her private show. With the option given, all three of the titillated monkeys immediately dropped their cargo with reckless care. Much of the fruit either splattering upon impact or rolling away once they touched the stone covered ground. With nothing left in their way, each one rushed over to join their leader and find their own hole in the wall to spy on the men with. “Oh, my gods, look at them! So, which one are we grabbing boss? Come on, spill the beans already,” Senna softly blurted out as she lustfully ogled and undressed each man she spotted hanging around the entrance of that long abandoned storehouse. “Look at that one, he has white fur, just like me. I never knew men could have such beautiful hair. He has to be the one we go after. I say we grab him,” Scilla proposed with an uncharacteristically more demanding tone as her blue eyes locked onto Vincente as he conversed with his fellow travelers. “Ok, first off, you don’t call the shots, Scilla . Second, I told you girls to keep quiet, and why did you morons drop all the fruit!” Kamala complained before she felt two orbs rest on her head and forced her to sink downwards a good deal from the weight that was now upon her. “Which one looks like they are the best at cuddling?” Canna cluelessly asked as she leaned over her leader to peer through the hole above hers. “Get your tits off me, Canna,” Kamala grumbled out, trying her best to keep her voice down and avoid losing her shit. “Come on, boss, there has to be a guy you already have an eye on. Just tell us which one, and we’ll make sure to claim him, and if we have time, we can also nab the white haired one Scilla likes too,” Senna uttered to her annoyed leader. “Well, I’m still figuring that out. The big one looks promising but not that fun. However, that one with the crafty eyes, now he looks like an interesting challenge. But I want a little more time to choose, after all I do want someone we can all enjoy,” Kamala, like any mamono, couldn’t help herself from answering such a question as she made her plight known. “It’s ok, boss. We got time. That numskull Cezar is going to be getting his ear talked off by Chameda for hours, so there’s nothing to worry about. By the time he gets back, we’re already be off and losing our virginities,” Senna smugly reassured her troop leader with a conniving chuckle. “Oh, is that a fact,” a masculine, yet monotone voice called out from behind the four peeping monkeys before the familiar crunching sound of someone taking a bite out of pear could be heard soon after. “Yup, there’s no way he can ruin our fun this time. This time we’re going to get one over on that cocky jackass,” Kamala unabashedly stated without looking back or really acknowledging the new presence. “Not that he would even try. He knows better than to get in our way, not that he would care anyhow if we fucked a couple of his new friends before he got back. He would just run off like he always does,” Senna added with a snicker as she too refused to look away from the men on the other side of their wall. “Hmmm, that’s very interesting to know,” the male voice uttered once more nonchalantly. “Ya, although I wouldn’t mind if he decided to join us. He plays so hard to get, its hurtful,” Canna added while showcasing her own airheaded awareness. “Well, I’m sure he has his reasons,” the unseen voice continued to respond. “Oh please. He’s just a coward who’s afraid of commitment and losing his virginity. How else can you explain how he’s been able to resist an ass as perfect as mine,” Kamala coyly stated while also reminding herself how often she failed to seduce the man with her legendary derrière. “Oh, is he now? That’s handy to know,” the male voice continued although his tone was now starting to sound more irritable “Ummm….girls…..I think we should stop talking and look behind us,” Scilla timidly uttered as she was the first to wisely look back to check who the voice belonged too. “What are talking about, why should we……aaahhhhhhh shit,” Kamala uttered before looking back and cringing at who she saw, “Oh, hey Cezar. How….how long have you been standing there?” With jarring reluctance, the other simians slowly peered back, only to find the man who they were just smack talking standing behind them while enjoying a freshly picked pear. One by one the cheeky confidence each one held was slowly replaced with bashfulness and regret as they sunk in on themselves as they realized everything they just spoke aloud and to whom. While Cezar was always good at sneaking up on the easily distracted troop, that didn’t change how flustered and awkward they all now felt to not have realized he was there, listening in on everything, from the start. “Long enough, but don’t mind me. Please, continue with your opinions of me and whatever you’re clearly scheming. Just pretend I’m not even here,” Cezar off handily answered as he focused most of his attention on his snack. “Oh, we didn’t mean nothing about what we just said. We were just, you know, having some harmless girl talk is all. You understand, right. And we aren’t scheming anything either, honest. We were just taking an innocent peek at your new friends is all,” Kamala sheepishly explained as she tried to save face. “We weren’t up to anything, we swear,” Senna nervously chimed in. “Yeah, we defiantly weren’t planning on stealing one of them for ourselves and gloating about it to you later, or anything like that,” Canna blurted out. “Please, don’t tell Lady Chameda we were misbehaving!” Scilla pleadingly begged with watery eyes. “Relax you four, I don’t mind and neither does Chameda, so long as you go about it in a tasteful manner. In fact, I’ve got a proposition for you knuckleheads I know you’ll all be interested in,” the mamono expert offered as he approached the troop while flinging away the partially eaten pear. Kamala couldn’t help but perk up at the mention of this proposal as her typical smug expression returned in full force, “Oh, and what could you possibly need with a bunch of attractive monkeys like us, hmmmmm? Don’t tell me the great, prideful Cezar has a problem only we can solve? You know our services don’t come cheap, so what’s the game this time I wonder?” “Well, the game is I let you talk to those guys, and I don’t owe any of you anything in return. How does that sound,” Cezar proposed as he slung his arms around Kamala and Scilla in an overly friendly manner. “You will?” Canna, Scilla and Senna uttered simultaneously in pure surprise. “Wait, you serious? You’re just going to hand them over to us? Don’t you have some kind of prior deal with them? Isn’t that why you brought them here? What’s the catch?” the dark furred leader probed for the reason behind this generous offer. “First off, I’m not handing them over to you and second, I only made a deal with the white haired one, so he’s the only one off limits. No, what I want from you lot is to keep an eye on them while they’re here and at least try to get them more comfortable around mamono. They’re Order boys, and they had a rough last few days, so they’re going to be a little difficult, but that’s something you got in common. So, show them some hospitality and that you’re not all so troublesome, got it,” Cezar put forth with a slightly more commanding tone. “What do you mean he’s off limits! But the white haired one is the only one I’m interested in,” Scilla whined as she spoke out on her own behalf. “Quiet, Scilla. You don’t make the decisions around here, I do,” Kamala scolded her own group member before returning her gaze back to Cezar, “You know I’m surprised you’re offering this chance to us. There has to be more to this, I’m not stupid and neither are you. You know we’re going to try and take one of them for ourselves, maybe even all of them. So, what’s your angle here?” “My angle here is that, considering where I’m headed next, I think you clueless monkeys will be a good first test to see if any of them have a shot at resisting the challenges ahead. So, tease them, flirt with them or anything else you girls can think of to seduce them, neither I nor Chameda will stand in your way. Just don’t force yourselves on them or try any of your underhanded tricks. Like this,” Cezar uttered before he brought out the prisoner fruit he pickpocketed from Kamala’s satchel, “Care to explain this?” Kamala went stone-faced as sweat started to form on her brow, “Oh, that’s just…umm….a snack for myself. Nothing more.” “Oh, is it now. You sure you weren’t planning on feeding this to anybody special,” Cezar conceitedly inquired, already assured of his own answer. “Nope, of course not. The boss would never,” Senna butted in. “Well, aside from those few times she tried it on you, Cezar,” Canna unhelpfully added. With a disappointed sigh, the seasoned traveler squashed the soft fruit in his hand before carelessly dropping it, “Well, either way. Better to be safe than sorry, right. it would be quite problematic if one of those boys got a taste for this stuff, you know. So, you think you troublemakers can behave long enough to see if you can actually win over a man the old-fashioned way?” “We might be interested in doing things your way. But it would be much more interesting if we made a wager on it,” Kamala counter proposed with a growing smirk. “Yeah, unless you're chicken, Cezar,” Senna backed up her troop leader. “Yeah, if we score one of them, we get all of them, including the white haired one,” Scilla quickly suggested. “Oh, you haven’t made a bet with us in ages, Cezar. Come on, don’t be a party pooper” Canna excitedly added while clapping her hands together at the prospect of baiting their old friend into another gamble. “Oh, please, like I would ever make a bet with you cheating monkeys ever again. However, if you’re not interested in helping these Order boys overcome their fear of mamono, then I guess I’ll just have to ask some other ladies around to help me out and get to know them better,” Cezar declared with a shrug as he released the two simians under his arms and started to walk away. “Wait, wait, wait. You can’t do that,” Scilla cried out as she was the first to cave in. “She’s right, you know. There’s no need to be so hasty, right boss,” Senna blurted out, not wanting to risk losing this opportunity. “Cezar, come on, you know I was only playing….mostly. We got no problem helping you, after all that’s what friends are for, right. Besides, I doubt any of the single bugs or plants still around here can put those stubborn boys you brought here to ease. The way I see it, we really are the only logical choice to help them out. So, just this once, we’ll do you solid, free of charge,” Kamala tried to save face despite quickly folding as easily as the rest of her troop. “Also, we don’t want to stay single forever,” Canna more honestly admitted. “Well, I’m glad you’re all so willing to play along. So, shall we get started,” Cezar confidently inquired, internally pleased these self-centred monkeys were just as easy to exploit as he remembered. “Are you sure your dagger is around here? I don’t see or sense anybody?” Phoebe commented as she was puzzled by how frantically her feline companion was looking about their current surroundings. “Cezar must have discovered Vincente had it already and hid it somewhere, but trust me it's here,” Dycia assured as she continued to scan dense foliage for her missing tool. “If they don’t have it on them, why are we even wasting time looking for it,” the more inexperienced huntress inquired. “Because it can still help us discover their trail if I can pick up Vincente’s lingering scent on it. Plus, my mother made me that dagger, so I don’t really want to leave it behind,” the jaguar woman honestly answered as she was starting to open up more with her new hunting sister. Closing her well-trained eyes, Dycia took a moment to concentrate on the mana marker she had infused into that corrupted dagger in order to pinpoint its location. The jungle was full of life and therefore mana, both natural and mamono, but the Ocelomeh was able to faintly detect her own. Peering upwards, she could sense her dagger was nestled somewhere high above her in the towering tree before her. What a thoughtful man, Dycia gleefully thought to herself, he remembered how much she enjoyed a good climb to get her blood pumping. With extended claws, the proud Ocelomeh leaped at the trunk of the looming tree and sunk them deep in order to get a good grip. With effortlessly ease, the feline mamono ascended the lofty tree with unequal swiftness as she homed in on her own mana signature. In the blink of an eye, Dycia soon found herself nestled deep within the branches near the top of the tree and reunited with her lost obsidian dagger hidden amongst the leaves. Its blade was only partially embedded in the thick bark but Dycia was surprised to find that wasn’t the only thing Cezar left for her up there, as engraved in the trunk was a message just for her. “Nice try. Here is your knife back. See you around. Heart shape. Cezar,” Dycia muttered under her breath as she read the words aloud. Oh, that overconfident, vain, solicitous, darling man. He really did care for her in his own aloof way, of that there could be no doubt. Of course, Dycia had known this since the beginning when they first met all those years ago, and no matter how much he ran from her, the Ocelomeh’s faith in this belief had never once faltered. Apart of her wished he hadn’t become blessed to become the ultimate prey by that troublesome goddess and would just surrender himself to her already, but she had no choice but to accept his wishes. If he desired to be chased and caught by only the greatest huntress in this jungle than that was the role Dycia was more than glad to assign herself too to win him over. After all if Cezar desired the best, then he would have it, even if becoming his ideal partner was driving her to the point of obsession. As the Ocelomeh leisurely leaned back on the large branch supporting her bulk, she couldn’t help but reminisce as she played with the dagger in her paws. She couldn't help but recall how she first met him as children at the triannual athletics competition between their two tribes, of how soft and innocent he looked as he was being tossed around by his Amazonian tribe-sisters, and more importantly how happy he looked when she chased them off. He was so adorable back than, but now he’s become such a handsome, and desirable catch that the entire jungle seemed to be after him. Curse that goddess for making him so irresistible to so many powerful mamono lurking about here and for making him so insanely difficult to track. She should have caught him ten times over by now and be happily married to him if it weren’t for those stupid blessings she gave him. Oh well, the chase was something they both had learned to enjoy, even if Dycia had the entire rainforest as her competition, but she was determined not to lose. Not to any of those selfish monsters who desired her man only for his blessing, and more importantly not to her beloved Cezar. She couldn’t help but take a sniff of her blade for any lingering scent of Cezar to help hold her off until the day she finally got her claws in him. Despite mostly picking up only Vincente’s overpowering scent, she was able to detect the faintest whiff of Cezar’s addictive aroma. Despite how difficult it was to pick up Cezar’s smell no matter how close she was to him thanks to those accursed divine gifts of his, it also sent a pleasant shiver up her spine whenever her nose was blessed with it. Her cheeks went red in the face as she enjoyed this moment of privacy as she thought about every little thing she was going to do to him once she had him in her arms. Of how she planned to drown him within the fluff of her mane, to bury him in her bosom and leave not any inch of his perfect body unworshipped by her tongue as she sacrificed him to her gods and so much more. As Dycia indulged in her daydream, she hadn’t even realized she had moved her paw over to cup her right breast to simulate what it would be like when Cezar finally indulged himself with them, as her tail went to stimulate her moistening slit with gentle caresses. “Dycia! Are you swooning up there!” Phoebe called out from down below. The Ocelomeh was snapped out of her lustful stupor as she instantly put a stop to her actions. The jungle cat’s already flushed face grew rosier as embarrassment was now added to the mix. She couldn’t believe she allowed herself to not only get so distracted but when her future husband's younger sister was still waiting for her back on the forest floor. “NO! I mean, why would you think that?” Dycia more bashfully called out to her unseen partner. “Well, I saw some of the branches slowly rocking and I swore I heard a little moaning. It’s ok if you were, I’m not judging. So, does that mean you found your knife?” the Amazoness inquired as her tone took on a more teasing attitude. “I did……but I was not swooning!” Dycia defensively declared before skilfully making her way back down. Phoebe watched as the veteran huntress leapt from branch to branch before sliding down the lengthy trunk with such grace, even the Amazon was envious of her skill. With a silent drop, the Ocelomeh managed to land back down without making a sound as her paws cushioned the short drop. Phoebe couldn’t help but be impressed by the natural talent for stealth that the bodies of the Ocelomehs seemed to grant them, as she wondered how her brother managed to evade such a perfectly crafted predator for so long despite only being human. “So, were you able to pick up their scent or not?” Phoebe questioned as she waited for her future sister-in-law to announce their next move. “I imagine Cezar took the time to tuck this away from whichever path to help throw us off and buy them some time, but it must be near. However, while your brother may be crafty and his scent is near impossible tract, Vincente is another matter and I have already picked up his less desirable smell. Come, their path must not be far,” Dycia instructed as she led the way. Following the scent trail, the Ocelomeh quickly discovered the sight of their target’s former campsite just as the sun was well on its way to disappearing for the day. In the twilight luster, the two mamono huntresses examined the site but found less than they were expecting. It seemed they had done an adequate job of covering their tracks and presence here. Any less experienced trackers could have easily missed this place but Dycia was far too experienced to make such a mistake. There were subtle clues hidden about that provided evidence that men had stayed the night here, from disturbed, damaged bushes to the ash of a long extinguished fire being spread about in the dirt. However, it was the other signs she discovered that concerned the well-trained jungle cat. “There were more than two men who stayed here last night. Maybe three or four others aside from Vincente and Cezar,” Dycia uttered anxiously as she picked up numerous male scents. “Well, Una did say she sent a few others their way to slow them down. Doesn’t that just mean they caught up with them and spent the night together. Maybe they’re even traveling with one another as we speak?” Phoebe replied as she couldn’t understand why the Ocelomeh looked so worried. “It seems that way, but I don’t think that is all that happened. Cezar would never travel in a pack, it’s too risky and I’m also seeing signs of a struggle here,” the veteran huntress divulged as she picked up a broken strand of Arachne thread and noticed the slight disturbances in the ground where Cezar had subdued Alexander the night prior. “You don’t think anyone got hurt do you! Why would they get into a fight with one another?” Phoebe uttered in complete shock as she resonated with the Ocelomeh’s concerns. “Obviously, your Vincente betrayed Cezar and had his Order buddies subdue and kidnap your brother. What other explanation could there be,” Dycia growled as her fur started to stand on end due to her growing fury. “Vincente would never do that. He’s too sweat and cuddly of a man to do such a thing. He must be a victim of this barbarity too for siding with Cezar. That has to be it. But why would those Order bastards kidnap our men?” Phoebe counterposed as she refused to believe her little Vincente could do such a thing. “Who knows when it comes to those zealots, but perhaps they somehow discovered Cezar’s blessing and wish to harness it for themselves. Either way, this is no longer a hunt but a rescue mission,” Dycia roared as her head turned in the direction where the mix of scents were the strongest, “Come on, they went this way. I’m sure we can find their tracks easily and if we hurry, we can still save them.” “I’m with you, Dycia. Let’s show those trespassers what happens when they get between mamono and the men they adore!” Phoebe screeched out as if it were a battle cry. With that proudly stated, both monstrous women bolted into the darkening jungle with frightful speed in pursuit of those who they mistakenly believed had wronged them. It wouldn’t be long after the two managed to find a trail of various tracks piecing through the disturbed brush belonging to their new targets. However, neither Dycia nor Phoebe worried much about catching up to these amateurs, after all the night belonged to mamono and it would provide them with all the time they would need to close the distance to save the ones they love. Vincente wiped away the sweat that had gathered on his forehead after securing the last log they were using as a beam to support the pile of rubble they had created to patch up the collapsed portion of the right wall of the ruins they were staying in. It wasn’t pretty or as professionally built as he would prefer but considering he didn’t have any of his usual tools of his trade, it would have to do. Although he had to hand it to his cohorts, they listened well to his instructions and cooperated surprisingly efficiently thanks to their training from the Order. Even Efrain, despite not having been apart of their battalion to start with, proved to be just as helpful thanks to his willingness to cooperate and lend a hand, even if he was the least physically fit amongst them. Thanks to their teamwork, they had not only secured their new makeshift sleeping corridors as best they could hope for before the sun began to set, but they even managed to gather a good supply of fruit for tonight as well. Although, as much as Vincente hated to admit it, things probably wouldn’t have gone so smoothly if Captain Diamandis had decided to stay with them, given the current, paranoid state his mind was currently stuck in. “So, what now? Cezar is not back yet, and I just realized he has no idea where we are?” Alamo inquired as he lightly kicked against the beam to test how secure it was. “Knowing him, I’m sure he will have no problem finding us. But I suppose all we can do right now is relax and just keep an eye out until he shows up,” Vincente replied as he went to grab a papaya to regain some of his energy. “You’ll get no complaint from me. I could use a sit,” Efrain muttered as he sat down on some rubble, since he was the less suited for this kind of labor. “Honestly, I think this might be best plan we had ever since we entered this Chief God forsaken jungle. I can’t think of the last time I had a proper rest. So, who’s keeping watch first?” Vasco uttered out with a yawn as he slumped against a wall and slid down until his ass was secured on the cool, stone floor. “Well, I’m not going first. I’m not trained to do such a job, you all are,” Efrain retorted as he refused to move from his spot. “I suppose I could start us off,” Alamo offered as he was the least tired thanks to his larger build. “We appreciate that Alamo, but we should be good until it gets dark. At least, I hope. Regardless, let us all take this time to rest, the last few days have been long for all of us,” Vincente suggested as he knew his body was at least thankfully for this moment of peace. “No need gentlemen, I’m right here,” Cezar uttered as he announced his arrival while stepping through the open doorway. “Oh, there you are Cezar, good timing,” Vincente greeted his guide with a lazy wave. "Of course, you show up only after the work is already done here," Efrain grumbled out under his breath. “It’s about time you returned. I was starting to think you were going to abandon us?” Vasco added as he plopped some berries he managed to snag into his mouth. “Nah, got to much riding on the line here to let you out of my sight for too long. Anyways, where’s that loudmouth Alexander? Is he not with you?” Cezar inquired nonchalantly. “He went off to do some scouting, we’re not sure when he will be back,” Vincente truthfully answered. “Or, even if he will be back,” Vasco added with some extra venom in his voice. “Hmmm, I see. Perhaps that’s for the best,” Cezar muttered out, not truly caring for what fate Chameda had in store for that zealot. “So, what did you discuss with that tree lady? Everything is still good right? It’s ok for us to stay here, right?” Alamo questioned with a more timid tone. “Everything is fine, your protection is secured. However, I did run into some old friends of mine on the way here that I would like you to meet,” Cezar cryptically informed them before turning around to address the unseen figures behind him, “Ok, ladies, you can come in now.” Stepping aside into the ruined storage house, Cezar made room for four simian like mamono to step in after him. The first had inky black fur with matching messy hair, a noticeably well-defined, athletic build and extremely wide hips. The second was white as snow with short hair that partially covered her left eye and had the most modest figure among the four, but no less curvaceous. Next came in the tallest and equally voluptuous monkey woman who posssessed an aloof expression and chocolate brown fur with matching locks that flowed well past her shapely waist. Finally, the most energic looking, and shortest one with a golden blonde coat and short, spiky hair who also had the largest chest amongst the four entered soon after. Each one wore matching revealing, cherry red skirts and tops that left little to the imagination and had various golden or silver rings and bracelets that adorned their furry limbs, tails and foreheads. However, the one thing they all had in common was the promiscuous look they had in their lively eyes that sent a shiver up each man’s spine. “Boys, this is Kamala, Scilla, Canna and Senna. Girls, these are Vincente, Alamo, Vasco and Efrain. Now that you know each other, I suggest you all learn to get along,” Cezar introduced everyone in a nonchalant manner. “Cezar, what the hell is this!” Efrain was the first to call out this questionable turn of events. “I thought you were looking out for us, but you brought mamono right to our doorstep?” Alamo blurted out as he couldn’t help but feel betrayed. “Well, hello ladies,” Vasco uttered out as he couldn’t help himself due to the untamed eye candy currently standing before him. “Please tell me you have a good reason for this and you’re not selling us out,” Vincente finally spoke as he was at least willing to give Cezar the benefit of the doubt on this. “Everyone relax. These girls, while I will admit are single, are not going to pounce on you and drag you off, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Cezar assured as he knew how bad this looked. “Yeah, we’re good girls and we promise to stay on our best behaviour for you boys,” Kamala spoke out in an overly flirtatious manner while giving an overly suggestive wink. “Not unless you want us too, of course,” Canna added without thinking. “Ok, you girls are not helping,” Cezar mumbled out to his simian cohorts before returning his attention back to the others, “Listen, they won’t try anything as long as Chameda says they can’t and trust me, she isn't the type to let anything happen to her guests. However, that being said, you can not nor should not trust these girls in the slightest.” “What the hell, Cezar!” Senna blurted out in surprise. “They will try to trick, lie and even taunt their way into your pants,” Cezar continued at a leisurely pace. “Don’t warn them you double crossing snake,” Kamala whined as she gave her old buddy a long, cold glare. “So, don’t make any wagers or play any games with stakes with them, because they will one hundred percent cheat,” the mamono guide carried on with his warning. “Stop it, you’re going to give them the wrong idea about us!” Scilla cried out as she knew how much this was going to hurt their chances of successfully securing one of these men for themselves. “I agree, this is just plain mean, Cezar,” Canna pouted with puffed out cheeks “I’m sorry but it’s only fair I give these men a fair warning about you four,” Cezar half heartedly apologized to the Kakuens. “Ok, if they’re going to try and deceive us, why did you bring them here?” Vincente curiously questioned. “Two simple reasons. First off, to give you lot more exposal to how mamono usually tend to act and secondary, to test you,” the local guide answered with a relaxed, carefree tone. “Test? What kind of test?” Alamo questioned nervously. Cezar took a deep sigh as he considered how best to explain this next part, “Let me put it this way. Vincente excluded, if you three can’t resist being tempted by these overgrown monkeys, then I see no point in taking any of you any further, especially considering where our final stop will be. So, now that you know what to look out for, try to get along with these girls, will ya. They may be a little dishonest, wily and overly touchy but they’re not bad girls....usually. So, at least try and socialize with them and ask whatever you want about them. Who knows, you may all just learn something.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
This whole discarded carcass of a civilization only served as a reminder of what Alexander Diamandis already knew deep in his heart, that monsters, no matter how attractive or gentle they pretended to be, could not be trusted. Even here in the middle of nowhere, the truth was plain to see. Between his own recent experiences and the engravings upon the countless walls he passed depicting the true predatory relationship between man and monster. So why, why with all this undisputable evidence, did he lose the trust of his own men? The ruins reminded the Order captain of a maze with its countless paths, but as he explored, perhaps further than he should have, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had eyes on him at all times no matter where he ventured, despite not encountering a single monster thus far. So far only the empty husks of buildings long abandoned and far too much odd-looking vegetation had graced his presence, and the decorated captain couldn’t help but find this strange. As he explored a handful of the buildings that he passed he was hoping to at least find something of interest, such as a weapon to defend himself with or evidence that this entire place was just some trap, but he kept coming up empty. Hell, he couldn’t even find one of those damn monsters. It was almost as if they were purposively avoiding them. At most he caught a glimpse of something flying off in the distance or footprints in the sandy dirt that proved there were creatures traveling around here, but that was about it. Knowing how those freaks tended to usually act, he had expected to have at least encountered one or two of them by now. Of course, not running into any of them was both a blessing and a curse at the same time. On one hand, being left to his own thoughts gave him time to clear his flustered head and the last thing he needed right now was one of those godforsaken abominations trying to seduce its way into his pants. Although, truth be told, Alexander also knew he had no chance in hell of fighting one off as he currently was if it decided to be more aggressive in its approach. Although on the other hand, if the beasts weren’t aiming for him right now, where exactly were they and what were they scheming. Perhaps they were focusing on Vincente’s group, after all it made sense, there were more men there and thus more opportunity for those creatures to commit their unholy acts against them. Either way, it was a blessing in disguise, one that allowed the devoted captain to find his own solution to this conundrum. It wasn’t like this was his first rodeo with mamono, in fact it was the third time around having to deal with their unspeakable, depraved methods. The first time was when he had been first drafted by the Order and was sent in a squad to fight off a raiding party of goblins and orcs that were pushing their luck around the boarders of the kingdom of Numinis Cordis. It was an eye-opening experience, one that still shook him to his core whenever he recalled that depraved battlefield he was forced to fight through on that day, but at least they prevailed despite moderate losses. However, it was his second encounter with them, that cemented the true threat they posed to humanity to him. He was an officer at the time, deployed at some coastal fort on a small nameless island used to help secure one of the Order’s precious oceanic trading routes. He could recall that stormy night well, when the true, terrifying power of those monsters were put on full display to him, and he had to watch the entire fort be easily swept away by those colossal waves. If it wasn’t for his superior, and dear friend, Vandis being wise enough to call for an early evacuation than Alexander knew he too would have suffered a watery grave that day. After a display like that, Alexander swore to never be naïve enough to believe mamono were just kind-hearted pacifists, they were relentless, selfish beings who wielded far too much power for any mortal being to have. Which is what made it all the more infuriating his own men couldn’t see through such an obvious lie, even after just experiencing the true cruel nature of those monsters only a few days ago. He didn’t train those men to be that stupid, so how could they choose the guidance of that immoral bastard over his? It was enough to make him want to pull his own hair out in frustration and scream to the heavens. If only the heavens heeded such calls. Oh, who was he kidding, he knew why. It was because despite being their captain and having taught those men everything they would need; it was his own incompetence that had pushed them away into the arms of that deceitful snake known as Cezar. It was his fault that the captain of their vessel, the one that he chose for this journey, didn’t pay enough attention to the map. It was his failure to lead his men into battle which led to their defeat at the hands of those Amazons thus resulting in their capture. And worst of all, it was his own weakness that resulted in his failure to keep any of his men safe as they hiked through this lush green hell. It was all his damn fault, every little thing. All he had to do was get them to Saint Manus, and he couldn’t even do that. No wonder his own men had lost faith in him, he would have too if he was them if he was being honest. As his guilt continued to ravage his thoughts and plague his mind, the disgraced captain eventually stumbled upon a more open, circular space in the ruin’s layout. It appeared to be the remnants of some forgotten plaza as numerous roads led into it and more uniquely structured buildings lined its boarders. However, in the center was an intact, if slightly eroded fountain adorned with the statue of ancient tribal warrior, one that has been worn away by the corrosive touch of time. It was difficult to make out his features, but it appeared whoever this statue was modeled after once wore the pelt of some unidentifiable, carnivorous beast and wielded a feathered spear as his weapon of choice. However, he was, whatever feat he managed to accomplish was enough to grant him the honor of being immortalized by his people. Something Alexander knew he would never have in common with this long-forgotten hero. However, Alexander’s attention was soon drawn to the water that flowed out from the mouths of bestial heads carved on the statue’s pedestal and pooled in the fountain’s basin. For such an bygone civilization it was odd to see it’s water networks still in use, but considering monsters now called this place home, perhaps it shouldn’t have been so surprising. Odder yet was the quality of the water, as the captain had never seen it so crystal clear and sparkling pure. Seeing it reminded him just how thirsty he was as he licked his lips from the sight. Ever since he was let out of that accursed cage, all he had to drink was from whatever juices he received from the fruit he found and from the murky, muddy puddles he came across. He wasn’t about to let this gift slip away as the captain bee-lined it to the fountain to quench his growing thirst. The moment he cupped a mouthful in his hands and graced it with his lips, it was like he was drinking pure, heavenly salvation as he banished his lingering thirst away. Never again would he take a simple glass of water for granted. This cool water truly was a blessing as it not only quenched his thirst but allowed the captain the time to finally calm down and regain some of his lost composure. For the first time since he was put through this hell, he felt like himself but as he had his fill of the soothing waters, Diamandis couldn’t help but spy his own reflection in the disturbed, reflective surface and was repulsed by what he saw. This journey truly had not been kind to him, not in the slightest. His dirty blonde locks were now just dirty, mud was smeared all over his face and he could see a great deal of bruising around his nose from where that bastard Cezar punched him. Speaking of which, Alexander was surprised not to find his nose broken after such a blow. There was no way a normal man could swing hard enough to knock someone like him out cold and on his ass, he had to be an Incubus, otherwise……..no, that was absurd. There would no way in ay hell that a monster loving scoundrel like him could have received a blessing from the Chief God. The very thought made him sick but if he truly wasn’t an Incubus, it was the only logical explanation. He needed to find a way to prove he was an Incubus if not for himself but so his comrades could finally see as the snake in the grass he was, but how. Unfortunately he didn’t know that much on Incubi, yet alone how to identify them from your average man. It was situations like these that Alexander thought that maybe the idea of the Order keeping such important information hushed wasn’t perhaps the greatest strategy. Regardless, that was an issue for later, right now, he needed to make himself look somewhat presentable again, if only to recover his lot image and confidence. Splashing the contents of the fountain upon his face, he worked to rid himself as much dirt and grim as possible after all the first step to regaining one’s pride back was to look the part. Now if only he could find something to defend himself and serve as a new beckon to rally his men behind once he brought them back to their senses, then he would truly feel accomplished. However, as he continued to wash himself, he spotted a potential solution to his woes also reflected in the waters surface. The stone spear being held within in the statue’s grasp, if he could break off it’s top than that could work. Granted it was dull, eroded and would be difficult to use due to its weight, but its tip appeared decently sharp and he could also sharpen the thing with another stone, so it was better than nothing. It would certainly prove more useful than the literal sticks and stones he tried to defend himself before. With his mind already made up, the desperate captain leapt onto the pedestal and began to climb the statue with haste. With both hands on the narrow staff just above where the statue’s grasp was and both feet firmly pushing against its waist, Captain Diamandis pulled with all his might but aside from a bit of crumbling dust, the damn thing just wouldn’t budge. “Excuse me, Sir Knight. That is a valuable artifact and is highly valued by Lady Chameda’s husband, Sir William. Please cease your actions before you cause any damage or hurt yourself,” a monotone yet clearly feminine voice called out. The captain nearly jumped out of his skin the moment those words reached his ears and caught him off-guard. However it appeared that sudden jolt was apparently just what he needed to snap off his prize. Unfortunately victory also resulted in gravity taking over and causing the zealot to plummet into the shallow water below, his head luckily just barely avoiding cracking against the basin’s side. His back smashed against the submerged stone lining resulting in the air within his lungs being temporary knocked out of him and causing him to gag on the little water that intruded upon his gaping mouth. “Sir Knight, are you alright?” the voice called out concernedly despite their still being a distant lack of emotion in her tone. Alexander swore he could hear the ground rumble as if a small herd of horses were stampeding towards him. However, that alarming sound wasn’t required to snap him back to his senses as he knew that feminine voice could only belong to one thing out here, a mamono. He didn’t have time to be in pain or shock, he needed to get his act together and actually do something about this threat before it mounted him and damned his soul. Using all of his will to snap his body back into compliance, the wounded Order captain flung his torso back up and pointed the tip of his newly aquired broken stone spear in the direction where his foe was approaching but he wasn’t mentally prepared by the mamono that now stood before him. At first, glance he mistakenly believed this mamono was some average shaped woman with dark skin simply covered in a thick, sapphire blue carapace but once his eyes adjusted and he regained his breath, he noticed he was only studying a part of her body as behind that feminine front was the body of an enormous beetle supported by four sturdy legs and a shell so thick, it could put the heaviest war chariot to shame. A single azure horn sprouted from her forehead, just above her expressionless black eyes that reminded the captain of a doll’s eyes, while an elongated, modified lance like appendage made up it's right arm and in it’s other there was a……..picnic basket? After soaking in the creature’s more monstrous, insectoid features, Alexander began to finally notice the strangest thing about this beetle woman, her choice of attire. For whatever reason that the captain could not fathom, this monster was wearing, or at least attempting to pull off, a frilly pink, cotton dress on her humanoid half and even had what appeared to be a matching bonnet upin its head despite the fact a hole had to be cut into it for her horn to pass through. Her choice of dress completely clashed with not only the beetle woman’s bright blue shell but even her general, combatant like appearance. She looked completely ridiculous. “Sir Knight? Did you hear me? Are you alright? Do you require medical assistance?” the frilly dressed mamono inquired once more with a tilted head. “What the hell are you wearing?” Alexander couldn’t help himself from uttering first as the sight was simply too bizarre. “This is a dress I traded for to appear more feminine and cuter in order become more attractive for any potential mate. Tell me, Sir Knight, do you think it has fulfilled its requirements,” the heavily built mamono straightforwardly asked, almost as if she was fishing for a compliant. “Of course not. It doesn’t match your look in the slightest…..wait, what the hell am I even saying. Just stay away from me you freak,” Captain Diamandis shouted out as he stumbled back onto his feet within the confines of the fountain. “Oh, I see,” the mamono uttered in the same stoic tone, although Alexander swore it sounded more disappointed, “Returning to more pressing matters, you appear to have been injured from your fall, so I advise you to grab onto my lance so I may safely escort you out of the fountain. Your nose also appears to be damaged judging by the bruising upon your face. May I apply first aid?” “Absolutely not on all accounts! I can get out of this fountain just fine on my own,” Diamandis grumbled out as he stumbled to escape the artificial spring. Apart of Alexander simply wanted to piece this creature’s heart with his newly acquired weapon and be done with it, but common sense warned him there was a high chance it wouldn’t be able to pierce fortified shell and could very well crumble in the attempt. Despite how oddly this bug dressed, it was practically a living siege weapon, and he knew if things came down to a fight, he would lose, hard as it was to admit. However, it appeared unhostile thus far and more importantly, completely clueless. As much as it pained him, especially after his previous encounter with those other insectoid monsters back at the swamp, he knew he had to swallow his pride and try to talk his way out of this if he wanted to see his men again to save them from themselves. He could only pray his goddess would lend him the strength to do what he needed to get through this. “I see. If you will not accept my aid, may I provide a source of nourishment, Sir Knight. I have brought freshly baked slices of bread and rich honey to spread upon them. It isn’t much but it was all I had on short notice, I hope you find it acceptable,” the beetle woman continued to offer despite her deadpan expression. “I’ll pass, I’m not going to fall for your tricks or any one else’s. And stop calling me Sir Knight, while I’ve technically been knighted, I don’t see myself as one. Oh, why am I explaining this to a damn bug. Just leave me be and haunt me no more, insect,” the Order captain stated with a harsh tone as he tried to walk away from the towering beetle. “I apologize, I did not mean to offend. If you do not prefer Sir Knight, how may I address you? I was gifted with the name Walta from my mother and father. So please, won’t you grace me with your own name?” the heavily armored mamono bluntly asked as she started to slowly follow behind. “I’m not telling you my name, I’m no fool. I’m not sure what kind of trap you and your wretched friends are planning but I won’t succumb to it,” Alexander snarled as he picked up the pace, despite it proving fruitless. “Dear Sir, I do not understand. I was not made aware of any trap. Lady Chameda simply informed me that you required aid, since you appeared to be emotionally distressed after your fight with your party, so I complied. Would you like it talk about it? I’ve been told expressing one’s feelings is the first step to overcoming them,” the oddly dressed beetle continued to offer as she trailed behind him. Alexander couldn’t believe this thing was actually trying to get him to confess his woes to her. Was its plan to get him to trust her enough so that he would feel comfortable to cry on its heavily armored shoulder? To hell with that! Despite how he felt about his recent loses and failures, he was still a captain of the Order. He had his pride to think about and his reasonability to those he left behind to carry on and complete his mission. There was no way he would allow himself to seek comfort from another, especially from the enemy. “I’m fine. Besides it’s none of your business. Now please just leave me alone and let me return to my men in peace,” Diamandis continued to growl out as the presence of this massive insect was starting to become more annoying than anything else. “I understand your desire to return to your men’s side, in fact I find it honorable, but I must disagree with your personal diagnosis. Even I can tell your heart has been wounded far more than your body. I fear if it is not properly addressed, you will only continue to harm yourself and those you care about,” Walta bluntly stated in a matter of fact way. “I’m sorry, am I getting lectured by something I squish under my boot every day!” Alexander blurted out as he stopped to turn away to address his unwanted escort. “I do not understand. As a Lancer Beetle, I am far larger than you, so I am confused by your statement. It would be impossible for someone of your size to successfully step on any member of my species,” the Lancer Beetle curiously inquired as she tilted her head again. “It’s because you’re just a damn bug! You know tiny and insignificant, not….whatever, the hell you’re supposed to be!” the Order captain boldly claimed. “I see. I did not realize you preferred smaller woman. If you prefer, I could request another mamono, one not as large as me, to chaperone you about like a Honeybee or a Devil Bug. Would that be preferable, dear Sir,” Walta innocently proposed. “No, no, no, no, NO! I don’t want you or any of your friends even near me. So, for the last time, leave me alone,” Alexander demanded as he started to storm off, only to find Walta move her organic lance to block his way. “I’m afraid I can’t let you leave with that artifact in your hand. It is required to repair the statue and you may end up hurting someone with it, including yourself” the Soldier Beetle informed as she positioned herself to block Alexander’s path. “Well, I need it, so unless you’re going to give me something else to defend myself with, either try and stop me or just get out of my way,” the Order captain arrogantly uttered as he stared down the beetle looming over him. “I’m afraid due to Lady Chameda’s orders, I can do neither. Although I am flattered by your challenge. While I accept your feelings, I do not think you would stand a chance against me in your current state. However, if Lady Chameda’s guest does not choose you as her mate, I would be more than happy to wait for you after you properly recover,” Walta politely replied with a respectful bow. Captain Diamandis could only stand there stupefied as he tried to decipher her words despite there being a lot to unpack from that statement. Just how clueless was this overgrown pest, was she even listening to a word he was saying? How in the blue blazes did she come to the conclusion that he was issuing a formal challenge to her and what did his feelings have to do with anything? However, despite his understandable confusion, it was that last comment that truly caught his attention. “Ok, I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about, but what do you mean when you said being chosen by some guest? While I never believed it, we were promised safety here, so tell me what is really going on. Did that bastard Cezar know about this!” Alexander questioned with a raised eyebrow as he had mixed feelings about his assumptions seemingly turning out to be correct. “It is possible Lady Chameda has informed Sir Cezar, however since this is a very recent change of plans, it is also very possible he doesn’t know yet. Even I have not been fully informed of the situation, however I have been told one of you has been deemed by the roots as a potential husband candidate for someone very close to my Lady. I apologize if you feel you have been deceived dear Sir, but you are all still quite safe, so no arrangements have been broken from what I can tell,” Walta casually divulged. “So that rotten tree spirit really is planning on selling us out. Move aside! I must get to my men. I must warn them! MOVE ALREADY, DAMN YOU!” Diamandis barked as he tried to get around the colossal beetle to no avail. “Not until you return the piece you have broken off, dear Sir. I realize you are under the incorrect belief that it can somehow protect you, but I’m afraid you are mistaken. While I’m not sure who Lady Chameda’s guest is, I can assure you such a cumbersome, dull weapon will prove useless. So, please return it. If you do so, I can pledge myself to watch over you in exchange, to ensure you are not chosen,” the Solider Beetle offered without a hint of emotion. “You truly expect me to abandon the few men I have left under me! If you beasts knew the first thing about loyalty, you would have never have made such a devilish offer! I will not stand by and watch those I’ve been entrusted with to be taken, not again, not while I still draw breath,” the Order captain rebuked furiously as he never broke eye contract with the unblinking insect. “I see I have offended both you and your honor, dear Sir. Please allow me to make amends by offering you a new proposal. While I can not let you leave with what you have taken, I can offer you a trade for something that will prove to be much more useful in your quest to defend your allies,” Walta softly uttered out her new offer apologetically. “What kind of trade? This isn’t some trick, is it? You’re not going to offer me some cursed relic or some other enticing trap, are you?” Diamandis growled out, suspicious of every word that came out of the beetle’s mouth. “I’m afraid I have nothing of the like. I can, however, offer you my own lance. While it is a part of my body, if I manipulate my mamono mana, I should be able to shed or break off a part of it for you to use,” the Lancer Beetle suggested as she presented her natural weapon. “Wait, you expect me to use a piece of your body? Why the hell would you even offer that? Are you insane?” Alexander blurted out in shock due to the sheer boldness of the offer. “Do not worry. It will not cause me pain or even discomfort and it will regrow in time,” Walta informed stoically as she placed her basket on her back to free up her one hand. “That wasn’t what I was alluding too. Why should I even consider using such a thing. It’s unnatural, not to mention immoral!” Alexander uttered out in surprise, trying to think of any reason to not to accept. “How is it unnatural? My lance is a far superior tool to what you hold in your hands now or anything else you could hope to find here. If you use this, you will be better equipped to defend yourself and your men while harming no one in the process thanks to its properties. I can think of no better compromise than this,” Walta more sternly stated. The Order captain had no idea how to respond to this. On one hand, everything this oblivious pest was spouting made sense and what other option did he really have to try and save his men? On the other hand, accepting a gift from the enemy, especially a weapon that was a part of their own body, must break several laws enforced by the Chief God herself. However, with options limited and the fact this beetle appeared to be just as stubborn as he was, he had to humor her in order to just get past her and warn his men. Besides, if the organic lance proved to be risky, he could always discard it if need be. “If I take it, it isn’t going to do anything to me is it?” Alexander more nervously asked. “No, it shouldn’t. At least not that I am aware of. So, shall you accept?” Walta asked one last time. “Fine, fine. As long as this gets you to leave me alone. Here, take the damn thing and curse me no more,” the captain reluctantly forced out with a scowl as he handed over the piece of the statue he broke off. “I thank you for your cooperation, dear Sir. Just give me a moment, I have never done this before,” the Soldier Beetle uttered before placing her humanoid hand onto her lance. Concentrating her mana into her elongated limb, the Soldier Beetle altered her carapace as much as she could so that she would not only form the hand she would use whenever her lance was not required but also separate the two. It was an awkward feeling, but slowly her lance shrunk and shifted its sections to create two separate parts. Steadily, Walta pulled out her forearm from the altered lance, and allowed the now separate, natural weapon to drop to the ground. A sticky, gooey purple substance covered the Soldier Beetle’s freed forearm as well as the hole that it had slipped out of that had formed at the end of the now abandoned, carapace lance. However, despite this minor bodily discharge, the now lanceless beetle appeared unbothered by it, just like with everything else. “There, it is ready. I hope this will provide you the aid you have been seeking,” Walta stated despite seemingly being a little bit out of breath. “Oh…ummm…thanks. I suppose I will just take my leave now? You’re not going to get in my way again or follow me are you?” Alexander inquired as he went over to pick up the discarded, modified lance, despite being disgusted by it. “I see no need. Would you like me to accompany you, dear Sir?” the Soldier Beetle offered one last time as she finally stepped aside. “No, that will not be necessary!” the Order captain blurted out quickly as he took this opportunity to finally escape. “Than I shall simply wish you good fortune in your quest, dear Sir,” Walta softly bid farewell. As Walta watched the man run off like there was no tomorrow, she couldn’t help but feel her heart began to race a little after his departure. Despite his harsh words and tone, Walta couldn’t help but admire the loyalty he displayed to his comrades and the courage he showed when he challenged her to a duel of matrimony despite being injured. She was already starting to feel a little distress from his absence, as she contemplated her next move. Perhaps just to ensure his safety, I would be wise to keep an eye on him, just in case he changed his mind. With great haste, Captain Diamandis bolted back in the direction he ordinary came from. He didn’t even bother to look back as he could still feel Walta’s expressionless eyes glued on him. However, he was just glad to finally be rid of that annoying pest, although he was still confused by its insistence on being helpful. Even now he was trying to uncover that insect’s game and true intentions, but he had other pressing matters to attend to now. He needed to find and warn his men as soon as possible. He could only pray he would not be too late. Who knew what depraved, overwhelming perils they might be facing right now. “I would like it to be known that I think this is an awful idea,” Efrain groaned out as he made sure to step behind Alamo for protection. “Oh, is someone feeling shy? Afraid we’re going to make a monkey out of you?” Kamala giggled teasingly. “I seriously doubt someone like you could pull a fast one over on me!” Efrain was quick to respond with a dash of venom in his tone. “I agree with Efrain, this sounds questionable at best. Are you sure this is really needed, Cezar?” Alamo inquired cautiously. “I will admit, I can understand your skepticism, but I do need you boys to learn how to be a little comfortable around mamono. I hate to break it to you, but our next stop is going to have much more, let’s say, forward mamono about and far less protection. So, if you want an actual chance to get out of here unmarried, I suggest you take this opportunity to get to know how these girls think and learn how to avoid falling into certain social trappings they may try to use on you,” Cezar rebuked with a more stern tone. “Just out of curiosity, what is our next destination anyway? I feel this is an answer that is long overdue,” Vasco chimed in with his own concerns. “If you can resist these girls and remain unhitched by tomorrow morning, I will tell you once we leave the ruins, but no sooner than that. Understood?” the reluctant guide replied, slightly annoyed by the rising doubt. “Why can’t you just tell us now and be done with it? Don’t you think we should know just in case we get separated and need to rendezvous there?” Efrain rebuked right back. “Listen, I would love too but if I tell you all right now, then these monkeys will know and let me tell you, they have a history of blabbering. I should know, they’ve ratted me out four times in the past,” Cezar groaned out as he couldn’t help but recall a few, very unnecessary close calls thanks to their chatty nature. “It was nothing personal, you know that. We thought we were helping you by pointing those other mamono towards you,” Senna jokingly commented as she nudged her elbow into Cezar’s side. “Plus, they always gave us really neat things in exchange,” Canna added happily. “Cezar, if you know these monsters…I mean, mamono are untrustworthy, why are you entrusting our care to them?” Vincente pointed out, more curious by this decision than anything else. “It’s their untrustworthiness that makes them trustworthy. Now that you know their intentions and that they will try any trick on you to get their way, you should all be more than prepared to see through their bullshit. Besides, Kakuens are pretty human by mamono standards, so they’re not a bad first proper interaction to have with mamono, especially after everything you guys went through. Granted, they’re no Dark Mage or Dhampir, but we got to make do with what we got,” Cezar answered in a manner one would expect more from a teacher than a guide. Suddenly, Scilla stepped forward and gently grabbed ahold of Vincente’s hand and lifted it up as she made direct eye contact with her target. Her glistening, blue eyes looked at his as fondly as the most innocent, love-struck maiden Vincente could imagine. After all he should know, it reminded him of how Eleanor used to look at him when they were all alone. “Oh please, Vincente, won’t you give us a chance. I promise we’re not as bad as Cezar is trying to make us out to be. We were only trying to help him, and we just want to do the same for you….,” the white furred simian softly uttered before she heard Kamala fake a cough loudly, “…..and also your friends.” Vicente politely pulled his hand away from Scilla's, surprised she even let him as he responded, “I’m glad to hear that…..ummm….what was your name again, miss?” “Scilla! My name is Scilla. Don’t you think it’s a lovely name? Just as lovely as your white hair in fact? Don’t you think it’s neat how we have matching white fur? Perhaps it’s a sign that destiny is trying to guide us to one another. Just imagine how cute our kids would look if we got together!” the snow coloured Kakuen more excitedly answered as she perked up from gaining Vincente’s interest. “I’ll make sure to…..remember that,” Vincente more nervously replied, a little taken aback by the simian’s clear desperation. “I think she likes you, Vincente,” Vasco jokingly called out as he struggled to hold in his laughter. “Well, at least we know who their target is. So that’s a relief, at least” Efrain grumbled under his breath. “Damn it, Scilla, would it kill you to show some self control, you’re messing this up for the rest of us,” Kamala blurted out as she signalled for her fellow troop member to return to her side. “I’m just introducing myself, what’s wrong with that. Isn’t the whole point of this is for us to get to know each other better. Besides, Vincente doesn’t seem to mind,” Scilla rebuked back as she moved closer to Vincente until she was basically snuggling up to him. “Well, actually….” Vincente tried to address the issue while looking to Cezar of assistance. “Listen, Scilla , you will have all the time to flirt with Vincente when he gets back, but right now we got to get going,” Cezar intervened with a sigh. “Oh right, you did mention that,” Scilla moaned out depressingly before looking back to Vincente, “I promise I’ll wait for you when you return. I won’t talk to any of the other guys, I swear.” “Wait a damn minute. Where the hell are you two going!” Efrain accusingly inquired. “Well, our gracious host Chameda wishes to meet with Vincente and has invited him into her tree to talk. We should only be gone for a few hours at most. So, try and hold on until we get back, ok,” Cezar casually informed dismissively. “How come we weren’t invited. You can’t just leave us with these…these scheming monkeys!” Alamo timidly stated. “That’s a good question. We’re guests just as much as him. Don’t think for a moment we haven’t noticed the favouritism you’ve been showing Vincente, Cezar” Vasco added with a coy smirk. “Don’t forgot the only reason you’re here is because Vincente vouched for you three and your thick-headed captain. As for your lack of an invite, well I guess you would have to ask her yourself, but I’m sure it has something to do with your military background and history with the Order, if I had to take a wild guess. Regardless, her tree, her groove, her rules,” Cezar bluntly informed. “But so is Vincente. Sure, he isn’t a soldier like us but he’s still one of us,” Alamo commented in response. “And I’m not even with the Order to begin with! So, what’s my excuse,” Efrain called out. “Where did you find these guys, Cezar. I thought you said there were a bunch of strong, proud men here, but all I’m hearing are a bunch of whiny, little babies. Come on, are you trying to tell me these are the nasty Order soldiers, everyone keeps warning us about. These jokers couldn’t even handle a Dormouse,” Kamala tauntingly interjected with a smug grin, knowing full well the kind of bait she was laying. “Oh, please, we are more than enough to handle you four, especially once Captain Diamandis returns,” Vasco confidently boasted without thinking. “Oh, we’re sure you could,” Senna uttered out as she licked her lips. “Well, then it’s settled. Vincente and I will be back in a few hours and Kamala and her gang will entertain you three till we get back. I’m glad we could get this all settled. Now come on Vincente, we can’t keep Chameda waiting,” Cezar stated with finality as he ushered for Vincente to follow him out of the ruined storehouse. “Wait, wait, wait! If you leave, we’ll lose the number advantage, you traitorous bastards!” Efrain whined as he did not trust the luscious looks the Kakuens were giving them. “Vincente, you can’t be ok with this, right. Even you must admit this seems fishy,” Alamo called out desperately one last time. “I know this feels unhelpful, but Cezar is right. We need to learn how to deal with mamono if we want a chance to get out of here. As long as you stay strong willed and vigilant, I’m sure everything will be alright. Meanwhile, I’ll try on my end to acquire anything from this Chameda woman to help us in our plight. So, just stay strong until we return and try to keep an eye out for the captain too if you can,” Vincente apologetically uttered as he understood the burden he was placing on them before running off to join Cezar. “That’s easy for you to say, you got the expert to watch your ass!” Efrain called out as he watched the two leave their shelter and ditch them. After the two had left, a few moments of silence filled the shelter as the men looked to one another for guidance after having been left at the mercy of the mamono before them. Meanwhile, the Kakuens all sinisterly giggled and gave one another knowing looks as if they were already planning their next move despite not speaking aloud. All the men knew was that they were at a massive disadvantage against these erotic creatures as panic started to set in for them as they remained trapped in this shelter with four very crafty, very promiscuous monkeys. “Well, this is awkward,” Vasco nervously chuckled out. “Not for us. In case you haven’t noticed there are four of us and only three of you,” Kamala smugly pointed out with a toothy grin. “Yeah. So, I guess that means we get to call the shots,” Senna chimed in as she stood proudly next to her boss. “So, which one of you is best at cuddling, because that is very important for us to know,” Canna straightforwardly asked. “Actually, you may want to count again. Your white-haired friend just ran off,” Efrain pointed out. “I’m sorry she did what now?” Kamala asked in befuddlement before looking about for Scilla and seeing no sign of her. Quickly looking out the ruined building, she spotted her snow furred troop member climbing on the nearby structures in pursuit of Cezar and more importantly Vincente. It seemed she really had her eyes set on him, enough to even disobey her leader. Well. no matter, worst case scenario she didn’t get him, and she would come crawling back once she and the others successfully snagged one or two of these nervous wrecks. Although her absence was defiantly going to make this tricker to pull off now. Why couldn’t she just listen and be a contributing member to this troop like the rest and just do what she was told. “Well, I guess this is now three on three. So….where do we go from here?” Vasco nervously inquired despite trying to maintain his confidence. Kamala looked to Senna and than to Canna with an expression that screamed pure deviousness, “Well, we got a few ideas, don’t we girls. However, I think it would be better to show you, than tell you. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure this is a night you will never forget.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Is she still following us?” Vincente whispered to his escort as they made their way through the empty, ruinous streets. “Yup. You can spot her head peeking out every once in awhile from the rooftops. She really seems to have a strong crush on you,” Cezar quietly replied as he kept his eyes forward to avoid suspicion. “Ok, so what do we do about her?” Vincente continued to mutter as he tried his best to follow his guide’s lead and not look back at the stalking monkey following them. “We don’t have to do a thing. Scilla is way too timid to try anything while I’m around and she won’t be able to enter Chameda’s home once we reach it, so you got nothing to worry about. Just try not to think about how she is definitely staring at your ass,” Cezar more jokingly replied with a taunting chuckle. “SHE’S WHAT!” Vincente accidently raised his voice before returning to his quieter tone, “That isn’t funny. How would you like it if some monkey was ogling you behind your back?” “Do you have any idea how many self-proclaimed suitors I have? There isn’t a spot in this jungle where I can go without someone trying to undress me with their eyes and wanting to marry me. I’m sorry to say but you’re going to need a lot more than just Scilla here to even begin to compare your lovestruck plight with mine,” Cezar offhandedly jested in an unserious manner. “Well, when you put it like that, perhaps I’m luckier than I’m taking for granted. Although, now I’m curious, just how many monsters are after you, Cezar,” Vincente casually asked in the hope of distracting himself from his shy pursuer. “Oh, that’s a tough one. You’ve already met my most persistent skulker, Dycia and Kamala has also tried her hand with me as well. Technically every single Amazon from my tribe would be more than happy to grab if given the chance. I’ve got a lot but to help narrow things down to the girls who actually carry some weight around here, there’s the head of the Lizardman militia, Cualli, the Medusa priestess, Nydia, and the Giant Ant princess, Nenetl, who desperately wants me to start a new colony with her. Let’s see, who else, oh, there’s also Queen Patli the Lich, Maya the Merrow, Lucia the Mothman, Carmen the Harpy and than there’s…..Lola,” Cezar listed off his notable suitors, although his tone got noticeably more gruff as he mentioned the last one. “Lola? Who’s that? Something tells me she’s more problematic than the others you just listed,” Vincente inquired as he was quick to pick up on how differently Cezar uttered her name. “Lola is a Werebat, a nasty one at that, although considering half the shit she’s capable of, I swear she’s got some Vampire or Lich in her. From what I hear, she used to be some big-name adventurer decades back before she got corrupted by a relic she discovered in one of the lost temples around here. Nowadays, she’s known for her ungodly talent at necromancy and for being a diehard acolyte to some bat deity I’ve never heard of. Despite only having two very close run-ins with her, I can easily say she is might be the only mamono I’m actually a little worried about getting her claws in me,” Cezar admitted as a shiver ran up his spine while he reminisced about two of his closest near misses. “Considering everything you told me before, I never expected you to have such a harsh opinion on any of the mamono you know. I thought you said all mamono treated their men well? What makes this Lola so terrifying in your eyes?” Vincente inquired further as both men continued their trek. “Vincente, let me ask you this, has everyone in your life you’ve ever met proven to be a pleasant and trustworthy person to be around?” Cezar asked right back, seemingly off topic. “Of course not? What kind of a question is that?” Vincente answered confused. “Exactly, because people come in all shapes, sizes, natures and outlooks, right. Mamono are the same way. Even if they are the same species, you would be hard pressed to find two mamono who were identical and had the exact same personalities or perception of things. Granted, they all do treat their husbands better than themselves, that part is true, it’s ingrained in their very nature after all, but it’s how some mamono treat others where you can find issues. While I’m sure Lola would love me just as well as any other mamono in this jungle, she is considered a borderline terror around these parts for a good reason. She, like some other mamono in this world, has no issue with enforcing her will upon others, human or mamono, living or dead. And that isn’t even going into detail about her questionable desire to upset the balance here or her ties to a certain controversial faction that believes in total mamono domination. Luckily, she’s been kept in check by the other powers here and thanks to her own nocturnal nature, she has been easy to avoid so far,” Cezar continued to divulge his knowledge regarding the notorious Werebat. “Why would you get involved with someone like that?” Vincente questioned. “I didn’t! She came to me, like a literal bat out of hell. She heard the rumors about me and believes I can help her in her goals, just like everyone else in this damn jungle,” Cezar groaned out as he rubbed the back of his head. “Cezar, if you don’t mind me asking, why do you even stay here? I mean if you are so bothered by all these mamono after you and you’ve managed to avoid them all so far, why don’t you just leave? There are plenty of other lands for you to venture too, and start a new life in. I know of many organizations, ones not even affiliated with the Order, who would greatly value your skills,” Vincente asked outright as this has been a topic on his mind for some time. “Aside from this place being my home and where my family is, I technically can’t. Well, actually I can but there would be consequences if I ventured too far from here before I got married,” Cezar uttered cryptically as it was obvious he was leaving something out. “Ok, well that raises further questions than. What exactly are you not telling me, and what do you mean by consequences? Did you make some kind of a deal with a devil or something? Is that how you managed to avoid getting married for so long? Is that your secret?” Vincente blurted out as he pressed further. “Oh please, I’m not foolhardy enough to sign any contracts from either a Devil or a Demon. Although, you’re not entirely off the mark, but that’s private business. Anyways, I would prefer not to get into it right now, because as I told you before, you Order types get real weird whenever I mention it. Besides, we’re here,” Cezar uncharacteristically humbly requested as they reached the base of the colossal tree. “Well, I suppose it can wait, but don’t be surprised when I bring this conversation back up, Cezar. There are too many questions around you for my liking, and even less so for the others. You’re going to have to eventually be more open with us if you want us to continue to follow you without question,” Vincente advised as looked over the massive piece of mega flora before him. “Let’s just see how many of you last first before I start letting anything slip, how about that. Now, come on, if you still want someone to talk too, Chameda and her husband will more than happy to converse with ya,” Cezar offered as he walked over to announce their presence within one of the many flowers sprouting around the location. “Just one more thing. Just what kind of woman is this Chameda? I know we briefly met her already, but you seem to respect her highly, so I’m jut curious to what I’m walking into here,” Vincente quickly inquired for any information on this Dryad before heading into her home. “I owe a lot to her and she’s one of the sweetest women you can find out here. She’s basically the most motherly person you will ever meet, so don’t be surprised if she starts treating you like one of her own or starts asking some very personal questions. That being said, she also likes to act dumber than she is, but be warned, she’s crafter than she lets on and can have a more vindictive side to her if pushed, although as long as you don’t insult her husband, you won’t have to worry about that,” Cezar quickly informed just as the entrance to the Dryad’s inner sanctum appeared once more with a welcoming light. “You make it sound like she once tried to pull a fast one over you or something,” Vincente raised his eyebrow at that honest description. “That’s because she did try something when we first met. It wasn’t long after I first left my tribe that I met her, and she allowed me to stay in her groove for a time. Although I later found out she was only doing so in order to groom me into a suitable husband for her daughter, but that plan fell through when her kid managed to find her own husband, so I kind of lucked out there,” Cezar offhandedly laughed off as he climbed onto the massive root to ascend to the entrance way. “Wait, she tried that, and you still trust her?” Vincente blurted out in disbelief as he stumbled to follow his guide up the winding root. “Not a hundred percent, but yeah, I do, at least more so than most. She’s my best customer and I can’t blame her really. She was only trying to look after her daughter, and she never asked me to repay her or anything like that when I briefly lived here. She even kept the other local mamono around here off my back while I prepared myself to venture off on my own. What I’m trying to say is, you can trust her, but maybe leave a little room for doubt. How does that sound,” the local expert advised as he did his best to cover his bases. “Well, let’s just hope she isn’t planning anything this time than,” Vincente muttered out as he peered behind himself one last time, catching a brief glimpse of Scilla as she hid behind a building, “or that she wants to play matchmaker with us and the other monsters hiding around here.” With that said, both men entered the internal dwellings where their floronic host awaited them as the entrance closed behind them. Scilla, having missed her chance, decided to patiently wait within the nearby ruins for their return and with the small hope that her lady would put in a good word for her to Vincente. It was a long shot, but the Kakuen also knew that Chameda looked out for those under her care and most likely already knew how she felt about the man. In the meantime, all she could do was wait and see how things played out as the night started to close in on the lost city. “I’m sorry, you want us to do WHAT?” Alamo blurted out dumbfounded from what he just heard the scheming Kakuens proposed. “We want you boys to have a friendly game of cards with us, are you deaf or something? Don’t tell me a bunch of strapping, intellect men like you three are afraid to get into a game with us. It will not only help pass the time but give us all a chance to really get to know one another better, just like what Cezar wanted. We could play Conquian…….” Kamala proposed as a toothy smirk spread across her face. “Or maybe Dou Dizhu…..” Senna added gleefully. “Or go fish,” Canna put forth without a hint of shame. “And why exactly would we play a game of anything with any of you, especially after Cezar just warned us that you’re a bunch of lying cheats,” Vasco questioned as he was equally in disbelief from their boldness as his comrades. “I know what he said, but you shouldn’t believe everything that killjoy tells you. Surely, you must have more confidence in your own abilities than this. What’s the harm in playing one or two games with us, really,” Kamala tauntingly inquired, hoping to target their pride in order to get their guard down. “And what exactly would we have to gain from taking such an unneeded risk?” Efrain inquired, a little more curious than the others. “You make it sound like we’re going to force one of you to marry us if you lose. No, I was thinking we play for something a little more interesting and fun,” Kamala ambiguously suggested. “Like what exactly?” Alamo hesitantly asked. “We play for clothes!” Canna shouted out excitedly as she clapped her hands together. “Yeah, losers strip off an article of clothing every round and the first group that discards everything loses. So, you boys interested,” Senna confidently informed her troop’s terms. “Perhaps,” Vasco uttered as he stroked his chin as he was already imagining all these simians nude in his head. “No way, too risky. This is obviously a set up for something else,” Alamo warned his fellow men. “What do we get if we win?” Efrain boldly inquired as an old itch resurfaced in him. “What do you get? You get to see all three of us butt ass naked. What more could you want?” Kamala more grumpily replied, a little insulted that wasn’t enough for them. “See, it is a trap. Win or lose, this is just an excuse to tempt us,” Alamo correctly accused as he saw right through their blatant scheme. “I agree. Normally I wouldn’t pass up such an inviting, stimulating offer but I’m afraid there are too many hidden strings attached, even for me. Although if you wanted to strip yourselves, I suppose we couldn’t stop you,” Vasco commented as he made no attempt to hide his interest in such a sight. “Nice try, handsome, but it’s no fair if we’re the only ones losing our clothes. So, what exactly could I interest you boys in to make you play. Just name your desire and we’ll see what we can do,” the head monkey stated, hoping one of them would take the bait. “As if we would tell you anything. There’s nothing you have that would make us take such an obvious risk,” Alamo assuredly proclaimed. “What about gold or some other kind of treasure. Surely one of you at least has an idea where something valuable is hiding around here,” Efrain abruptly and directly inquired of the three simians. “Treasure, huh. Well, aren’t we the greedy one, but yeah, we might know where some is. A few places actually. We could tell you, even grab it for you if you like, but only if you can beat us in a card game,” Kamala declared as her cheekily chuckled knowing she was already reeling one of these suckers in. “Efrain, you can’t seriously be considering this. You know I was just joking when I mentioned I was interested in seeing them with less clothes on you know,” Vasco uttered as he tried to talk his traveling associate out of it. “Yeah, you can’t just risk our safety just because you want to line your own pockets,” Alamo added with pure disbelief in Efrain’s recklessness. “Listen up you two, I’m not doing this because I want too but because I actually need the money. I got a bunch of debts back home that need paying off, and I was willing to risk it all by coming to this jungle to help with that. So, if there is a chance I can get it jut by beating these monkeys with a few hands of cards, then I’m willing to risk it. Although that being said, I got no intentions of putting you two on the line as well, which is why I will only be playing on my own behalf. Besides I’m tired of how smug this monkey has been talking to us this entire time, and I feel compelled to wipe that dumb smirk off her face,” Efrain announced to the two Order men before turning to the dark furred Kakuen with a determined glare, “So, I’ll play but it’s just you and me, and my choice of game. How does that sound, monkey girl?” “Well, I’ll start by saying my name isn’t monkey girl, it’s Kamala, but I’m just glad at least one of you actually has some balls. As for your terms, I can agree to that. Name your game and be ready to strip, because not to brag or nothing, but I’m pretty confident in my skills with any kind of card game,” Kamala boasted as she confidently stuck out her ample chest. “Or maybe you’re just confident in your ability to cheat in such games,” Efrain accursedly retorted. “That too, but I tell you what. If you can catch us cheating in any way, we’ll consider that a loss and forfeit out right. It’s not a bad deal, right, that is if you’re confident in your ability to see through bullshit. So how does that sound to you, handsome?” Kamala proposed smugly. “I say that sounds interesting. Ok, I can agree to that, just makes things easier for me. How about gin rummy? You know how to play that, right?” the risk addicted man inquired. “I’m familiar, but I admit its not my game of choice. So go easy on me, won’t you,” Kamala answered with a mocking pout. “No chance in hell and don’t think you can sandbag me either. We’re see how clever you really are, and you better be prepared to get me something more valuable than seeing you topless,” Efrain more conceitedly rebuked, secretly a little excited by the thrill of such a game. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Now I assume we play to the standard hundred points, or did you hve a different goal in mind?” Kamala replied with a mocking shrug “See, you’re not that hard to figure out. Mamono or human, it seems a scammer is still just a scammer, but yes we play to a hundred points,” Efrain grumbled out as he stared down the teasing simian. “Well, aren’t we overconfident, but maybe you’re no stranger to such things. Tell me, handsome, is your love for such risks the reason you got into this mess? Is it why you have such large debts to pay off? Or maybe you also tried to cheat the wrong person? Either way, you know I could offer you another solution to your money troubles, free of charge, if you’re interested,” Kamala offered with a suggestive wink. “Nice try but I’m not getting with a bunch of smug monkeys. We play for treasure and…ummm…clothes, I guess, but nothing else,” Efrain stated as he tried to ignore the simian’s suggestive counteroffer. “Worth a shot, but just know you’re becoming more appetizing to me by the second, handsome. I might not be able to let you go if you keep impressing me. So, shall we sit down and play? I’m sure the two of us can put on a good show while my girls here handle passing around the food and drinks,” the black furred, troop leader articulated as she sat down, cross legged, waiting for opponent to do the same. “Don’t do this, Efrain, this is crazy. There is some kind of trick to this, surely,” Alamo warned concernedly. “I agree with the big lug here. If money is what you need, I’m sure we can figure something else out,” Vasco added as even he couldn’t agree with such recklessness. “Relax, gin rummy is one of my best games, and I’m not going to lose to some someone like her. Just trust me, ok” the gambling addict assured as he sat down to join the Kakuen. “Well, from the sounds of it, such games is what got you in this mess,” Vasco bluntly rebuked. “Perhaps, but life is all about risks, if you think about it. So, just shut up and let me play, will ya,” Efrain defiantly blurted out. “Calm down boys, nothing bad is going to happen, win or loss. This is just a friendly game of gin rummy with a bit of stripping thrown in, remember,” Kamala stated as she reached out her hand towards Senna with an open palm, “Ok, hand me my deck. It’s time to play.” Reaching her hand into the depths of her cleavage, the well-endowed Kakuen pulled out a small wooden box, just large enough to contain a deck of cards. With eager delight, Senna passed the tiny box to her leader and watched as Kamala extracted the cards without out even looking. With insane dexterity and skill, the troop leader gave her own little performance as she shuffled the cards between her hands in a memorizing display. While Vasco and Alamo were impressed by the show, Efrain was less so as he had a funny feeling it was more of a distraction than anything else. “Let me shuffle the deck,” Efrain boldly demanded. “What? You don’t trust us already?” Senna spoke out on her leader’s behalf. “It isn’t polite to interrupt someone when they’re trying to entertain you, you know,” Canna commented with puffed out cheeks. “Of course I don’t trust her. I don’t trust any of you. So just let me shuffle the deck. Or better yet, let Alamo here do it, that way we both know we’re not stacking the deck in our favor,” the gambler suggested as he pointed back to his towering cohort. “How do I know he won’t try anything to help you win?” Kamala cheekily argued. “Come on, does that guy look like he knows the first thing about cards, yet alone how to cheat at them?” Efrain rebuked with a coy smirk. “Hmmmm, I suppose you’re right. He’s probably the most trustworthy person here for such a task. Ok, here you go big guy. Make sure you shuffle well,” Kamala offered the deck to the looming farm boy. Bashfully, Alamo took the deck and did what was requested of him. His inexperience was obvious to everyone as he awkwardly moved the cards about, but at least he was proving himself as a trustworthy, neutral party in this contest. Although, his uncertainty over Efrain’s needlessly risky decision was also plain to see since it was pastured all over his face. “Are you really sure about this, Efrain?” the hulking Order solider inquired one last time as he handed the shuffled deck to him. “I know this game inside and out, so stop worrying will ya. Besides I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I didn’t think I could win,” Efrain proclaimed before turning to face Kamala, “Ok, you ready to play or what, monkey girl?” Once Vincente had passed through that blinding light, what awaited him on the other side was a true spectral to behold. Numerous floors loomed above him as everything and more one would expect to find in the most lavish of homes was on full display no matter which direction he looked. Furniture, artwork, and many, many bookshelves all emerged from the pure wooden surroundings as if they were naturally grown from the tree itself. Twin grand, spiraling staircases connected everything while floating bubbles of light kept everything within this closed off space illuminated. There was even a fireplace and fully stocked kitchen just on this first floor, as flora of all species, from vines to flowers covered nearly everything to some extant. Vincente had never seen such an architectural layout, but he knew one thing for sure given his background, and that was no way such a place could exist without the aid of a lot of magic to keep it all together. “Welcome to our humble abode, Vincente, I’m very glad you accepted my invitation. My husband will be down in a moment to join us, but he’s currently enraptured by a new theory of his regarding his hobby. In the meantime, please make yourself at home. It’s so rare that I get to invite a new guest inside, so feel free to request anything your little heart desires,” Chameda announced her presence as she elegantly came down one of the set of stairs. Vincente watched as the green haired woman came down the steps and approach them, finding it hard to believe she was the one responsible for the unreal space he now found himself in. In fact, he was having just as much of a hard time believing this woman was even a mamono. Aside from her strange hair, pointed ears and the plants that winded around her arms and intertwined with her hair, she could easily be mistaken for human, especially when compared to the other mamono he had already encountered. Although, she did have one thing in common with them and that was the strange, borderline supernatural air of allure and eroticism that seemed to be common amongst all monster women, so that was enough call for concern for the Order engineer to remain on guard. “I appreciate the invitation, although I admit I am confused by it. Cezar, told me there was something you wanted to discuss with me?” Vincente humbly inquired of his host. “Hmmm, oh yes, I suppose I did. Although if I’m being honest, I really just wanted to invite you over for dinner so you could bring back some treats back for you and your friends. But there is one thing I’m dying to know about you,” the Dryad inquired as she glided up close and personal to the two, perhaps a little closer than Vincente would have preferred. “Ok, what would you like to know?” the lost man more bashfully asked. “Cezar here told me you have a woman waiting for you in Saint Manus, one you intend to marry. So, I was hoping you could tell me about her? You know, what she’s like and how you two fell in love, that kind of thing. I’m sorry if this is too personal, but as a Dryad I can’t get out much, so I take any opportunities I can to hear a new love story,” Chameda explained passionately before pointing towards her parlor, “Please, take a seat and I will prepare some tea. You must be tired after such a long journey to get here.” Vincente, despite the invasion of his personal space, stuck to his manners as he took a single step back to create some space. Although given everything he had learned, there was one thing he needed to inquire of, despite how rude it would surely come across, “That sounds very nice. However, I hate to sound ungraceful for asking this but, this tea isn’t, you know….” “The tea is fine, Vincente. Chameda keeps a vast collection of different blends from all over the world, both natural and corrupted. I should know I’ve delivered most of them here myself,” Cezar finally chimed into the conversation. “Oh yes, our little Cezar here has been a godsend ever since I first gifted him shelter after his little disagreement with his tribe. Despite his rough exterior, he’s been such a good boy helping me and so many others get a hold of things that would normally be out of our reach. We couldn’t ask for a better delivery service than him. And don’t be ashamed for asking me about the tea, Vincente, I understand. It just means Cezar must be proving to be an excellent mentor if you’re already wary of such things. Rest assured I will do no such thing, after all what kind of mamono would I be if I got in the way of your love,” Chameda sensibly divulged with an apologetic bow. “I see. Regardless, I feel I must still apologize. The last few days have been to be quite the ordeal, especially when it comes to trust. I really didn’t mean any offence,” Vincente admitted humbly. “What a polite, young man. Maybe Cezar, should be the one learning from you,” the motherly tree spirit uttered with a heartwarming chuckle, “You know what, I think I’ll break out that special, all-natural blend from Zipangu just for you. You’re going to love it.” “Vincente, you go sit down for a bit and take a load off. I’ll help Chameda with her tea,” Cezar offered with surprising sternness. “There’s no need for that, Cezar. You go join your friend and I’ll be out with the tea soon,” the Dryad countered swiftly. “I’m afraid I must insist on this, Chameda,” the local guide firmly continued to offer. “oh….ooohhh, I see. Very well, you may join me in the kitchen,” Chameda accepted, although there was a reluctance in her tone. Vincente wasn’t sure what was going on, but he could sense the hint of growing tension between the two. Apart of him wanted to say something, but given he had no idea what was really going on, he knew better than to get in the way of whatever this sprouting discourse was. He could only quietly hope this wasn’t a real issue and that Cezar could handle it himself as he watched the two wonder off to the kitchen. With nothing better to do or anything to contribute currently, Vincente simply made his way over to the parlor and sat down, surprisingly delighted by how comfy these wooden chairs were, almost as if they had shaped themselves to fit him perfectly. “So, Cezar, what would you like to discuss away from your friend’s ears,” the Dryad straightforwardly addressed. “Well, I’m just curious where everyone is? I understand why no one greeted us when we first entered your groove, but I feel at least a few of them should have introduced themselves by now. Even when I was actively looking for any mamono to help those men get over their fear, I was shocked I was only able to find Kamala and her gang. Although I suppose I shouldn’t really be that surprised they were the only ones I bumped into, considering they don’t usually listen to you to begin with. So, where are the others, Chameda?” Cezar bluntly confronted his old associate. “I simply wished to give the men you brought here a wide birth to make them feel more welcomed and ensure they weren’t a danger is all. You can’t blame me for not wanting to take any unnecessary risks with those under my care. Besides I sent Walta to fetch that Alexander fellow before he did someone foolish, so it isn’t like I’m keeping them all away from you,” Chameda uttered as she tried to sweep away Cezar’s concerns. “Maybe, or maybe you’re playing favourites again and making way for someone else to take the first shot at them unopposed. So, who is it? Last I checked both your daughters are already married and they’re not many I know of that you would go to such lengths for like this,” Cezar more accursedly pointed out. “Observant as always, Cezar. Well, if I’m being honest, I might be expecting another guest to arrive here shortly. Now before you start thinking I was hiding this from you, just know she was guided here by the roots themselves mere moments after your group arrived. While I wanted to tell you, she is a member of my druid circle and thus I am duty bound to assist her in any way I can, including keeping her arrival a secret from you I’m afraid,” Chameda admitted, although she didn’t seem that shaken up about it as she reached out with a vine to pick out the tea she was looking for. “Well, I will admit, it’s a little hurtful, but I suppose losing one is fine. It isn’t like I haven’t told them the risks of traveling with me already, after all. Although the fact you haven’t given me a name yet is a little worrying,” Cezar grumbled out, a little displeased by this turn of events. “It’s just Iodia, dear. I know you two don’t get along, but this is nothing you really need to worry yourself over,” Chameda offhandedly informed as she placed the tea leaves in the pot. “Iodia? What does that nutjob want with us? Last I checked she was still human, so why are you stopping other mamono from seeing those Order men before she does? Don’t tell me she’s already looking for a husband,” Cezar questioned, surprised by Chameda’s answer. “Well, that was true a week ago, but she has recently undergone the rite to become a mamono in order to better connect with the roots and the jungle itself. She was even already chosen the site of her new groove, so she is in desperate need for a husband to see it flourish. Thankfully, the roots have already deemed someone in your little party a worthy husband for her,” Chameda calmly divulged as she lit the fire beneath her pot. “You’re just telling me this now! At least tell me which one she’s after, so I can get the others out of her way before shit hits the ceiling,” Cezar more alarmingly blurted out as he tried his best to keep his voice done to avoid Vincente from overhearing. “I’m afraid neither she nor I know which one of those men is her destined husband. That is for her to discover when she meets them. Although I don’t see what the issue is, you just said it yourself that losing one of them wasn’t that big of an issue. In fact, from our discussion earlier today, I thought you would be happy to have this herd of yours trimmed down as soon as possible,” Chameda backhandedly stated as she kept her eyes on the pot of tea. “Well, that was before I heard you planned on giving one of them to Iodia of all people. She was crazy enough when she was still human, and I doubt she’s gotten any better as a mamono. Hell, I’m willing to bet her odd obsession with plants has only gotten worse now. She’s going to sink any standing I have with those men and make my job that much harder once she’s done. At least tell me she’s just an Alraune or a Myconid, or something easy to deal with,” Cezar groaned out as he couldn’t believe this was actually happening. “Actually, I believe she became a Claustrophyte after her rite. It’s been some time since someone from our circle became one of those, so it’s nice to have some variety again,” Chameda informed with a cheerful smile. “She became a fucking Man-Eater! Of course she did, that makes too much fucking sense knowing her. Let me guess, considering she’s already on her way here, she also already knows the anthropomorphosis spell too, doesn’t she,” Cezar uttered as his now worried expression betrayed the panic he was feeling. “Language, young man. As for your question, of course she does. You know she always had a talent for magic, so such a simple spell was going to be child’s play for her surely. How else did you expect her to uproot herself and make her way down here?” the tree spirit retorted mockingly. “Ok, stupid question, I know but I was hoping she had arrived here by other means. Would have made things so much easier. Regardless, how long do we have before she gets here and makes her move?” Cezar groaned out as he wiped away the few drops of sweat that had formed on his forehead. “Well, let’s see. I believe none, since I sensed her entering my domain ten minutes ago,” Chameda dismissively revealed with a warm, motherly smile. “Oh, isn’t that just wonderful. So, if she’s already here, when were you going to tell me about her!” Cezar annoyingly called out. “I was hoping to wait after she had chosen her new spouse and left on her own accord. Given your history with her, I thought it was best to keep you here while she attended to her needs and waited till it was all over. That way we could avoid any needless conflict and you could attend to whoever she left behind after dinner,” Chameda explained without a hint of remorse in her actions. “You make it sound like she isn’t going to try and take all of them, Chameda. Considering how she is, there’s a very real chance she might consider grabbing them all, just to feed this new groove of hers. That woman has always valued nature over people, so I doubt she’s going to stop now,” Cezar argued as he wasn’t a fan of how this conversation was turning out. “Oh, Cezar, she wouldn’t do that. She assured me herself when I spoke to her through the roots. Besides, she’s a mamono now and only wants someone to love, can’t you give her a chance,” Chameda pleaded with Cezar, just as the tea was starting to warm up. “Regardless of her claims or how she is now, I want to be there to make sure nothing goes off course,” the mamono expert requested sternly. “Cezar, Cezar, Cezar, you know this is something Iodia will need to figure out on her own. It’s simply best you stay out of her way and allow the will of the jungle to guide her to her chosen mate. It will all work out; you just need to trust her and me. But if it will help calm your spirit, I will keep an eye on the situation and step in if need be. Does that sound alright to you,” Chameda offered her olive branch to help soothe Cezar’s concerns. “So, I’m guessing that means you don’t plan on letting me out of here till this is done than, are you?” Cezar accurately deduced. “I’m afraid so. You and Vincente shall remain here until Iodia has found her husband. I can’t risk her taking either of you by mistake, after all. I understand why you might be cross with me for keeping this from you, but let’s try to keep this between us, ok. I don’t think Vincente would be as understanding and I want us to have a nice dinner. So, if there isn’t anything left to discuss, please go join your friend while I wait for the tea to finish,” the Dryad uttered as she put an end to this conversation. “Well, I don’t think he will be a fan when he finds out one of his friends is missing and has been eaten by a horny plant. However, I will keep my mouth shut for now, but know I consider this a debt, one in which I expect to be repaid for,” Cezar relented with a groan as he went off to join Vincente in the parlor. “I figured you would, dear, but I don’t mind. Now go relax and clear your head. I’ll be out in a moment to join you both in a moment. Oh, I can’t wait to chat with your new friend. I simply can’t wait to pick his brain and hear about this woman he’s in love with,” Chameda expressed her excitement about her latest guest as she watched Cezar walk away just as the tea hit it’s boiling point. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the lost ruins, a cheerful singing that could only be described as manic in its rhythm could be heard echoing through the empty, forgotten streets. Skipping down the uneven, rocky terrain was a short, yet buxom woman with light, lime coloured skin and a set of two massive, jaw like leaves sprouted from her back, both of which were lined with cilia which gave the illusion of teeth. Her long, red hair was intertwined with numerous vines, all of which was neatly tied into a massive, singular ponytail that swayed with every step she took. She was adorned with golden hoop earrings and a revealing robe that appeared to be made from the same material as the vegetation that could be found everywhere in this jungle. Although, it’s bottom barely made it past her knees and was lined with multiple cutouts that showed off her supple thighs, while its sleeves easily bypassed the length of her arms, and its collars were lined with similar cilia as the ones on her leaves. However, the most noticeable thing about her, was her ecstatic smile full of serrated, razor-sharp teeth which proudly displayed her carnivorous nature, and glistened even as the darkness was setting in around this forgotten city. “Going to get myself a tasty man, tasty man, tasty man. Going to get myself a tasty man and gobble him all up!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
As much as Vincente hated to admit it, this quaint little parlor was quite exquisite. In fact, he dared say he was envious of it. Everything was perfectly positioned, everything matched thematically and despite it all being made from wood, the numerous flowers and other flora placed about really did provide the perfect amount of colour and tied everything together. In fact, he was so impressed, Vincente was already taking mental notes for ideas for the home he would one day share with Elanor, that is if he ever got out of this mess. But secretly scoping out the place for internal decorating tips would have to wait, if he really wanted to be helpful, he needed to see if there was anything around here that could actually assist him and the others with their journey. While he assumed he was currently only restricted to the parlor, there were a few things of note here, including some miniature, oddly carved totems and the small collection of reading material that was stacked inside a nearby cabinet that grew out of the far wall. As curiosity got the better of him, he noticed there were quite a few interesting titles that caught his wandering eye. Some of it appeared to be manuals designed for light reading which revolved around subjects such as gardening, home decorating, and tips for dates at home, while others appeared to be romance novels, most of which appeared to be written by the same author, someone by the pen name of Minerva Deprav. However, it was the collection of encyclopedias that truly caught his attention, most of which appeared to be travel guides to locations the Order engineer was unfamiliar with, but the other four appeared more promising thanks to their shared title. “The monster girl encyclopedia, Vol. 1? There’s an entire series documenting these things? How come the Order doesn’t know about this?” Vincente muttered aloud as he went to pick up the first one in the series. It was a hefty book, and he knew he wouldn’t have time to read it thoroughly, yet alone the entire series, but he couldn’t stop himself from doing a quick skim. Apparently, this volume was written by someone who only referred to themselves as the Wandering Scholar, although Vincente swore he heard that name somewhere before. Regardless, the author appeared to have done his research as it appeared to document exactly what mamono were and how they functioned, as well as gave insight to numerous species, most of which he didn’t recognize but others, well, when he saw the page on the Amazons, it was a painful reminder of his capture by them. However, as he randomly turned the pages and read their contents, there was one thing that he couldn't help but notice that appeared to be the main focus regardless of which page he turned too. “I guess Cezar really wasn’t underselling the whole husband and sex obsession thing,” Vincente uttered under his breath as he realized just how much of a focus sex seemed to take up each description. “You’re really just figuring that out now?” Cezar muttered humorously but quietly behind Vincente as he entered the room without so much as the sound of a footstep to announce his presence. “Oh, Cezar, there you are. Is everything alright?” Vincente inquired, although he could already tell by the awkward expression on his guide’s face that something was amiss. Cezar sat down on the sofa and put his finger to his lips to signal to keep things down, “Ok, I say we got about three, maybe four minutes before Chameda returns with the tea. So, sit down, keep quiet and listen to me, alright.” Vincente with a worried, puzzled expression quickly rushed over to sit next to him, “What is going on?” “I’m not going to sugarcoat it, but things have taken an unforeseen, unfavorable turn. Chameda might be trying to pair up one of your friends with a misanthropic druid named Iodia who has recently become a giant man-eating plant. Worst yet, she most likely won’t allow us to leave to ensure we won’t get in the way, so it appears we’re stuck in here for now,” Cezar divulged quietly as he wasted no time in informing Vincente a summary of everything that was currently occurring outside. “WHA…….” Vincente tried to blurt out before being silenced by Cezar’s hand as it launched out to cover his mouth. Once more Cezar placed a finger to his lips to emphasize the importance for discreetness, “What did I just say about being quiet, dumbass.” “Right, sorry but you said Chameda was trustworthy, that this place would be safe for us to spend the night,” Vincente silently scolded his escort. “I know what I said but I also said leave room for doubt. Under normal circumstances there would be no issues but how was I supposed to know the roots would have led someone like Iodia here to pick out a husband from your shitty little group,” Cezar quietly retorted, clearly annoyed by this turn of events. “What the hell does roots have to do with anything?” Vincente questioned a little more loudly. “I don’t mean actual roots, I mean the will of the jungle, or plants or whatever the druids around here listen too to do their job. I honestly don’t entirely understand it myself, but I know they listen to it religiously and their connection to it only deepens when they become mamono. Point is, if the roots decide on a course of action, Chameda and Iodia are bound to follow it, which means any hope at negotiation is going to be tricky,” Cezar went on to explain as he ran his hand through his hair. “Ok, so what the hell do we do than?” Vicente uttered concernedly. “Well, that’s up to you. What do you want to do, Vincente?” Cezar replied as he turned the question back on his client. “Obviously we got to do something. There must be a way to get out of here or at least warn them, right?” Vincente inquired with a stern whisper. “I may have a way to get at least one of us out, but it’s risky and not guaranteed to work,” Cezar cryptically offered tentatively. “I don’t care how risky it is. We owe it to them to at least try something, so spill it,” the Order engineer silently demanded. “Listen Vincente, what I’m thinking of, well, it would involve you going out on your own and me staying behind to distract Chameda long enough for you to actually accomplish something. Even if you did get to them in time, I don’t know how Iodia is going to react to your presence. Hell, she might decide to take you instead and I hate to tell you this, but there wouldn’t be a damn thing you could do to stop her. So, before I continue, ask yourself, are you really sure you want to risk your own freedom for those guys, because I’ll be honest, I don’t owe them crap, and neither do you. It isn’t like we haven’t already left others to such a fate already on this trip,” Cezar forewarned as he hesitated to say more. “I’m well aware of that, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that fact hasn’t been eating me up inside. Alamo, Vasco, Efrain and even Alexander to a lesser extent, trusted us to watch out for them. I know there isn’t much I can do if things come to a head, after all I’m no fighter but I got to make an effort. So please, just tell me,” Vincente pleaded for his guide to understand his side of things. Cezar suspired deeply as if he was already regretting what he was about to say, “Gods damn it…..fine. The key is Chameda’s husband. While it’s possible he knows what’s going on, I’m willing to take the gamble he doesn’t or at least has already forgotten about it since the only thing that man seems to pay attention to is his own research and his wife’s needs. So, if we can get you alone with him, you could try to either convince or trick him into opening an exit. However, the issue would be convincing Chameda for you to go see him before dinner while he’s busy……….” “Oh boys, the tea is ready,” Chameda announced with a cheerful jingle as her footsteps could be heard creeping closer. “Shit. Ok, quick, pretend we were talking about something else,” Cezar blurted out as quietly as he could muster. Only a few seconds later did the silhouette of the Dryad come gliding into the room, a decorative tray in hand that held both the teapot and accompanying cups. An earthly yet flowery aroma seeped from the steamy mist that poured from the pot’s spout and quickly filled the room as it’s scent immediately wetted Vincente’s appetite the moment it hit his nose. A soothing smile adorned her soft, motherly face as she placed everything on the table and sat across from her two guests. “So, what were you two talking about in my absence,” Chameda casually inquired as she began pouring the tea. Cezar reached out and took a quick sip in order to buy him some time to come up with an answer, “Well, we were just, you know talking about….”“Cezar here was just explaining a few things I was curious about in this book of yours. I hope you don’t mind me taking a peek at your reading material while you were gone but my curiosity has a habit of getting the better of me,” Vincente quickly interjected warmly as he held up the encyclopedia in his hands. Cezar internally let out a sigh of relief thanks to Vincente’s quick thinking as he couldn’t help but relax from hearing that clever response. He had to admit, as far as last second covers he could have pulled out of his ass, that was a good one. Perhaps Vincente wasn’t as helpless as he thought, at least when it came to conversation, and with mamono, there was no better weapon than a quick wit and a tricky tongue. He should know, such talents saved him nearly as much as his less natural gifts. “Of course not dear, that’s why I keep them out here in the parlor after all. However, don’t believe everything you read in those encyclopedias, ok. The author, bless his heart for trying, did get a few facts wrong and let’s just say certain bias from certain groups litter a lot of the entries. That book would have you believe every Baphomet prefers having the body of a child and every Minotaur can’t control themselves around the colour red. Honestly, some of the claims are just silly, but I suppose it was written by a human so it’s only natural, if you don’t mind me saying,” Chameda divulged with a mature giggle. “I see, I’ll…keep that in mind if I ever meet such mamono,” Vincente responded with a more awkward chuckle. “Anyways, on to more important matters. Now, please, Vincente, tell me about this girl who managed to capture your heart and is driving you to go to such lengths to see her again. I’m dying to hear this story,” the Dryad inquired as she brought her cup to her lips. “Well, if you insist. Although I’m honestly not sure what to say or where to start. Her name is Eleanor, Eleanor Blomstrom, and I met her when we were both brought into the service of the Order around the same time. We both did basic training together, and since neither of us were anything special combat wise, we both decided to take different avenues. She pursued becoming a strategist while I decided on becoming an engineer. The more we talked, the more we bonded, and our relationship just kind of appeared, you know. Not sure what more I can say,” Vincente bashfully divulged as he wasn’t sure how to properly explain his love for Elanor. “Oh, there must be more to it than that. There must have been some moment when she first set your heart aflame and you realized she was the one,” Chameda pushed for more juicy intel. “Well, I don’t think there was a specific moment, it just kind of grew naturally as we got to know one another. We started with some small talk, that somehow eventually turned into a date, and the next thing I know I couldn’t imagine myself being with anyone else. So a few years later, I proposed to her. Would have been married by now too, if it weren’t for certain duties delaying things. Although we did make a promise that once we were married, she would choose the most strategic location for us to live in and I would design the house. We used to talk about our future so often, I lost count, but I can’t think of one I didn’t enjoy. I’m not sure when it happened but she did capture my heart, which is why I won’t let anyone else take it, especially one of you mamono. No offence, Chameda,” Vincente honestly shared before looking down to peer into his own murky reflection he spied within his tea. “It’s no offence dear, in fact it is very sweet to hear. You know I’ve been a Dryad for so long, I almost forgot how much slower human relationships tend to go compared to us mamono. After I took the rite, I remember waiting for so long for a man to come near my tree, that when William decided to rest beneath my branches, I couldn’t resist making a move on him. When he told me he risked everything to find this place and confirm this lost civilization existed, I couldn’t help but be inspired by his dedication and fall for him. I decided to help him in any way I could and every time he smiled after discovering something new, my heart melted. When we finally made love for the first time it was the most wonderful moment of my life, and I hope once you wed this Eleanor of yours, you will experience the same happiness I have with my William,” Chameda soothingly revealed as her cheeks couldn’t help but get a little rosy as she shared her own love story. “Thank you for that, Chameda, but out of curiosity, what exactly does your William do. You mentioned he came here on purpose to discover this place, so I’m curious for what reason he did so?” Vincente inquired, hoping to get some intel on this husband of hers before meeting him. “Hmmm, oh yes, where are my manners. He’s an archeologist, dear, and still is. It’s just that his findings are now published by different sources than they used too. You won’t find a more knowledgeable man on the history of this jungle than him. Although sometimes I wish he would pay as much attention to me as he does his research, he makes me a little jealous sometimes,” Chameda jokingly confessed with a giggle. “Yup, William is borderline obsessed with uncovering whatever he can find here. Unfortunately since he married a Dryad, he can’t explore as much as he used too, so he often has to ask me or someone else for help with his research. I can’t tell you how many times he has asked me to go out to explore some other, out of the way ruins or to collect some artifact on his behalf. Although, his collection has become so vast, it practically rivals anything you could find in any museum by now,” Cezar added, almost as if to remind Chameda of everything he’s done for her and her beloved. “I see. Well, I can’t wait to meet him than. You see, I actually have some questions about this place that I wouldn’t mind being answered,” Vincente shared with a bit more enthusiasm in his tone. “Oh, like what dear?” the Dryad questioned bluntly. “Well, you see before I became an engineer for the Order, I ordinary wanted to be an architect. So, when we were passing through, I couldn’t help but become curious about certain things regarding the construction of this place, like the use of such irregular shaped stones to form many of the buildings here and the abundance of carvings that decorate every inch of this place,” Vincente expressed his own interest in this lost civilization. The Dryad’s face instantly brightened up upon hearing Vicente’s words, “Oh, what an inquisitive man you are. My husband is going to love conversing with you. If only he would come out of his study and come down to meet you already.” “Well, I hope this isn’t me overstepping or being intrusive, but if this collection of his is as great as Cezar claims, I would love to see it. Perhaps, with your permission of course, I could head on up and introduce myself to him a little early and inquire a few things before dinner,” Vincente requested with a genuine smile. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I can’t think of the last time my husband had someone he could really talk too about his findings. This will just make his day. Come on than, the fowl I have plan for dinner is still cooking so you will have plenty of time to converse about anything you like with William,” Chameda merrily exclaimed as she shot up from her spot in agreement. With an honest smile full of warmth and glee, Chameda elegantly led the way for Vincente to follow. The Order engineer leisurely followed behind, but not before giving Cezar a knowing look, as if he was trying to non-verbally request his guide to wish him luck with what he was about to do. Cezar in turn remained silent but did let a sly grin slip out as he watched Vincente follow Chameda out of the room. Once they were gone and Cezar was left all alone, the local expert finally put down his cup and let out a long exhale as he dropped his guard. “The crazy bastard is smoother than I thought. Maybe I haven’t given him enough credit.” The shadows of the ruins were growing at an alarming rate as the sun slowly disappeared from the heavens as Captain Diamandis ran madly though this labyrinth of stone. Alexander was running out of time to find his men before darkness descended and concealed everything from his vision. Worst yet, he had no idea where they could be in this maze of a city nor had any source of light on him to help him once night did arrive. All he could do was run like a lunatic in the direction he ordinary came from, but every forgotten ruinous stack of stones looked like all the other ones. He was really starting to kick himself for storming off earlier, even if he did need the space to vent and come to terms with a few things. Although if there was one positive, it was that he appeared to have lost that odd beetle woman from earlier, so that was a plus at least. Eventually the devoted follower of the Order arrived at the spot where he had last seen his men and that bastard Cezar, but naturally found no one there. He was winded but the adrenaline was still in full affect as he looked for any sign of the last few troops he had under his care. How he wished he made a better plan or at least established an agreed upon spot to rendezvous before he left but he supposed there was a reason many considered hindsight a bitch. As he frantically scanned his surroundings, he finally caught a break as he noticed a faint sign of smoke not that fair away. It had to belong to a fire, but now the only question was if that fire was started by his men or more of those filthy beasts disguising themselves as women. Regardless, he had to take the risk as he didn’t hesitate to rush towards it. Besides even if it were just more of those monsters, he wasn’t defenceless anymore, even if he had mixed thoughts on the questionable weapon in his hands currently. As he approached the source of the smoke, he came across the remains of one of the larger buildings but oddly enough it seemed to have been slightly fortified aside from the main entrance. A dim glow and a stream of smoke poured out from the sole, stone entry way but more importantly he could hear voices, male voices that were thankfully familiar. However, they were not alone as he defiantly heard females mixed with those of his men from within the barely standing structure. That was a terrible sign since that meant mamono had to be in there with them. Was he too late? Was the trap already sprung and his men lost, or could they still be saved? He needed to know, but he couldn’t be too hasty, not this time, so he carefully and stealthy approached the ruin and eavesdropped for any information he could gather. “Ok, that confirms it, you are without a doubt in my mind, one hundred percent, cheating!” the voice of Efrain complained at the top of his lungs as the sound of his pants being removed followed shortly after. “Stop complaining, I kept telling ya, I’m playing clean, for once. Besides, you’re ahead in games and this is only your third loss,” a mischievous female voice countered. “Don’t give me that crap! I’m down to my socks and underwear and all you’ve gotten rid of so far is your damn jewellery! Which reminds me, I can’t believe you’re counting all your accessories as separate articles of clothing! That’s bullshit and you know it!” Efrain continued to argue. “Perhaps, you really should have considered the clothes advantage when you accepted her challenge, Efrain” the voice of Vasco commented. “Shut it, Vasco! You didn’t think of it either, so I don’t want to hear it from you!” Efrain retorted angrily due to the embarrassment of his situation. “Calm down, boys. We let you count your shoes, so its only fair. Besides I only got my top and skirt left, so you only need two more wins, because here’s a little secret handsome, I’m not wearing anything underneath and neither are my two friends here,” the female voice rebuked with a vexatious laugh. What in the actual hell was going on in there, Captain Diamandis thought to himself as he continued listening in. Were they playing some kind of game with these damn monsters or were they being forced too? Either way, the Order captain had heard enough. With his carapace lance at the ready and his resolve hardened, Alexander flung himself in front of the entrance and revealed himself, however what the saw wasn’t the sight he was expecting. Beside a small, lit campfire he witnessed his own men sitting next to a bunch of what appeared to be women with monkey like features, eating and drinking with one another as they watched over a game of cards between one of those simians and an almost nude Efrain. A mixture of confusion, disgust and just sheer disappointment overtook the Order captain as the blood boiled in his veins and his face went beet red with anger. “What in all the Chief God’s graces are you morons doing! Are you seriously fraternizing with the enemy, after all we just been through!” Alexander roared as he thought he was about to burst a blood vessel, if not all of them. “Oh captain, there…you…are. We can explain….mostly, but this isn’t as bad as it looks, I swear,” Alamo nervously addressed his captain. “Yeah, these ones aren’t so bad, despite having a mouth on them. Come sit and take a load off, we got plenty to eat and drink. Not to mention seeing Efrain lose so badly is pure comedy,” Vasco more casually invited as Senna refilled his cup of water. “I don’t give a shit! How can you not see this as a trick to make you let your guard down, I taught you all better than this. So, whatever this is, I’m putting a stop to it! As for you monsters, get away from my men and get lost already!” the Order captain demanded with a hearty huff as he stared down the Kakuen currently playing cards, the one he correctly assumed was the leader. “Geez, relax man. We’re just having some fun. You know, you could join us for a game if you want, that is after I strip your friend here of everything he’s got on him,” Kamala casually offered without a hint of fear or concern for her safety. “Yeah, so drop the tough guy act, already. We aren’t going to try nothing, not unless you want us too,” Senna added suggestively as she bit into a ripe mango and allowed the juices to drip down her chin “Although we do offer shoulder massages if you like,” Canna happily put forward while failing to read the room. “How about this for a game. You leave before I decide to start skewering every single one of you. How does that sound,” Alexander threatened as he pointed his sapphire blue lance towards the group of carefree monkeys. “You know, that’s a neat looking weapon you got there. Looks familiar, but the real question is, where did someone like you get it?” Kamala haughty inquired with a coy grin as she finally gave the lance a look over. “I…well…I…I took it as a trophy after I bested the monster who ordinary owned it. Yes, that’s it. So, if you don’t wish to end up like her, I suggest you flee while you still can,” Alexander bluffed as despite his confidence, he still wished to avoid fighting three of these beasts at the same time if he could. “Oh, wow, you here that girls, we got a tough guy over here. Well, if you can best Walta of all mamono, I guess that means you’re the real deal,” Kamala exclaimed overdramatically as she raised her arms in false surrender while failing to hold back a snicker, “Come on girls, play time is over, we better leave before Mr. Badass here slays us with his mighty weapon.” “But we were finally having fun, Kamala” Canna replied with a pout. “Yeah, we finally got these boys to relax around us, boss. Besides, that lance wouldn’t be able to…” Senna commented before getting cut off by her leader. “No buts, Senna. Can’t you see we’re in over our heads here. We better skedaddle before this big, scary man here decides to kill us,” the black furred Kakuen sarcastically stated as she struggled to hide her laughter as she moved towards the exit. “Are you….are you mocking me! Do you doubt my victory,” Alexander continued to insist despite his face was now turning red from embarrassment. “No, no, I totally believe you were able to defeat Walta unarmed,” Kamala mockingly uttered while rolling her eyes before walking past the Order agent and immediately spying what she was hoping to see outside, “In fact, I think she still wants to congratulate you on your victory.” “What is that supposed to mean, beast?” the Order captain interrogated more sternly. The cocky Kakuen simply pointed down the road with a cheeky grin, although when Captain Diamandis noticed what she did, to say he had the exact opposite reaction would have been an understatement as his face went completely pale. As behind a ruined building not that fair away was the unmistakable silhouette of Walta, as the Solider Beetle sheepishly poked her head out and gave the captain a quick wave when she realized he finally noticed her. Alexander couldn’t believe it, he thought he wouldn’t have to see that overgrown creepy crawly again, at last for tonight, yet there she was. How would his men react, or worse think of him if they knew he briefly negotiated with one of those monsters to get back to them and gain her weapon? It could jeopardize everything, and worse yet, it seemed this damn monkey already figured that out. “So…..when’s the wedding?” Kamala smugly asked out right with an irritating giggle. Alexander only responded by lunging Walta’s lance towards the cheeky monkey which Kamala managed to evade easily with a simple backflip. It appeared the Kakuen remained unbothered from the attempted assault as the same shit-eating grin remained glued on her carefree face, which only served to infuriate the Order captain even more. “Just get the hell out of here already!” Alexander shouted as he turned his attention to the two remaining mamono still inside the ruin. “Come on girls, before he gets really mad,” Kamala called for her lackeys to join her outside. With annoyed sighs, both Senna and Canna bolted outside on all fours as they easily slipped by the armed man. Neither of them looked practically happy about abandoning all the hard work they had accomplished with winning over the others, but their leader gave them a reassuring expression, as if to communicate this wasn’t over. However, Efrain of all people, was the next person to come running out as he followed close behind. “Where the hell do you think you’re going! I want my damn clothes back!” the gambler demanded as he tried to cover himself to little success. “Sorry, handsome but we won them fair and square. I’ll be back for you and your underwear later though, so we can pick this up later, promise. Just wait for me, ok,” Kamala exclaimed as she started to walk away with her troop but not before blowing Efrain a heartfelt kiss. “You damn better…..I mean, once I figure out how you were cheating, you won’t be laughing than! So, you better be prepared to lose the next time we play, you hear me!” Efrain exclaimed his challenge as he watched the three mamono disappear into growing darkness. “Boss, we’re not really giving up, are we? We could have easily taken that jerk,” Senna inquired of her leader as they slipped away. “Yeah, plus you were really having fun with that Efrain guy,” Canna added as she followed suite. “We could have, but you know the rules, no causing trouble. Besides, who said I was giving up? Our moment will come, we just got to wait a bit. Once things get rolling, we’ll come out on top, you’ll see,” Kamala declared gleefully as she wandered off with her troop until they were out of sight. Once the Kakuens had departed and the shelter was once again mamono free, Captain Diamandis turned to his men with a disgruntled yet exhausted expression. Vasco and Alamo turned to one another as they knew what was coming as Efrain could only slink back inside in shame despite not actually being apart of this man’s battalion. However, no rant or any other show of explosive anger appeared, as Alexander simply let out a heavy exhale as he put a lid on his emotions and became more apathetic in tone. “Captain, listen, we can explain,” Vasco carefully addressed as he broke the silence. “No, you listen. I just busted my ass to get back here in time to save you but I can’t believe you three were just….just putting yourselves in harms way so carelessly. Need I remind you of where we are, where we’re supposed to be. We have a duty, an obligation to make it to Saint Manus, but instead I find you all goofing off with monsters. The very things you plead an oath to vanquish from this world. What the hell were you three thinking,” Alexander scolded in a disappointed tone. “Well, Cezar said we had to learn how to….” Alamo spoke up timidly before silencing himself as he saw his captain bring up his hand. “I don’t care what Cezar said. Mingling with mamono is too dangerous. You’re lucky I was tipped off about this and made it back here in time when I did,” Diamandis more sorrowfully expressed despite there still being an edge in his voice. “Just out of curiosity, who exactly tipped you off about this?” Efrain inquired with a more accusatory tone as he was quick to pick up on that bit of information. “Why does it matter?” Alexander rebuked as he already disliked the direction this was heading in. “Well, it’s just that from my understanding there are only really mamono around here, which means you would have had to not only talk to one, but also trust her enough to take her word, right,” Efrain deduced as he confronted the Order agent. “Technically I did, but the circumstances left very little option otherwise,” Captain Diamandis more prudently answered. “Was it the same mamono who gave you that weapon in your hands, because it seems a little hypocritical of you judging us while holding that in your hands,” Vasco chimed in with his own questions. “Yes but, this is not the same thing,” Alexander defended his actions. “How is it not? You not only hung around a mamono but accepted a gift from her. Hell, how do you know you’re not the one who fell for a trap, captain, because we were just fine before you showed up,” Efrain pointed out harshly. “Don’t give me that crap, Efrain. You’re half naked and who knows what would have happened once those beasts got the better of you,” Diamandis rebuked as he addressed the sorry state the gambler was in. “I had her on the ropes. I was this close to winning and making payday before you got in the way,” Efrain argued with gritted teeth. “Money? You thought those creatures would uphold their end of things and shower you in gold or something? That could not have been a more obvious lie. Do those flea-ridden monkeys look like they had an ounce of coin to pay you with?” the Order captain countered as he stepped towards Efrain. “Considering the jewelry they were decorated with, yeah, I’m sure they had something. But what about you and whoever you talked with. Did whoever gave you that oversized poker say this would protect us and keep us safe, because that also sounds like a lie considering your track record,” the mostly naked gambler rebuked as things got more heated. “Mind your damn tone, or did you forget who’s in charge here,” Alexander huffed as the sound of his teeth grinding together could be heard. “I’m not one of your damn soldiers, or did you forget,” Efrain spat back as he walked right up to the Order captain. “Guys, that’s enough! Arguing isn’t going to help any of us! Let’s just calm down and wait till Cezar and Vincente to get back. We can explain everything to them and see what they have to say,” Alamo spoke up, hoping to end the needless infighting. “Cezar is the one trying to damn us. Don’t you see, he brought us here to hand us over to these monsters. This is all his doing,” Alexander exclaimed in the hopes his men would see reason. “While it’s true he was the one who introduced us to those mamono, but in fairness, those women didn’t attack us like the other ones did despite having plenty of opportunities, and considering you’re here captain, I’m guessing the one you spoke with didn’t either. I’m not saying we fully trust him or these monster girls, but you have to admit, his way of doing things has proven to be quite advantageous thus far,” Vasco stated with a clearer head than the others. “Umm…..guys…” Alamo muttered out amongst the squabble. “Regardless of what he’s done for us so far, that doesn’t mean he isn’t setting us up for failure later. Don’t you find it strange he isn’t here. On that matter, where the hell is Vincente?” Alexander accused while wondering where those two were. “They’re both with that tree lady in charge of this place. They should be back eventually but if they don’t show by morning, maybe we should start considering the worst,” Vasco informed as he played devil’s advocate regarding their situation. “Guys……” Alamo tried to speak up once more to try and get the attention of the others. “So, what? We hold ourselves up in here and see if those two even come back? What if they don’t, what’s the plan than? Trust that the captain here and his giant toothpick can protect us if the worst is to happen,” Efrain questioned as he struggled to calm himself back down. “Well, as much as I don’t want to stay here, it isn’t like we can risk escaping during the night…..wait, what’s that smell?” Alexander stated before noticing the oddly sickeningly sweet smell that had infiltrated the air around them. “Why does it suddenly smell like a sweetshop in here?” Vasco questioned as he took a whiff of the air. “Guys, look at the doorway!” Alamo raised his voice as he took a step deeper into the shelter. The other men finally turned to spy the source of Alamo's concerns, although apart of them wished they hadn’t. Somehow, without their notice, thick vines were starting to slowly creep along the ground and around the entrance as they slithered closer to them as if they were serpents. Despite Alamo being the only man there with any real experience with plants, the others all knew vines shouldn’t be able to move like that. Of course, the moment they all noticed, a group of vines shot out and wrapped around Efrain and proceed to drag him out with little resistance. The group has shocked as they watched the gambler disappear in a moment before a second set of vines appeared from the doorway to wrap around Vasco, however this time Alexander was ready as he reached out to grab his soldier’s hand in an attempt to pull him back. Unfortunately, despite momentarily halting his cohort’s sudden adduction, even more vines appeared to grab him as well, resulting in both men being pulled out of the ruin shelter, leaving only Alamo left. After seeing that, Alamo simply pressed himself against the back wall and positioned the fire between him and the doorway in a last-ditch effort for protection. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before he felt something smooth grasp him around his ankle and lift his leg up to topple him over. The country raised goliath was easily dragged towards the exit to join his friends outside despite his best effort to halt his momentum by dragging his fingers against the rough floor. Once he was forced out in the open, he was lifted high in the air to join the others as the constrictive vines continued to entangle them as they dangled off the ground. “What the hell is going on?” Alamo cried out as he was hoisted upside down by his ankle. “Nothing good, obviously!” Efrain answered with a shout. “I told you this was a damn trap!” Alexander growled as he tried his best to free himself with the lance in his hands to little success. “So, you are the guys I got to choose from? Hmmm, well I guess there could be worse pickings, but I find it hard to believe one of you is supposed to be a match for me,” a female voice called out with an almost disappointed tone. “Show yourself, coward!” the entangled Order captain demanded with a roar while continuing to dangle helplessly. The towering vines immediately reacted and shifted in order to bring the captured men towards the roof of their shelter in to face their latest assailant. Sitting leisurely, with her legs playfully dangling off the edge was a green skinned woman with red hair and noticeably plant like features adorning both her body and attire. She was obviously a mamono, a plant based one at that, but for whatever reason she had an extremely judgemental glare in her eyes as she looked over her catch as they swayed before her like fish on a hook. It was as if she was looking for something specific, but whatever it was, the men had no way of knowing and by the look of things, neither did she. “Are you sure you’re the guys I’m supposed to pick from and there isn’t some other group around here I missed?” the Man-Eater questioned bluntly. “What the hell are you talking about?” Efrain called out as he was gently flailed about. “Unhand us, demon!” Alexander demanded with a growl. “Could you please tell us what is going on or who you are, or anything? I thought we were promised safe haven here?” Alamo timidly inquired as he tried to keep his eyes off the ground. “Well, since you asked. I am the druid known as Iodia, and for the good of the jungle, I need a husband and one of you four has been chosen to fill that role. I just have to figure out which one of you is right for me, then I can finally be on my way. So, which one of you is it?” the carnivorous druid bluntly questioned her captives. “I feel there has been a mistake. We haven’t been informed of any of this,” Vasco proposed as he tried to remain civil despite the vines coiling around him. “Doesn’t matter, the roots don’t mistakes, but I suppose since this is my trial, it makes sense it is up to me to figure this out,” Iodia groaned out as she continued looking over the four candidates, although oddly enough despite her tone, it appeared she was starting to drool. “If you think we’re just going to go along with this, you have another thing coming. I will not allow you to take anyone here, not while I draw breath!” Diamandis proudly roared as he finally managed to crave his way out of his bindings thanks to Walta’s lance. The Claustrophyte unimpressively observed the man currently breaking through her vines as she finally noticed the sapphire-coloured lance in his grasp and realized what it meant. She rolled her eyes as she summoned more vines from the ground to thwart his efforts until the weapon was forced from his hand, dropping to the stone road below while his entire body was tightly bundled up in more vines. However, despite being disarmed and fully incapacitated, the Order captain continued to struggle in vain and groan out in defiance. Yet, oddly enough with another wave of her hand, Iodia decided to drop Alexander down onto the ground, almost as if she had eliminated him from a competition. “Well, at least I know you’re not him, so I guess that leaves you three. Come on, I’ll take you all somewhere a little more grand for the final selection. So don’t resist and I’ll figure out which one of you is my husband before you know it,” Iodia stated indifferently as vines started to grow from her back to collect the remaining three men and transport them to the site where their destiny would be decided.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The solid foundation barely made a sound as Vincente tailed behind his floronic hostess up those spiraling steps. The further he climbed the more awe-inspiring this hidden home seemed to become. However, while normally the lost engineer would be drooling over the architectural marvels he was currently passing by, his mind was currently being strangled by another chain of much harsher thoughts. Of all the short sighted, asinine plans you have ever conceived, this had to be easily near the top of the list, Vincente internally scolded himself for his current predicament. Oh sure, it was easy to see this as the correct and noble course of action right when Cezar had informed him of the danger the others were in but now that he was on his own and had a moment to actually realize the insanity of situation he had voluntarily put himself in more thoroughly, second thoughts were already creeping in like termites. Didn’t Cezar mention the mamono targeting them was not only some kind of man-eating plant but also a druid just like Chameda was to boot? What exactly was he expecting to achieve against someone like that? He was no solider or paladin and he certainly was no hero, he was just an engineer, the guy real problem solvers came to whenever they needed a temporary bridge across a river or a quick siege weapon built. Hell, he wasn’t even that right now considering he had no tools or other men to work with, so what exactly was he hoping to achieve on his own if he ended up having to confront a monster like this Iodia person? And that wasn’t even taking into account who else could be lurking out there just waiting to nab him for their own personal, perverse uses. Although perhaps he was getting ahead of himself, after all he still needed to get out of this tree first, and he could only begin to imagine how difficult of a task that might turn out to be. As his nerves increased with every step, he couldn’t help but reprimand himself for not taking a second to look before he leapt head first into this mess. Despite how warm Chameda had been so far and every kind word she had used to describe her husband, Vincente had no idea the kind of man he really was. Considering the Dryad hadn’t been the most forthcoming regarding certain plans, it would be foolish for Vincente to just assume this William, this man who had apparently willingly bonded himself with a tree spirit, would release him without issue or be tricked so easily. Just what kind of man was this William person anyway, and more importantly was he someone he would have to be wary of. Actually, now that he thought about it, this would be his first time encountering someone who had actually married a mamono, an Incubus, if what Captain Diamandis told him was true. If he was married to Chameda, should he even expect him to have retained his human appearance? Would he have plant like features same as his wife or did Incubi have their own unique visage? He could only begin to imagine the sort of consequences that came with being joined with a mamono. Concerns about his appearance aside, the real question that was buzzing about inside Vincente’s skull was how this man would behave. Chameda briefly mentioned he practiced the art of archeology, which meant it stood to reason he would most likely come off as the civilized, academic type, but who knows what happened to his mind after being married to a Dryad for so long? As far as he knew, William could have gone bat-shit crazy a long time ago being stuck all the way out here in the middle of nowhere. After all, what sort of logic or reason would a man need to stay married to a monster for so long? “My husband’s study is just down this way, Vincente. I’m sure he will be able to answer any question your heart desires,” Chameda spoke up soothingly as they reached the third floor of her towering home. Snapped out of his exacerbating thoughts, the Order engineer's eyes fluttered wildly as he returned his attention to his surroundings. What was he thinking, this was no time to be having second thoughts, he was the one who decided on this course of action, so he had to be the one to push himself forward to see it through. Although with that being said, he still wished Cezar had found a way to stay with him for support, or better yet, be the one heading out into that mamono infested labyrinth alone instead. “I look forward to our introduction, Chameda……..wait, what is all this?” Vincente uttered as he finally got a good look at everything this floor had to offer. Finding such a tranquil, serene space here of all places was surreal, as the best way Vincente could describe this floor was as if a forest had grown to mimic a library or a museum. Which made it all the stranger that this was all technically inside someone’s home, which in turn was inside a giant tree. Aside from the numerous giant statues of various designs littered about, there were also what appeared to be countless trees that sprouted to the ceiling like organic, twisted pillars that also doubled as display cases and shelves that housed numerous books, artifacts and academic instruments. Even more amazing was that everything appeared to be organized and tastefully arranged by categories, as it was obvious even to Vincente different clusters of these "exhibit trees", as he called them, were attributed to different subjects regarding to this lost culture from art, to war, and even agriculture. It was as if this place was one giant showcase of all the research this William had done over the years, but that would be insane as there was no way one man could have done all this by himself. “It’s quite impressive isn’t it. We like to call this place my darling’s little forest of knowledge. Everything my husband has studied, learned and collected about the history of this land is stored here for anyone to admire, even if we don’t get that many visitors interested in such things. It’s a shame really, William has worked so hard and so few will ever get to see the fruit of his labor,” Chameda informed downheartedly as she guided her guest through everything. “Downstairs you hinted at the fact William shares his research with at least a few places, so surely, he has some people thankful for his findings,” Vincente dumbfoundedly questioned as he was still trying to wrap his head around everything he was observing. “He does, in fact he sends his findings to both mamono and human institutes. Although unfortunately, he is limited with what he can share with them for different reasons. I’m afraid many human controlled institutes simply don’t tend to trust the findings of incubized men very much and while many mamono acknowledge the importance of cherishing human history, I’m afraid such subjects are not that popular for display within mamono circles. They prefer more…..intimate subjects,” the Dryad revealed a little sorrowful by this fact. “I see. I’m sorry to hear that,” Vincente commented as even he saw the waste of hoarding all these historical treasures here. “It’s all right, dear. If anything, it just makes it more special when someone like you stops by and indulges with my William regarding his favourite subject,” Chameda replied with a warmer smile as she tried to focus on the brighter side of things. “Just how did he manage to collect all this?” Vincente inquired still in disbelief of his current surroundings. “Well, eighty years of dedicated work fueled by undying passion and a helpful wife can accomplish wonders. Although if you wish to know more, you should ask him yourself. His main study is just beyond those doors up ahead,” the druidic tree spirit informed as she pointed to a set of rounded doors. Eighty years? This man was eighty years old? Wait, no that couldn’t be right. He had to be even older than that since he’s only been here working on his research for that long. Which means he could be well over a hundred years old by now. How the hell was that even possible? Was some shivered up, corpse of a man waiting for him beyond those doors? Was that the true terror of being married to a mamono? Being kept alive far beyond what the Chief God intended? Was that why he wasn’t around when they first entered their home, because Chameda wanted to hide this dark truth from him? “Oh honey, I have a curious guest here I can’t wait for you to meet. You don’t mind answering a few of his questions, do you?” Chameda called out to her life partner as she pushed open the doors with an extended vine from her hand. You got to be shitting me, Vincente thought to himself as he entered the study. It was the ideal academic workroom, complete with fireplace, massive desk and various other forms of instructional material. It was like he had just walked into office of some high profile professor from an elite university. However, it wasn’t the environment that caught Vincente so off-guard, it was the man sitting behind the desk, nose deep in a massive tome and seemingly oblivious to the rest of the world. He was adorned in a beige, buttoned shirt with a matching greyish, blue ascot and even had a monocle resting on his right eye. However he was young, like much younger than Vincente could have ever expected. For goodness’s sake he looked more like an late year University student pulling a prank on his professor by sitting in his chair than the professor himself. “Hmmmm, oh Chameda, what were you saying? I was a little distracted,” the young man cluelessly mumbled out from behind his oversized reading material while still keeping his eyes downward on the page he was on. “I said we have a guest here who would like to learn about your research. He’s a friend of Cezar’s and he’s endured a great deal to get here, so I thought you could entertain him until dinner’s ready,” the Dryad lovingly informed her husband. “Oh….right, I completely forgot we were hosting guests tonight. I apologize, it’s just that I get so invested in what I’m reading I forget about everything else. It’s a bad habit of mine, I’m afraid. Please allow me to properly introduce myself, I am William Blyth, and I welcome you to our home,” William apologized while introducing himself as he dropped the massive book concealing his face in order to get a proper look at his newest guest. “It’s quite alright. I am Vincente Viveros. Chameda tells me you know everything there is to know about this lost city,” the Order engineer returned the greeting in kind. “I should hope so, I practically wrote the book on this place. Several in fact,” William retorted with a hearty chuckle that betrayed his true age. “I’m so glad to see you two getting along already. I’ll just leave you two to talk your little hearts out while I get back to preparing dinner, alright. I’ll call you both when its ready,” Chameda cheerfully said before stepping out of the room and leaving the two be. “Well, judging by the state of your clothes, I can see you’ve been on quite the journey. I’m honestly a little shocked my wife hasn’t offered you a new set of clothes yet, but I suppose that can be addressed later. So, what can I answer for you, Mr. Viveros?” William inquired with a friendly yet professional attitude. This was it, Chameda was gone, and he was alone to ask anything of this oddly normal looking, if overly youthful man. Should he just openly request to leave or was a more fine-tuned approach needed. Vincente debated with himself as he considered the best way to play this but while this William appeared to be a decent, honest man at first glance, there was something about him that bugged Vincente. Something that took priority over everything else he wanted to know about this man and this forgotten city. A question he just couldn’t hold back from slipping out. “How in the hells are you so young looking?” the Order engineer blurted out with pure skepticism. A brief moment of silence filled the office before the Incubus lost his composure with an amused yet elderly laugh, “And here I was expecting something regarding the Estrella people. Just out of curiosity, I wouldn’t happen to be the first Incubus you’ve ever met, would I be, Mr. Viveros?” “Well, if Cezar isn’t one like he claims, then I suppose you are. I apologize if my question came off as rude but to be honest, after everything your wife told me about you, I was expecting someone a little…..older looking,” Vincente honestly admitted. “I suppose that’s fair; I don’t exactly look my age now do I. It’s hard to believe I’m a hundred and twenty-three years old but being married to a Dryad does come with its advantages I suppose. Although I’m hardly an uncommon case, Mr. Viveros. Considering you seem to be uncustomed with the relationship between humans and mamono, would I be correct in assuming you’re from a land where the Order or some other anti-mamono authority reigns?” William replied with his own question. “That obvious, huh. I will admit I am with the Order, along with the other men I have traveled here with under Cezar’s guidance. I understand this fact may make me an enemy in your eyes, but I hope my honesty will help prove I mean you nor your wife any harm,” Vincente continued to confess, hoping this was the correct course of action. “I appreciate the honesty, but fret not, your allegiance to the Order is of no concern to me. Believe it or not, I like many others hold no ill will against them or the Chief God. Technically they did at one point used to fund my research back in the day before I settled down with Chameda, so I’m hardly one to pass judgment on where your allegiances lie. Although, that being said, I am curious what this newfound interest the Order has with the Estrella people. I do assume that is why you’re here, correct?” William incorrectly deduced while a tingle of hope could be seen in his eyes. “Not…exactly. We didn’t come here under the instructions of the Order or any other organization connected with them. We didn’t even know this place existed before Cezar brought us here,” Vincente confessed, a little nervous of how William might react to that little fact. “Oh, and here I was getting my hopes up that someone of note finally took an interest in my research. But I suppose if no one cared back than, why would they care now. Although if you don’t mind me prying, if you didn’t plan on coming here, just what exactly brought you to my doorstep, dear boy,” William pondered as he leaned onto his desk while he continued his line of questioning. “Truth be told, me and the others are just trying to leave this jungle unclaimed and get to Saint Manus. Cezar said this was a good place to stay the night while avoiding our pursuers,” Vincente mentioned shamefully. “And just who exactly are you running away from, my boy?” the inquisitive Incubus uttered with a raised brow. “Amazons, Ocelomehs, and apparently every other single mamono in this jungle. It has been a rough couple of days, sir,” the lost Order follower divulged with a heavy sigh. “Hmmmm, Amazons and Ocelomehs, you say…..wait, was their little hunting contest this year? My how time flies, I must do a better job at paying attention when events like that transpire. Don’t tell me you and your friends got caught up in that nonsense, my that must have been quite the ordeal. Although that would explain how you ran into Cezar. While he is a dependable man, I must admit I’m amazed he agreed to help you and your friends. While I’m not sure how he’s been with your group thus far, I hope he hasn’t proven to be too difficult to work with. I’m not sure if I should tell you this, but Cezar has had a few rough run-ins with some of the more unsavory members of your organization which may have left a sour taste in his mouth. So please, don’t hold any harsh comments he has probably already said against him,” William more apologetically stated with obvious concern. “Cezar has alluded to his past dealings with the Order, both good and poor, but he has proven to be indispensable to our success thus far. While there has been some ups and downs, I can’t say my group has been completely blameless regarding how bumpy our travels have been so far. Although that being said, on the topic of the few men I traveled here with, they’re actually the reason I came to talk with you now,” Vincente revealed as he took a nervous gulp. “I see. So, I’m guessing you didn’t come up here to discuss the history of the Estrella people than,” William commented with a disappointed intonation. “Listen, I do, I really do want to learn about this place and whoever built it, but I've got to help them first. So, if you could please just allow me to leave your home real quick so I can inform them of something, I would be eternally grateful,” Vincente begged as he hoped with all his heart that this Incubus before him would show him mercy. “Oh, is that all? And here I was expecting you to ask me for some ridiculous favor or something of the like. Of course, I can do that. You’re our guest, it’s not like we’re holding you here against your will or anything like that,” William expressed with a soft chuckle. “Oh….ummm, well, I’m glad to hear that. You sure you don’t have an issue with that, or more importantly your wife?” Vincente spoke up in surprise despite continuing to navigate this conversation like one would traverse a path of broken glass. “As long as you return before dinner is ready, I cannot see where any issues may arise. Now, let's get you on your way to attend to whatever business you have with your cohorts so you can get back here before the deadline and we can finally have a proper, intellectual discussion,” William expressed with a casual yet straight to the point attitude. Vincente bowed his head in thanks and let out a heavy exhale of relief, “Thank you so much, I promise to make this quick. Although just out of curiosity, how exactly do I leaveeeeeeeeeee……….” Before Vincente could even finish his question, a feeling of weightless overtook the silver-tongued engineer as the section of floor beneath him had suddenly vanished. He dropped like a sack of rocks before his final words had even left his lips, as he quickly found himself sliding down a tunnel of complete darkness. William simply remained in his seat as he watched the exit he had summoned swiftly close back up, as the crackle of the fire returned to being the dominant audio in the study. “Hmmm, interesting lad. I wonder what all the hurry was about. Oh well, I’ll just ask him when he gets back,” William uttered to himself before returning his attention to his tome. Scilla laid leisurely along one of the sturdier branches of the mango tree she had held herself up in, her arms dangling off the side like swaying vines as she awaited the return of the man who caught her eye. Boredom and impatience was already starting to consume the lovestruck Kakuen as she staked out the location she last saw her future mate. She had no idea when he would come out of Chameda’s home, but once he did, she would be laying in wait to woo him and show Kamala that she could get a man by doing things her way, the way she always dreamed of. He was so handsome and kind looking, unlike those other Order ruffians he was traveling with, and Kamala wanted to prioritize over him for some reason. How come her troop leader couldn’t see the perfect catch Vincente was compared to the others. From his gorgeous, uniquely white hair that matched her own, to his captivating smile that teased the gentle soul he held within, he was the very picture of husband material. And that wasn’t even taking into account how sickeningly cute all their offspring would be if they all surrendered their bodies to him. However, perhaps her troop's lack of taste was to her benefit in this case. After all, that just meant Vincente could be all hers and she could create their own troop with him. At least that was the new idea that had been slowly forming in her one-track mind ever since she broke off from the others to chase after her newest crush. In truth, Scilla was never one to typically break off from the group to pursue her own wants, after all she was more of a follower and confidence had never been her strong suit, but seeing Vincente awoke a primal desire in her that drove her to take such drastic action. She once believed she was destined to share a husband with Kamala and the rest but now, she couldn’t see a future where she didn’t have that white haired hunk all to herself. She was ready to pull out all the stops to win him over and claim him as her own, the only issue was, she had no idea how exactly she was going to pull that off. She didn’t exactly have Kamala’s devious mind, absurd confidence or amazingly plump ass. She didn’t have Canna’s alluring height or approachable ditziness. She didn’t have Senna’s unrivaled, gravity defying chest or….ummmm……that other trait Scilla just couldn’t think of at the moment. Although now that she thought about it, she really wasn’t that far behind the others in all those qualities, the physical ones at least. In fact, she would dare say her body was the perfect mix of all those traits, the complete package, a true jack of all trades but master of none. The ideal figure to properly comfort Vincente and the adorable family they would produce once they lived together in the treetops, at least that was what she desperately tried to convince herself was true to psych herself up for her reunion with her ideal man. Now the only question that remained was how she was going to grab Vincente’s attention and set off the beginning of their lives together. Should she just go right up to him, present herself in a submissive position to show off her goods and wait for him to have his way with her? Maybe even figure out some way to show off how flexible she was while she was at it to better lure him in. Last she checked males valued flexibility in their partners, and as a Kakuen she had that attribute in spades. Wait, no, what was she thinking, that wouldn’t be the best way to make her case to a sweetheart like him, she wanted him to value her for more than just her stunning body. Perhaps a page from Kamala’s playbook would be best to try and win him over. Something more mischievous and cunning in nature. Perhaps she could provoke him into making the first move by taunting him or maybe challenge him to a game with marriage on the line in the form of some kind of wager. Men liked to gamble on games of skill right? No, no, no, that also wasn’t the way to go either. Not only was Scilla awful at games, she was even worse at heckling others. That was Kamala’s way of doing things, and to be honest, it hasn’t exactly worked out all that well for her either thus far. Besides Scilla was too timid to take that kind of route, not to mention she would never forgive herself if those were the tactics she founded her eternal relationship with Vincente on. No, for a man as special as him, she needed to first show why she would be the perfect wife for him, and why he should ditch whatever silly quest he was on with Cezar to instead stay with her. Perhaps she could give him a gift of fruit to win his heart, no wait, she already tried that along with the rest of her troop when they first introduced themselves to Vincente and his travel party to little success. In truth she was surprised when that strategy didn't pan out like Kamala planned, but apparently men were simply harder to win over than either of them expected. No, she needed to do something special, something with more effort put into it to show she was willing to put in the work for him. Something like baking him some of her homemade banana fritters and hand feeding it to him while whispering sweet words into his ear. Now that was a plan of attack she could get behind, but the only problem was she would need time to bake them, and if she left now she might miss her opportunity to talk to him once he exited the tree. Knowing her luck, the moment she left her perch would be the exact moment Vincente showed up and left the ruins for good. No, it was better to just stay here and wait for her future beloved to return along with……Cezar. And that was the other problem the shy Kakuen was running into, good old reliable Cezar. As long as Cezar was around acting as Vincente’s guard dog, she would never get a chance to marry him. She wasn’t sure what he wanted from Vincente and the others, but as long as they had something he needed, she knew the chances of him not intervening with her courtship of Vincente was practically zero. While she held no issues or grudges against the man and considered him a friend more often than not, the idea of him getting in the way of her and Vincente’s potential happiness together was inexcusable. It just wasn’t fair, she had finally met a guy she was willing to go against the wishes of her troop to acquire, and he just had to be watched over by the one man capable of protecting him from nearly every mamono in this entire jungle. But maybe Cezar could see reason? Maybe she could strike some kind of deal with him? After all they had known each other for some time, done favors for one another here and there. Plus Cezar wasn’t the kind of guy to get in the way of true love, and surely he would recognize her devotion to make Vincente happy. Even he could see what a big deal it was for her to go against the desires of the others to attend to her own wants. Even he couldn’t argue against the risks she was taking to make Vincente hers and hers alone. He would understand, he would have too. She just needed to show him there was no other man for her than her darling Vincente. As Scilla’s thoughts spiraled into borderline obsession of how she would procure her future lover, her attention was suddenly stolen from her by the presence of a slight glow at the base of the Grand Everblight Tree. Her eyes widened in disbelief and sparkled with pure bliss as she watched her husband to be, Vincente, slide out from the temporary formed doorway and land on his cute little behind with a thud, and the best part was, he was all alone. The cautious monkey waited for a few seconds just in case anyone followed behind, but when no Cezar appeared in tow and the entranceway closed back up, she knew this was her chance. No longer wishing to waste another second away from her destined mate, Scilla flung herself off her resting branch with the absurd acrobatic grace that only a Kakuen could pull off. The moment she made contact with the rough road below, a primitive urge took over and she raced on all fours to greet her prone target. While she had no actual plan to make her case as to why he should pick her over everything else just yet, she didn’t care. This was her chance, and her instincts knew she couldn’t afford to waste it. Vincente in the meanwhile was preoccupied with his now sore ass and back he had just acquired after his unexpected ride down that interdimensional slide. While he was thankful to William for the quick exit, he wished he had the decency to warn him before dropping him like that. At the very least he was outside now and free to find the others, or so he thought before he heard a familiar voice call out to him from the shallow darkness. One that ran a shiver up his spine the moment he recognized who it belonged too. “Vincente are you all right! You didn’t hurt yourself, did you? Don't worry I'll make it all better!” Scilla cried out excitedly as she eyed the discomfort her newly found love was in. “Ah shit,” Vincente uttered under his breath as he realized he had nearly forgotten about his newly acquired treetop stalker. Well, this rescue mission couldn’t have started any worst. Not even a second outside and there was already a lovestruck mamono bee-lining it towards him with hearts in her eyes. Shit, what was he supposed to do, he was all alone with a lustful monkey before him and a colossal tree behind him. He was cornered. He wouldn’t be able to outrun her, fighting her off was out of the question and most notably, he hadn’t a single ally in sight who could pull her off of him if she decided to tackle him to the ground. However, that didn’t mean he was out of options. Despite how risky it was, there was one last course of action left to him, but it was one he really wasn’t looking forward too. “Oh, hey, your name was…..Scilla, right?” Vincente addressed the charging Kakuen gingerly as he mentally prepared himself for impact. The white furred Kakuen who had practically been kicking up dust behind her as she rushed towards him suddenly stopped dead in her track’s mere inches away from Vincente upon hearing him simply speak her name. Even her demeanour had instantly softened from one of a crazed primate in heat to a more timid expression one would expect to find on a stereotypical maiden. Scilla was simply stunned out of her lust induced trance by Vincente's willingness to converse with her. He didn’t try to run away or defend himself, he just greeted her in a formal manner. Like how a husband would when being reunited with his devoted wife after she returned home. That meant he wasn’t scared of her. That meant he trusted her. That meant he was interested in her. “That’s right. I’m so glad you already set my name to memory, Vincente. That’s very kind of you, considering we met not that long ago,” Scilla bashfully uttered with a blush as she avoided eye contact and brushed aside the bangs that covered her one side. Vincente was honestly shocked that worked. Considering the crazed look she had in her eyes not a moment ago, he was sure she was ready to pounce on him like a wild animal. Who would have thought a simple greeting could cause such an extreme behavioural shift, but Vincente wasn’t going to complain. If that and a few kind words was all it took to get her to act like a civilized being, then he was going to talk this monkey’s ears off. Perhaps, if he played his cards right and she remained docile, he could even get her to assist him in helping the others, as risky as keeping her around sounded. “Well, considering you’re a friend of Cezar’s, it would be rude if I didn’t, right,” Vincente replied warmly while masterfully trying to direct the conversation in a way that avoided becoming misleading. “That’s right. He used to play with us when he lived around here while he was being trained under Chameda. While he was never to my tastes, I always did value his ability to keep good company,” Scilla divulged as she stepped closer and stared suggestively into Vincente’s eyes while spouting that last part. “Well, I…ummmm…would love to hear more. Cezar hasn’t been the most forward person I ever met, not that I can blame him. I hope I'm not prying but what exactly was Chameda teaching Cezar when he was under her care?” Vincente more nervously inquired to keep this distraction on track while avoiding the direction Scilla clearly wished to go down. “Oh, you know. Things like survival, and plants and how to deal with different species of mamono. Selfish stuff like that. She even had us teach him how to climb, not that he ever showed his appreciation for it. He could have at least married Kamala for everything we did for him. Although, if you ask me, I'm sure it was only because he was more interested in that Ocelomeh he never shuts up about, the one who’s built like a Jinko, even if he’s too stubborn to ever admit it. But enough about Cezar, I want to know more about you,” the Kakuen countered proposed as she more confidently stepped closer until she was leaning against him and pressing her breasts teasingly against his chest. “Well, there’s a lot to tell and I…well….I simply don’t have the time to go over all of it. At least not right now, I mean,” Vincente uttered nervously as he tried to step back to create some distance between them, only for the lovestruck monkey to instantly close it. “But we have plenty of time right now. It’s just you, and me. Just imagine the memories we could make right now if we just opened ourselves up to one another,” the white haired Kakuen softly offered as she made her intentions obvious. It was becoming clear this curvaceous monkey had no intentions of giving up on Vincente now that she saw him as her quarry. While it was flattering in its own messed up way, he really wished mamono were the type of creatures capable of taking no for an answer or respecting the sanctity of a pre-existing relationship. He was fighting back every urge to pull out his locket and tell his monkey he already had someone special to him and wished to marry, but Cezar’s prior warning rang in his head like a church bell of what a colossal mistake that would be. If he let slip he was looking to get married, Scilla most likely wouldn’t waste another second before trying to peel him out of his clothes like a banana to steal him for herself. No, he couldn’t allow that, his heart belonged to Eleanor and Eleanor alone. He just wished he could make this sex obsessed beast understand that, so he could avoid this awkward situation all togeather. “Listen that sounds….tempting….but I really do need to go check up on my friends first. It's a request from Cezar. You understand, right?” Vincente carefully worded his response, despite how scummy he was feeling already for even hinting at interest in her offer. “Why? They’re fine. Kamala, Senna and Canna are keeping them safe and sound, just as promised,” Scilla retorted innocently. That was an odd response, did Scilla not know about Chameda trying to set one of others up with a man-eating plant? Did that mean Kamala and the rest of those teasing primates also weren’t in on this plan after all? Or was Scilla simply lying and trying to stop him from getting there in time to interfere. If that was the case, Vincente had to admit this monkey was a talented actress as she was making it pretty convincing the only reason she wanted him to stay was for more selfish reasons. Yet again, Vincente was hardly an expert on mamono and had no way of knowing her true intentions but if she really wasn’t in league with this match-making scheme, maybe, just maybe Vincente could use her infatuation with him to his advantage to save the others. “Right but I still need to go see them regardless, just for a bit. Although off topic question, Scilla, you wouldn’t happen to know anyone named Iodia by chance, do you?” the Order engineer inquired, hoping the question would help shed light on Scilla’s allegiances and distract her from making any more advances. “Iodia? Iodia? Iodia? Oh her. Yeah, I’m familiar with her. I believe she's apart of Chameda’s druid circle. I heard she finally got corrupted into a mamono not that long ago, but I’m not sure what kind. Other than that, all I know about her is that she likes to keep to herself. Why do you ask? You’re not interested in her, are you?” Scilla bluntly questioned with a pouting face. Well, at the very least that confirmed Scilla had no idea about Iodia’s arrival, which means Chameda most likely hadn’t informed her of her intentions at least. Perhaps that meant she really could be conversed into helping him out if things got ugly. After all it wasn’t the worst idea to have a woman with all the qualities of a massive monkey in your corner but would she be willing to stand off against a friend of Chameda if asked. Now that he thought about it, he actually wasn’t quite sure the extent of the relationship she and the other Kakuens had with the Dryad, but considering Scilla didn’t plan on leaving his side anytime soon, it would be a risk he would have to take. “Heavens no. It’s just that Chameda mentioned she was stopping by, so I was curious who she was. Anyways, back to our previous conversation, you wouldn’t happen to be interested in…..accompanying me back to the camp to check in on the others, would you? ” Vicente offered while taking a hard swallow to even finish his sentence. Oh, what the fuck was he doing, but what else could he do. As much as he hated himself for taking this shameless approach, how else could he get past her without her trying to stop him. Of course, it wasn’t like he didn’t see the risks of bringing her along or the consequences of leading her on, but the way he saw it, it was either smooth talk his way into getting Scilla’s assistance or risk failing everyone and getting everyone fucked over, literally. He could only hope he could reunite with Cezar before Scilla became convinced of his interest in her and tried to take him past the point of no return. Scilla’s eyes suddenly dilated with extreme vigor upon hearing Vincente’s request as a smile of pure delight swept over her usually introverted demeanour. He was asking her to accompany her of his own volition. He wanted her by his side, no he needed her by his side. Scilla never thought a man would need her like this, at least not before marriage. What sort of wife would she be if she denied him now. No, no, she couldn’t bear the thought. If he wanted to show her off to the others, then it was her duty to be proudly hanging off his arm like a good trophy wife. Plus, apart of her just wanted to see the look on Kamala’s and the other's faces when she returned triumphant with Vincente in hand. Oh, they were sure to be envious of her now that her marriage was all but secured. “Well, if you insist. But I feel it’s only right to warn you…..” the sneaky monkey uttered before reaching out to snag Vincente’s left arm and held it tight against her, “I’m afraid of the dark. So I hope you don’t mind if I stick close to you for comfort.” By the gods, she was good, Vincente had to give her that. Despite her misleading timid persona, this primate was far more talented at the art of temptation than he was comfortable with. She not only had his arm firmly held between her bosom and intertwined with her arms to ensure he had constant contact with her soft fur and supple skin, but her little damsel in distress act would have easily awakened the protective instincts in most men. If he didn’t have Eleanor waiting for him, he dared say he too would be tempted to give in to her charms and be led astray by her, but thankfully he did have her. With the knowledge of his true soulmate waiting for him, he knew he had the strength to weather any storm, even this ungodly soft, bountiful one. “That’s….fine. Can we get going now,” Vincente uttered with gritted teeth and all the self-discipline he could muster. “Of course, honey…I mean, Vincente. I won’t let you out of my sight or let anything happen to you, promise,” Scilla cooed as she snuggled her face against the engineer’s shoulder with a content smile as the two set off into the darkening ruins. “Great….that’s just great.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
To say Scilla was over the moon would have been the understatement of the century. Here she was, taking a romantic nighttime stroll down this lightly torched road, arm in arm with the man she knew in her heart was destined to be the love of her life and the father of her children. Even if he was being a little shy right now, it was only a matter of time before he gave in to her charms and he bestowed his hidden banana to her as the ultimate show of affection. Oh, she couldn’t wait for him to take her and used her body to vent out every perverted desire he surely had locked away in that gentle soul of his. She couldn’t have been happier, and she truly wished this moment would never end. Vincente on the other hand couldn’t have been more miserable. Never in his entire life had he felt like more of a scumbag than he did at this exact moment. Here he was, trapped in some lost city in the middle of the jungle with an overly lustful primate latched onto his arm, while the true love of his life was most likely worried sick over him after he never arrived in Saint Manus. He would have tugged his arm away, but gods above, Scilla was insanely stronger than she looked. It would have been easier to tear his limb out of a beartrap than her mind numbingly soft, gentle embrace. Yet, the undeniably worst part of all this was, he had, if unintentionally, brought this upon himself with a few mere kind words and perhaps an overly polite attitude. Sure, he had avoided getting jumped and most likely dragged off somehow by her, but somehow this was worst. This delusional, bestial woman somehow now had it entirely in her head that just because he was a little courteous with her, that meant he acknowledged they were soulmates or something equally absurd. Granted while he preferred having her within his line of sight and not stalking him from some tree, it still felt like he was only delaying the inevitable. He didn’t understand the thinking of these mamono. Be too resistant or disinterested, and they suddenly feel obligated to use force to win you over. Be a little too friendly or comfortable around them, and suddenly they believe they already won you over. It was honestly starting to appear there was just no reasoning with these creatures under normal circumstances, the skill required to navigate this insanely narrow tightrope was appearing to be too difficult for the average man to successfully cross. Scilla’s obsession with him made even less logical sense, they had just meet for crying out loud. He had only been overly civil and gentlemanly with her to avoid her becoming a problem, just as he had done with Chameda to escape her tree and it had worked with the druid so what was the difference? Of course, Chameda was already married, but Scilla was acting as if she had never experienced a man trying to act friendly with her…………. And suddenly it all clicked. Of course, Scillia hadn’t, single men were hardly a common sight in this green hell. Cezar had mentioned so himself. In fact, a lot of his prior encounters with mamono were suddenly becoming much clearer. How often was it that a single man would appear before them and not instantly try to flee from them. No wonder their first instinct in most cases was to chase after them and use whatever means to capture them. They were desperate. Actually, scratch that, desperate didn’t even begin to describe their fanatical desire for acquiring a mate, but it was a start. Suddenly the sheer amount of guilt Vincente was feeling was being eclipsed by the shame of his stupidity. It reminded him of when he used to find people more complicated than machinery, before he had Elanor’s guidance. Of course he figured out the secret of socialization once, he could do it again with these mamono. There had to be a way to mingle with them in a more civilized manner that wouldn’t instantly result in them developing romantic feelings or an uncontrollable libido. He just needed to use more finesse, or perhaps less finesse? Either way, it was something he knew needed to figure out if he wanted to escape the confines of this corrupted rainforest and avoid being taken by someone he didn’t love. Perhaps, if Vincente played his cards right, Scilla could prove to be the key to unlocking the social secrets of these mamono. “Hey, Vincente. Can I ask you a hypothetical question?” Scilla bashfully inquired as they continued on their way. “Umm, sure, ask away?” Vincente cautiously allowed as he kept his eyes focused on the empty, uneven road before them. “If you had a daughter, and if she was hypothetically a Kakuen like me, what do you think would be a good name for her? Because I was thinking Gardenia or Sage sounded nice, myself,” the hopeful simian suggestively questioned as her soft grasp got a smidge tighter. Vincente immediately felt every inch of his frame freeze up upon hearing the red flag of kids. On second thought, maybe starting his lessons with Scilla wasn’t the greatest idea. If he wanted this monkey off his back, he was going to need Cezar to intervene, that fact had now become painfully clear. He just had to make sure he saw him again before Scilla decided to get too handsy with him. In the meantime, he could only pray that some divine convenience would appear and prove a suitable distraction to buy him enough time to complete his task and return to the safety of Chameda’s home. “Oh wow, that’s…ummm….that’s a lot to ask a guy out of the blue. I can’t say I’ve ever really thought about it before,” the Order engineer nervously responded as he did his best to avoid giving Scilla a straight answer. The truth was, Vincente had actually given such a question a lot of thought. The only issue was such names were considered with Eleanor in mind, not this lust crazed simian. But he couldn’t let Scilla know he already had an impressive list of potential baby names, but if he wanted to avoid digging the hole he was already stuck in with her any deeper. “Oh, that’s ok. It actually takes a lot of effort for a mamono like myself to get pregnant. So, we will have plenty of time before we need to settle on one. Of course, I suppose that’s all the more reason to start working on that as soon as possible, wouldn’t you agree?” Scilla suggestively replied as she peered up with a sultry glint in her eyes. “Heavens above. Ok, listen, Scilla, I feel like there has been a bit of an understanding here. I realize as a mamono, you desire….a certain type of relationship with me but I’m afraid I just don’t feel the same way. I just want us to be friends. Is that alright?” Vincente confessed as he was starting to see the writing on the wall with where this conversation was heading. “Friends? I suppose that could work,” Scilla surprisingly uttered as she looked down to the ground in thought, despite the fact she refused to let go. Vincente could feel the wave of relief overtake them as Scilla saw reason, “Oh, I’m so glad you understand, because for a second there……” “After all, what is a good wife if not her husband’s best friend, right,” Scilla proudly replied with stars in her blue eyes. Well shit. Never mind. “I don’t think you quite understood what I was getting at…….” Vincente tried to correct the lovestruck ape, but thankfully a miracle occurred to interrupt this extremely awkward conversation from getting any further. “I TOLD YOU I DON’T WANT YOUR WRETCHED HELP! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY!” the distinct, unmistakable call of Captain Diamandis’s aggravated voice could be heard from up ahead. “That was the captain. Shit, something must have happened. We got to get going Scilla,” Vincente pleaded as he tried to pick up the pace upon fearing the worst. However, Scilla remained locked in place, refusing to move and thus stopping Vincente in his tracks. Even now she refused to let go of his arm, holding it even closer to her ample, fur covered bosom as if it was her most precious possession. “I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. He’s fine. They’re all fine. What’s important is us. So please, can’t you just relax and talk with me some more,” the determined Kakuen beseeched with pouting eyes. “I SWEAR, IF YOU COME NEAR ME AGAIN, I’LL….I’LL VANQUISH YOU AS SOON AS I’M FREE!” Captain Diamandis continued to shout through the silence of the ruins. “That doesn’t sound like a misunderstanding to me, Scilla. Something is definitely going on over there. So, please, just let me go so I can go see what is going on,” Vicente more sternly requested as he stared down the stubborn mamono. Scilla flinched. She wanted him to stay, she wanted him to focus on her and their future together. But she couldn’t ignore the clear concern and worry for his friends he was displaying. After that compassionate soul of his, along with his gorgeous white hair, was why she fell for him in the first place. While she trusted her troop and was sure whatever was occurring at their campsite was harmless, she couldn’t bring herself to stand in his way. What sort of wife would she be if she stood in the way of her husband trying to lend a helping hand to others. A selfish and greedy one that’s what, and that wasn’t the kind of partner she desired to be. “I…umm….I suppose we could put this on hold and do a quick check. Just….just to be safe,” Scilla stuttered as her typically bashful personality returned to the forefront. Honestly Vincente was a little surprised to feel Scilla suddenly loosen her grip just enough for him to slip his arm out from her pillowy soft hold. He didn’t expect for Scilla to give up the fight so quick, but maybe that just meant mamono were more agreeable than he ordinary gave them credit for. Regardless, he wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth as he gave the Kakuen a thankful nod to show his appreciation for her seeing reason. “Thank you, Scilla. Now come on. I may need your help with whatever is going on over there,” Vincente uttered before sprinting towards the distressful cries of his Captain. Scilla stood there for a moment as she watched her destined lover take off down that dimly lit road. He was so considerate for the wellbeing of others. He was so brave in the face of the unknown. He just wasn’t perfect husband material, he was perfect daddy material. There was no way she could she a future for herself without him now, and all she had to do to secure it was to follow him and keep him within her sight. After all, a good wife must always support her man and stick beside him no matter where he ventured. “For the hundredth damn time, I do not require your assistance!” Alexander protested as he inched along the ground like a plump worm. “So you keep claiming but it’s just that you have still yet to free yourself from your restraints. I don’t understand why you refuse my help. Unless……you’re the type of man who enjoys being bound like this,” Walta earnestly inquired with a slight blush as she slowly walked beside the squirming Order captain. “I do not enjoy this in the slightest! It’s because you’re the enemy, nothing more, nothing less. It goes against every principle I know, not to mention my pride, to accept assistance from a godless monster of all things,” Alexander annoyingly confessed as he continued to inch his way in the direction where he saw that floronic bitch take his men. “I know we have agreed to a duel, but I don’t see how that would make us enemies? I realize your pride is important to you, but I just want you to know it’s not a show a weakness to ask for help. Wouldn’t it just be more convenient for you and your men if you simply allowed me to remove those vines from you?” the frilly dressed Lancer Beetle insisted as she towered over the restrained man. “Of course we’re enemies. I’m human and you’re a monster, it’s as clear cut as it gets. The fact you did nothing while your friend kidnapped my few remaining men, proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt,” Diamandis barked back. “I personally do not know that Man-Eater well enough to consider her a friend, but I was instructed by my Lady not to intertwine with her courting. However, if she had taken you, I think I would have….reconsidered my position,” Walta stated flatly despite her cheeks becoming rosy once more. “Why would I being taken make any difference……....wait,” Diamandis muttered before a sudden horrific realization came over him. She couldn’t possibly, she wouldn’t dare. There was no chance in neither heaven nor hell this oversized roach was actually considering him as someone foolish enough to fall for her clumsy charms. That would be insane, even by this insect’s standards. Diamandis slowly peered up to look his unwanted traveling companion in the face. While she still had those unblinking, emotionless eyes staring back at him, she did have a warm smile that stretched those pillowy lips of hers and brought a serene warmth to her dark complexion. There wasn’t a single hint of malice or vicious intent to be found in her mannerisms. In fact, she just seemed pleased to be in his company. Oh, fuck she was. Filled with newfound vigour, and not because he was terrified of this discovery, the renowned captain doubled, no tripled his efforts of reaching his men and escaping this pest that has hounded him thus far. Unfortunately, since he was still bound tighter than a masterfully wrapped present, he was still only making ground at a snail’s pace despite his renewed motivation. Like it or not, no sheer amount of determination was going to save this man from his own stubbornness, and deep down he knew that, but at least he knew who to blame. If he ever got out of this, Cezar was going to pay dearly. “Captain? Captain is that you?” a familiar, and more importantly male voice called out from the darkness up ahead. However, perhaps a miracle could save him from himself. At least that was what Alexander hoped before he realized who it was sprinting towards him. It was that damn naïve traitor, Vincente, and worst yet he didn’t seem to be alone. Tailing behind him was another one of those irritating monkey women, although judging by her white fur, it wasn’t one of the tramps he had scared away earlier. Regardless, the fact Vincente was hanging around her in such a carefree manner proved he had truly forsaken the teachings of the Order, and it was all that bastard Cezar’s fault. However as much as he despised that snake, Alexander couldn’t deny Vincente wasn’t just as responsible for this mess as that deplorable guide was. If only he wasn’t so weak of character, than maybe he wouldn’t have been led astray by that obvious con-man and none of them would be facing this disaster right now. Yet despite his misgivings of the man, it wasn’t enough for the prideful Captain to outright reject any possible assistance from him. Especially if meant putting some space between him and Walta. “Captain, are you alright……what the hell is that thing!” Vincente called out until noticing the colossal beetle woman with the ill-fitted pink dress standing guard beside his restrained captain. “Oh, hey Walta. What are you doing out here?” Scilla greeted the Solider Beetle as she caught up with her desired man. “You know her?” Vincente inquired worryingly of his simian companion. “Of course. Walta is one of the guardians here but she’s a total sweetheart. Plus she bakes the best bread around,” the snow furred Kakuen explained. “It’s good to see you in such high spirits, Scilla. It’s such a rare sight,” the Lancer Beetle greeted the snow white Kakuen before turning to Vincente with a slight curtsy, “Greetings, dear Sir. I am Walta. Am I too assume you are one of the men under this brave knight’s care?” “Brave knight? Captain, what exactly is going on here and why are you restrained like that?” the Order engineer questioned cautiously just in case this beetle woman was responsible. “Just ignore her and get your ass over here and remove these stupid vines already!” Diamandis demanded as he wiggled angrily on the cold, stone ground. “Oh, of course, Sir. Just give me a moment,” Vincente awkwardly uttered before rushing to his ensnarled captain’s side. Despite appearing to be normal vines, they were surprisingly tough to tear into as Vincente struggled to free his captain with only his bare hands. Eventually the tricky vegetation did give, and Captain Diamandis was back on his feet, free as a bird. That being said, Vincente would have been lying to himself if he didn’t feel a little ashamed to took as long as it did. Now free of his binds, Alexander took a brief moment to stretch out his limbs and crack his neck. However, before he had a real chance to enjoy his newfound freedom, he couldn’t help but feel a piercing glare focused on his back that felt like daggers piecing his flesh. Slowly turning his head to investigate, he was greeted with the void like eyes of Walta's blazing back at him, except something was different. Her cheeks were slightly puffed out. Was she…..pouting? Wait, was she jealous? Oh, that couldn’t be good. “How come you accepted his assistance, while ignoring my offers to help you?” Walta stoically questioned. “Because he’s my subordinate and you’re a monstrous bug. Now stop…..looking at me like that. I’m free now so you can go back to whatever you were doing before. So, just leave me alone already,” Alexander bluntly answered as he did his best to avoid straight eye contact. “I’m afraid I can no longer do that, dear Sir,” the Lancer Beetle emotionlessly replied. “And why the hell not,” the Order captain sternly requested. “Because I am afraid in your current emotional distress, you will attempt to do something foolish and get yourself hurt,” the shelled clad mamono claimed in a matter-of-fact manner. “Of course I’m going to do something foolish. That overgrown weed stole the last few men under my care. I’m getting them back one way or another, so don’t try and stop me,” Alexander grumbled out defiantly at the towering beetle. “I have already informed you that there is nothing to worry about. That Man-Eater can only accept one of them to be her husband, so the other two will be returned once she has made her selection,” Walta informed coldly. “Wait…wait…wait, are you telling me Iodia already abducted the others. I was too late?” Vincente blurted out in disbelief. “Yes, she did, why else would I be trapped in those vines. Wait a second, you know the name of the bitch who did this? Did you fucking know about this! Did that piece of shit Cezar know!” Alexander furiously barked at his traitorous follower. “Don’t yell at Vincente. He didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, he insisted on checking up on you and the others despite having me to keep him company,” Scilla stepped in to defend her crush. “You stay out of this monkey! As far as I’m concerned, you and those friends of yours are just as guilty as that green bitch! You lured my men into a false sense of security and now look what has happened,” Alexander snapped back at the Kakuen. “There is no need to get so upset, dear Sir. There is nothing more that can be done, so I suggest we patiently wait for your remaining friends to return and try to enjoy ourselves in the meantime,” Walta tried to intervene as she stepped in-between Alexander and Scilla. “I understand why you’re upset, Captain. I do, I really do, but before I start explaining myself, I think it would be in both of our best interests if we continued this conversation in private,” Vincente quickly negotiated as he shifted his eyes to both mamono to highlight his point. “That’s….actually not the worst idea you’ve had this entire disaster of a voyage,” Diamandis begrudging agreed as his temper slowly retracted, apart of him glad Vincente wasn’t planning on hiding behind these mamono. “Wait, don’t go. Why do you need to talk in private anyhow? I won’t interrupt again, if that’s your concern,” Scilla begged with putting eyes as she latched onto Vincente’s arm once again to prevent him from leaving her side. “I concur with Scilla. Besides, I don’t feel comfortable about letting either of you venturing too far without my supervision,” Walta added with a stone-faced expression. “Listen, we’re not going anywhere far. Just behind those ruins over there for some guy talk is all, right, Captain,” Vincente explained as carefully as he could despite it feeling like he was trying to navigate through a floor of broken glass with these lovestruck beasts. “Yeah, we just got some things to clear up, guy to guy. So don’t follow us or try to eavesdrop, got it,” Alexander ordered more harshly than his compatriot. “I suppose if that’s all, I suppose we can let you out of our sight for a bit,” the overprotective Lancer Beetle accepted. “Fine but don’t take long. And don’t yell at Vincente again,” Scilla begrudgingly agreed while giving the Order captain a half-hearted warning. Both men made their way to the nearest ruined structure, their eyes darting back to the two mamono to ensure they stayed put and wouldn’t follow them. As soon as the duo made it behind those stone walls and were out of sight, Diamandis instantly grabbed hold of Vincente’s shirt and slammed him against the ancient wall. “Ok, I’ll give you one chance to explain yourself,” the Order Captain quietly growled. “It’s not what you think, I swear. We only just found out about Chameda’s little hookup scheme, and the moment we did, Cezar sent me to warn you, honest,” Vincente defended himself as he tried to clear up the misunderstanding. “Oh, he did, did he. How generous. The only issue is you’re too bloody late and I have no idea where that bitch took them. So, where the hell is Cezar anyhow? I want to personally thank for leading us into this trap,” the Order captain snarled with gritted teeth as he did his best to hold back his rage. “Cezar is currently with Chameda back at her tree in order to distract her. I know you don’t want to believe it, but he is trying to help,” Vincente divulged as he continued being pressed against the wall. “Oh, sure he is, and the fact he decided to stay in the safety of that tree with the one behind all this isn’t a red flag at all. Open your damn eyes, Vincente, this was all a trick from the beginning. He brought us here to hand us over to these monsters. That fact should be undeniable now,” Alexander accused with a hiss. “If that was true, why did he send me out to try to warn you as soon as he discovered Chameda’s ploy. He doesn’t gain anything by trying to stop this, but he told me anyway. That doesn’t sound like a man trying to intentionally stab us in the back to me,” the Order engineer retorted as he defended his one last hope of seeing Eleanor again. “Oh please. You’re not special, Vincente. He sent you out here so you could be claimed like the rest of us, nothing more. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were corrupted already considering how close that monkey woman seems to be with you. Didn’t you have a fiancé waiting for you in Saint Manus. How could you betray her for that jungle freak out there,” the Order captain mockingly replied. Something snapped in Vincente, as he grabbed a hold of his Captain’s arms and flipped their positions in one shift, adrenaline fueled motion. He peered into his superior’s eyes with unmatched resolve and determination as he struggled to hold him in place. “I would never betray Eleanor, not for anyone. Besides you’re one to talk. What’s the story with you and that bug. Actually, on that note, I can’t help but find it a little odd Iodia didn’t take you along with the others. Why is that, captain?” Vincente declared as he flipped the script with his own questions. “Well, despite how pleasant it is to see you haven’t lost all common sense, how dare you accuse me of fraternizing with the enemy. I didn’t ask for that pest to start following me, it just happened and now I can’t seem to get rid of her,” Alexander replied as he explained himself. “Well, it seems we’re in a similar boat than, because that’s the same issue I’m having with Scilla. I didn’t ask for her company, but I’m stuck with her until I can get back to Cezar. I’ve got no intentions of being claimed by her, but I’m pretty sure if I stop being nice to her there would be nothing holding her back from having her way with me, on the spot” the Order engineer confessed as he tried to find common ground with his dear captain. “If that’s true, it seems we’re both having women problems. Nonetheless, I can’t let you or them stop me from saving my men,” Alexander quietly declared as he made his own resolve known. “Then we’re in agreement. I don’t want to give up on them either. You’re not the only one tired or leaving people behind, you know,” Vincente informed as he let go of his shaky grip. “Well as admittedly glad I am to hear that you haven’t completely lost your sense of loyalty, that doesn’t change the two major issues waiting for us out there,” Captain Diamandis uttered as his anger resided thanks to Vincente’s defiant display. “Well, I doubt we will be able to shake them but maybe we can convince them to help us. One of them must have an idea of where Iodia took the others,” Vincente put forth as the tension faded between them. “Out of the question. We can not willingly ally ourselves with monsters. Not only can they not be trusted, it goes against every teaching of the Order. Besides I doubt they’re going to betray one of their own to help us out, they all share the same motivation after all,” Alexander argued while being mindful to keep his voice down. “Well, I don’t see what choice we have. If we try to do this without them, they may end up becoming bigger obstacles than Iodia herself. I know you don’t trust them, and neither do I, but I doubt we can rid ourselves of them right now, so I would rather try to have them as assets than problems if it means we can help the others,” Vincente proposed cautiously as he tried to come up with a plan. “Ok, let’s say I were to consider your blasphemous idea. What is stopping them from demanding a payment for their services that is too high for us to pay. One that involves us having to stay by their sides for all eternity and never seeing civilization again. Do you really want to risk what you have with Eleanor on such a gamble,” Captain Diamandis addressed the biggest issue with such an alliance. “I’ll be honest, considering how those two are looking at us, I think they’re going to try and claim us no matter what we do. At least if we’re successful with saving the others, we might gain some safety in numbers long enough for Cezar to arrive and bail us out,” Vincente claimed while his mind desperately continued to think of any other possible avenues for them to consider. “You put too much faith in that mamono loving bastard, but you’re right. We might be screwed no matter what we do now. Saving the others might be the only way to save ourselves currently. Although I have no idea how we’re going to convince those two beasts to assist us. Walta definitely doesn’t seem too keen on intervening with whatever plans that wretched plant is concocting,” Alexander relented with a groan. “We won’t know until we ask. We may just have to word it in a way that matches their values more than it does ours. Maybe we can find a way to convince them that Iodia isn’t a good match for any of the others or that she is conspiring against Chameda in some way,” Vincente brainstormed as he considered the best route to win Scilla and Walta to their side. “Would that work? Aren’t all these creatures on the same side and united by their unholy desires? If we reveal our intentions too plainly, they might just pounce on us without warning,” Diamandis questioned with earnest concern. “Not entirely sure, but this is all I got to go on right now, unless you can think of something. I just know the longer we take here trying to come up with a plan, the more likely it will be too late when we do find them,” Vincente continued to argue as he pointed out their lack of time. “I don’t like it, not one bit, but damn it you’re right. We wasted too much time as it is. Fine, we’ll try things your way, but I swear if this backfires, you won’t get a chance to be taken by that monkey, you got that,” Captain Diamandis agreed despite the lingering threat. “I suppose that’s fair. Although I doubt you’d get very far if that massive beetle got a hold of you,” Vincente joked with an awkward chuckle as he tried to ease things over with a dash of comedy. “That isn’t funny Vicente. If this fails, we’re all done for, so try and take this seriously. Although you did just remind me that I’m not completely defenceless,” the Order captain revealed abruptly. “You’re not?” Vincente inquired as he looked quite puzzled by the claim. “No, I’m not, at least not anymore. I managed to acquire a lance, one that I know will work on these monsters if it comes to it,” Alexander explained with a cocky grin. “Really, that’s great. Where is it?” the engineer quietly asked. “I dropped it back at camp when that damn plant ambushed us. It isn’t far away, should only take me a few minutes of backtracking to find it. Then I can shove it down that green bitch’s throat or any other monsters’ that tries to get in our way,” Alexander exclaimed proudly. “Well, I suppose having a weapon like that is better than not having one. Although, I am curious, where did you find such a thing?” Vicente inquired. “That…..that isn’t important. What is important is that I have it and I know how to use it against our foes. Now enough questions, let’s get this over with. Since you’re so insistent on those beasts helping us, you can be the one to convince them while I go collect my lance. So, it will all be on you and that quick wit of yours if this boneheaded plan succeeds or not,” Alexander uttered with unsure annoyance as he was already second guessing this plan. “Way to add the pressure, captain,” Vincente muttered his own irritation with the situation but ultimately agreed. “Pressure is how we discover what we’re made of Vincente. Besides, despite my justifiable distrust of you as of late, I’m putting my faith in you with this. I’m trusting you with the safety of our brothers in arms. So don’t fuck this up,” Captain Diamandis exclaimed as he laid the last ounces of trust he had with his engineer on the table. “I wouldn’t dream of it, captain. Although, I would prefer it if you just wished me luck.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iodia beamed with confidence as she strutted deeper into the labyrinthian ruins, each step filled with confidence as her quarry dangled helplessly above her. She wasn’t sure what those other mamono were companying about, men were super easy to catch. Hell, she managed to nab three in one go. Would have been four too but one guy just had to have someone else courting him. Regardless, the relative ease she managed to catch those three simply proved she was just as a prodigy at being a mamono as she was at druidcraft. Now all she had to do was figure out which of these morsels was her perfect match and she could finally begin her ascension to her true potential. However, that wasn’t entirely true. She still had that silly ceremony to complete before she could get to the fun part and finally fill this hunger that had cursed her ever since she was reborn as a Man-Eater. While it took much discussion, her senior Chameda was able to convince her to partake in an ancient pre-marriage ritual with her chosen male that would ultimately strengthen her bond with him. While the hardheaded Claustrophyte was ordinary against it, she eventually relented after the Dryad threatened to retract her support if her council was not heeded. While it pained Iodia to put her pride aside and follow someone else’s instructions, even she could agree that socialization was not her strongest suite and was something she needed to work on. Of course, she never really had to till now. When she was still human, she was more than content with being by herself as she traversed this dreamlike jungle she was tasked with protecting. She wasn’t built for companionship of any kind back than and that was how she liked it. But now that she was a mamono, a Claustrophyte, that had changed despite how much she didn’t wish to admit it. Worst yet, she understood her years of isolation made her ill equipped for the task of winning a man over, yet alone seduce him, but that was what Chameda’s little ritual was hoping to mend. While her plans with Chameda were the definition of last minute, the crafty Dryad already had a spot in mind for Iodia to complete her task. Some sort of ancient sports arena or something like that, although Iodia wasn’t sure why that was the choice to hold such an important ceremony. Wouldn’t a temple make more sense for this kind of thing? Although Chameda did mention something about the arena’s open space and unimpeded view of the stars providing the desired atmosphere for the intimate task she was about to undertake. Well, she was the expert on this kind of thing, plus she was also providing the food for this event, so who was Iodia to complain. Regardless as she made her way through the remains of this long dead civilization on this tranquil night, she had to admit to herself that Chameda had managed to raise a fine garden out of this affront to nature. Of course, Iodia pledged to herself not to be outdone, although that didn’t mean she wasn’t taking any mental notes. Although, she did wish the local inhabitants were less nosey, as she swore it felt like she was being tailed by two, no three mamono ever since she first apprehended her catch. Or maybe those eyes she felt on her were simply from the agitated men hanging above her, it was hard to tell honestly. Eventually after some light traveling, the Man-Eater finally arrived at the agreed upon location. It was by far the largest piece of architecture either Iodia or her three captives had seen so far in this city of ruins. Its central court was long and rectangular but was sunk below the surface while two opposing buildings with sloped walls, worn away steps and topped with abandon terraces sandwiched it from opposing sides. The numerous lit torches adorning the impressive sculpture revealed the numerous complex carvings engraved upon its stones as well as the numerous overlapping vines and roots that held nearly every inch of it together. Even Iodia had to admit the impressive structure left a hell of an impression. However, there were a few objects among the ruins that were obviously to anyone with eyes out of place. For carefully placed smacked dab in the center of the long abandon court was a curious set of modern furniture which included a hardwood table and a matching set of chairs, complete with decorative plates, utensils and even a candelabra that burned elegantly in the darkness. However the current lack of food on those plates was a little irksome for the starving Man-Eater, but she reminded herself that Chameda did say she would handle dinner, so Iodia forced herself to put her faith in the Dryad to deliver on that promise. She knew she was being impatient, but ever since she obtained her current form, this obscene hunger had proven to be quite problematic and difficult to control as it felt like her appetite was incapable of being satiated sometimes. However, the thought of food was already making her hungry again, which meant it was time to get this show on the road. She peered up to the three entangled candidates like a starved animal as she could feel her stomach growl upon looking over the potential feasts before it. Yet despite how much she was salivating at the prospect of finally having a solution to this accursed hunger, she was still a little shocked this was the group of men the roots had guided her to. While she could admit they each looked appetizing for different reasons, their consistent whining was a major turn off. From the moment she captured them they hadn’t shut up about how unfair this all was for them. It had gotten so bad she had to gag them with her vines just for some peace and quiet. Didn’t they know what an honor it was to even to be considered by someone as important as her? With a single motion of one of her fingers, Iodia summoned forth a trio of colossal vine like plants that sprouted through the stone with unnatural ease. As soon as her new pets were at the desired size, she handed her three captives to them for safe keeping so she could inspect them more closely. One of these three was her destined partner, the man who would assist her in the birth of her garden and the preservation of the balance held within this jungle by keeping her urges in check. She just had to weed the right one out, but how? She knew this was a test of sorts, but why did the roots have to be so cryptic? Why couldn’t it give her a straight answer and just tell her who among them it was? That way she could get this over with and attend to her responsibilities sooner rather than later. Not to mention not having to interact with the other two deadbeats here more than she needed too. At least they could serve a purpose by keeping her future husband company once she discovered who was who. With her options now securely held in place and with zero chance of escape, Iodia undid the organic bindings that had grown firmly around their mouths to allow them to speak once more. Although upon hearing the first words spoken, she wished she had kept them on a little longer. “What the hell you psychotic bitch……” Vasco spat out before quickly finding the vines returning to subdue his mouth once more. “Watch your mouth. I am still a lady with feelings you know, so treat me like one,” Iodia sternly warned before re-releasing the man’s word hole. “Lady my ass. You dragged us out of our camp and kidnapped us!” Efrain complained as the vines coiled around him. “Of course I did. It is of the upmost important I figure out which one is my perfect match, and this is the most efficient way,” the Claustrophyte acknowledged candidly. “Perfect match? Why would you think one of us is your perfect match? I can’t say I follow your reasoning,” Alamo nervously questioned despite only hanging a few feet off the ground. “I suppose you outsiders wouldn’t know the first thing about the will of the roots or the importance for someone like to me married, but that’s hardly my problem. Only the one lucky enough to bind with me will need to understand, so I hardly see the point in explaining things any further to the rest of you,” Iodia stated with a coy tone. “Wait are you telling me, you came after us just because some plants told you to? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Vasco growled out despite seeing the vines creep closer to his face out of the corner of his eye. “The roots are not mere plants. It is the living, collective will of the land itself. An ancient, primordial force which has guided the members of my druid circle for generations in order to maintain the balance here. So don’t speak of something you can not hope to understand so casually, outsider,” the druidic Man-Eater more harshly corrected. “Don’t provoke her, Vasco,” Alamo pleaded as he could feel the vines tighten with her displeasure. “Why should I? This loony is claiming plants can talk and that they told her to abduct us, and you want us to be civil with her?” Vasco argued as he struggled within his confines. “Yes, yes I do, unless you can think of a better plan,” Alamo countered. “Here’s an idea, Vasco. Why don’t you use your wild charms on her and convince her to let us go, since you’re such a ladies’ man,” Efrain put forth, not even attempting to hide the venom in his tone. “Even if she’s weirdly attractive for a plant, I’m not touching that. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in a jungle tied down by some weed with tits. Maybe you should consider fucking her, Efrain. After all you had no problem playing strip whatever that card game was with those monkey chicks!” Vasco hissed as he tried to throw the gambler under the carriage. “That was different! They preyed on my weakness. Besides, aren’t you a member of the Order? Isn’t it your job to protect innocent civilians like me from monstrous whores like her. So do the noble thing and sacrifice yourself to her already so she can let the rest of us go,” Efrain shot back. “Guys, are we seriously having this fight right now?” Alamo tried to interject. “Innocent my ass, you fucking backstabber. What happened to your declaration of believing in our cause when you begged for our protection. Admit it, you were just using us from the start, ever since you latched onto our squad back at the cages like a damn leech,” Vasco accursedly blurted out. “Oh, and what great protection your worthless group provided. Running into ambush after ambush. I swear your Chief God just have cursed the lot of you considering all the misfortune you kept leading us into,” Efrain professed as he displayed his displeasure with his current company. “At least we never invited monsters into our shelters to play games just for the chance to line our pockets!” Vasco countered fired as the tension rose higher. “Well, I didn’t hear you complain at the notion of potentially seeing them naked. But I guess it’s fine to look as long as you don’t touch, right,” Efrain continued to add wood to the growing fire. “Well forgive me for being able to appreciate the female form. So, I like tits and ass, condemn me,” Vasco refused to back down despite how awkwardly personal this was getting. Iodia couldn’t believe what she was hearing, she hadn’t expected them to just turn on each other like this. She wasn’t sure what was more insulting, the fact they were ignoring her so they could bicker amongst themselves like children or that they were still managing to fit in insults against her while they were focused on one another. Hearing such a pitiful back and forth was so grating to her ears that it was actually causing her left eye to twitch with annoyance. It was shit like this why she preferred a quiet life of solitude and was so hellbent on avoiding others when she was still human. That being said, if there was one saving grace to this embarrassing display, it was the realization that her selection was going to be much easier than she originally anticipated. Having heard enough, the now mentally fatigued Man-Eater commanded her plants to fully engulf the squabbling men. From head to toe the vines grew and coiled around them, until a vegetative cocoon had formed around each one of them until only a window for their eyes remained. That was all except for Alamo who was spared due to the simple fact he hadn’t contributed to the druid’s headache. Iodia took a few sultry steps past the now fully entrapped men as she focused all her attention on the last remaining contestant. She had to admit, now that she was getting a good look at him, he was definitely the most appetizing to her eyes amongst the trio. He was so large, so well built, she couldn’t help but drool a little from his homegrown visage. Then there was his intoxicating scent. Oh, he smelled just like the earth itself. Rich, hearty and unspoiled. She never imagined another living being could smell so….savory. Why was she just noticing this now? “So, what’s your name?” Iodia more gently inquired with fluttering eyes. Alamo remained silent. His eyes darted over to the others, his concern for their safety and his own written all over his rugged face. It was adorable, if a little sad seeing such a behemoth like him quiver a little with fear from her mere presence, but Iodia would be lying if she didn’t admit it awoke something predatory in her. “Your friends are fine, they can breathe, if that’s what you’re worried about. I just couldn’t handle their arguing anymore. It was just too much of a mood killer for me,” the carnivorous druid explained her actions. “You didn’t have to go that far. I swear they’re usually more agreeable than this. Can’t you give them another chance?” Alamo uttered as he realized he may have just become a causality of his friends’ bickering. “I’m not so sure about that, but to be honest, my interest in them has greatly diminished. I was ordinary going to ask you all questions to get to know you all better to better make my decision, but all I learned from those two is that I can’t stand them. You on the other hand, you seem a lot more agreeable, not to mention……meatier. So, about that name,” Iodia asked once more as she traced a finger over Alamo’s dangling leg. “Ummm…..it’s Alamo. The other two are Vasco and Efrain. Listen, you seem capable of reason, you sure you don’t want to give them another chance. I’m sure they learned their lesson,” the ensnarled country boy tried to persuade the salivating plant. “They had their chance, but I’ll reconsider them, that is, if you somehow fail this final test,” the Claustrophyte cryptically stated. “What about…..ummm…what about the captain? You didn’t even consider him and just tossed him away back at our camp. Shouldn’t you at least give him a fair shake with this?” Alamo desperately tried to make the druid reexamine her choices or at least buy some precious seconds. “Your captain? Oh, you mean the blowhard with the fancy lance. Yeah, there was no way he was the one the roots were guiding me too. Even I could tell that weapon of his was a gift from some other mamono. I’m not going to get in the way of that, I’m not heartless you know,” Iodia commented with a smug shrug, “But enough about other men. Let’s get back on track, shall we.” With a conceited smirk, the ravenous druid willed the plant holding Alamo to lower until he was face to face with the enthralled Man-Eater. While he was close enough to see the shimmer of her serrated teeth and feel the heat of her acidic breath, what truly alarmed him was when he felt his right arm being repositioned to point at the prideful mamono. Slowly the vines wrapped around his hand peeled back, almost like a candy wrapper, as the excited Claustrophyte took a hold of it with her own dainty, green fingers. It was so rough, so clearly worn down from a life of hard labour. This was the kind of hand that belonged to man who not only understood effort but also wasn’t afraid to get down and dirty to complete a task. The kind of man ideally equipped to help her cultivate and manage a garden of her very own. “What…..what sort of test is this?” Alamo stuttered out. “Oh, nothing complicated. It’s just a simple taste test,” the enticed Claustrophyte declared with a toothy grin before setting her hungry eyes upon those deliciously plump fingers. Without warning Iodia widened her maw and in one shift motion consumed a portion of Alamo’s hand in one fell swoop. For a second the startled Order solider thought she had bitten clean through, but that fear was quickly corrected when he started to feel her tongue get to its lewd work. The relentless muscle seemed hellbent on not leaving an inch of his fingers or palm untasted or slathered with her sticky saliva. While he was relieved he hadn’t just lost his hand, he was getting a little alarmed by the strange, warm tingly sensation that was starting to appear on his drenched skin, one that only got more noticeable and pleasant as time passed. Combined with the gentle grazing of her sharp teeth over his sensitive skin, the soft sucking of her pillowy lips, and the cute little moans that were escaping her mouth as she savored his flesh, it was becoming a little too much for the gentle giant. In fact, the sheer sensation of her oral assault on his fingers was already causing his heart to beat faster and forcing his mind to shamefully consider how pleasurable her mouth might feel somewhere else on his body. As for Iodia, she was in heaven. There was no more room for doubt, it was him. He was her destined lover and soulmate. His taste was just too addictive. No, more than that, it was purely divine. She knew as a Man-Eater that taste was her most sensitive and perhaps most important sense, but nothing could have prepared her for this. It was taking all her willpower just to maintain her reduced form and not devour the man in full right away, but she knew if this relationship was going to work, she needed to resist losing control for just a little longer. That being said, despite her restraint, she was still having trouble removing her current treat from her now acid flooded maw. “Ummm…..isn’t that enough? You’ve….you’ve been sucking on my hand for awhile now?” Alamo bashfully questioned as he felt his own mental fortitude being tested. “Hmmmm…just a little bit….more…..” Iodia cooed as she suckled just a little longer before relenting and freeing the Order man’s hand from her humid oral trap. “So….what’s….what’s the verdict?” Alamo nervously asked despite the clear flush on his face. “You pass. You pass with flying colours. I’ve never tasted anything like you before and I don’t think I could ever go back,” Iodia declared with dilated eyes as she wiped away the few strains of acidic spitter from her lips. “Ummm….you sure you don’t want to taste the others, before you make any rash decisions. You never know, you might…you might enjoy them even more,” Alamo proposed in a last-ditch effort to change the carnivorous druid’s mind. “I think it will be quite impossible to top your flavour. I’ll decided. You will partake in the pre-marriage ritual with me, and you will become my husband once we are finished,” the enraptured Claustrophyte exclaimed before wrapping her arms around the waist of her ensnared lover. “Are you sure you don’t want to double check first? Just to be safe?” Alamo pleaded as his composure faltered. “Nope, no way. You’re the one and I can’t be convinced otherwise. Now no more begging, we have a ceremony to attend,” Iodia happily informed as she released Alamo from his bindings, only to quickly snatch him up with her own vines once more. “Well, at least tell me what this ceremony entails,” the now sweating country boy inquired as he dangled helplessly above his soon-to-be mistress. “It is an ancient practice and one not to be taken lightly, especially in this day and age. We will have dinner and open ourselves up to one another by asking personal questions. Light physical contact will also probably occur, perhaps more, but we will have to wait and see where the night takes us,” Iodia informed as she made her way to the arena with Alamo in tow. “Why does that sound like……wait. Is this a date? You just described a date!” Alamo blurted out in shock. “I suppose you could call it that, but I like to think it’s a little more meaningful than that. I know pre-marriage dates are a bit old fashioned for us mamono, but Chameda said it would help us bond and would lessen your fear for what comes after,” Iodia informed causally as she began her descent into the ruins of the ancient game field. “You mean when you…..you know, take me?” Alamo muttered as he avoided admitting the truth of his situation out loud for his own sate. “When I eat you, yes, exactly,” the stimulated Claustrophyte revealed indifferently. Suddenly in the span of a split second, all the colour drained from Alamo’s gentle face, “You’re going to WHAT!” “Are you certain you can talk some sense into them? I know we just went over it, but I’m already having doubts,” Captain Diamandis uttered quietly to Vincente as the pair exited their sanctuary of privacy and reluctantly returned to their monstrous overseers despite walking as stiff as boards. “Well, I’m going to have to, or we’re all sunk. Just act casual and don’t leave to get your lance before I can convince them to join our cause. I’m going to need every advantage I can get, and you sneaking off is going to leave a bad impression,” Vincente stealthily replied as he gave a nervous wave to the awaiting mamono. Scilla was the first to give an overly eager wave back while Walta retained her expressionless demeanor as she stared them down. “Oh, that didn’t take long. Did you two make up already?” Scilla inquired with hope gleaming from her eyes. “We talked things out, got each other caught up to speed on certain things. Which is what brings me to a favor I need to ask of you Walta,” Vincente carefully requested of the colossal Lancer Beetle. “What sort of favor?” Walta candidly asked in turn. “Whatever it is, Vincente, I’m sure I could do it for you instead,” Scilla offered, not to be outdone by the larger woman beside her. “I’m afraid this is something only she can help with, Scilla because she’s the only one here with the information we need,” the Order engineer divulged. “If that is the case, I take it you wish for me to reveal the location Iodia has taken your comrades. Is that correct, dear Sir,” Walta successfully deduced with a blank stare. “That would be the sum of it. So are you going to tell us where my men are or not,” Alexander chimed in with an unimpressed scowl. “While I was informed by Lady Chameda of where the selection ritual would be held, I was instructed not to intervene. Even if I question Lady Iodia’s methods of how she approached your men, as a fellow mamono, it doesn’t feel right getting in the way of her chance at love,” the pink dressed beetle replied. “Her chance at love? What about my men’s say in the matter!” Captain Diamandis growled in reply. “What the captain here is trying to say is, we’re just concerned for the others is all. We just want to see for ourselves if they are being treated with the care and respect they deserve. So, will you please guide us to them so we can confirm their safety with our own eyes,” Vincente stepped in to offer a more polite translation. “I suppose that is a reasonable request. However, if I may speak honestly, dear Sir, I am fearful that if I lead you to her, she may realize her mistake,” Walta continued to defend her reluctance. “What sort of mistake are you talking about?” the Order captain quickly questioned. “That she tossed away someone as sweet and devoted as you so carelessly and rudely. What if she tries to correct her previous blunder and decides to snatch you away instead,” the Lancer Beetle uttered worryingly. “That’s what you’re worried about!” Alexander blurted out with pure bewilderment. “I’m not sure what you’re so worried about, Walta. If there is anyone here we need to worry about meeting Iodia, it’s Vincente. There’s no way she could resist someone as pure as him,” Scilla countered as her own fear rose to the surface. “While Vincente is a fine man, I doubt Lady Iodia would consider him over his captain. Which is why ensuring the captain’s protection should be our top priority should we encounter her,” Walta plainly stated as she peered down to her Kakuen companion. “You’re joking, right. Vincente is the one who would most likely be in need of saving if he met Iodia. He’s irresistible,” Scilla proudly declared as she looked up to lock eyes with Walta. “I believe you should reconsider your thought process, Scilla. As a druid burdened with maintaining the balance of this ecosystem, it would stand to reason she would require the most reliable partner, and that is without question, the captain,” the Lancer Beetle argued in her usual monotone manner. “Even if he was more reliable than my Vincente, which I doubt, love is all about heart, and no one is as considerate and caring as Vincente. Even Iodia would see that,” the snow furred Kakuen rebuked as she puffed out her chest. “Vincente, what the hell are they going on about?” Alexander expressed his confusion to his partially loyal subordinate. “I think, they’re trying to compare us?” Vincente answered, unsure of his own deduction. “What the hell is wrong with these creatures,” Diamandis mumbled out in disbelief before deciding to take matters into his own hands, “Ok, you two, I’m not sure what this disagreement is about exactly, but we don’t have time for it. Are you going to take us there or not?” Walta and Scilla gave each other one last nervous side eye before nodding slightly in agreement. “I suppose if we keep a careful eye on them together, than we don’t have to worry about Iodia stealing either of them,” Scilla cautiously proposed. “Safety in numbers is a battle-hardened proven strategy, especially against a single opponent. If we stay together as a group, we would greatly reduce the risk of sustaining any losses,” Walta strategized as though this was a combat scenario. “So, is that a yes or a no?” Vincente warily asked the towering insectoid woman. “Considering your concerns and the loyalty you’re both displaying, I feel it would be cruel if I prevented you from confirming the safety of your comrades. While I still assure you they are safe and sound, perhaps seeing how well Iodia is caring for them will put your minds at ease and show the benefits that come with being paired with a mamono. That being said, I insist that I keep our dear Captain near me for safe keeping in case the worst were to occur,” Walta insisted as she agreed to lead them to their desired destination. Vincente and Alexander looked at one another with a mix of expressions. “I suppose it’s a start,” Vincente uttered to his less receptive leader. “While I appreciate your concerns, Walta, last I checked my safety was not your concern. So, if you will excuse me, I’m just going to go retrieve that lance you gave me and show you why I do not require your protection,” Captain Diamandis announced grumpily before turning to storm off. “That won’t be necessary, dear Captain, I have already collected it and have it here,” the frilly dressed Solider Beetle revealed before lifting one of her wing casings and pulled out her signature sapphire blue lance from underneath. “You had it the whole time? Why didn’t you say anything!” the Order captain demanded an answer. “You never asked. You didn’t think I would leave it behind, did you? This weapon is a part of me, a representation of my goodwill for you. I could never abandon it, not while you still need me,” Walta exclaimed with pure, chivalrous devotion. “Wait, that lance you were talking about is apart of her? Are you sure using it, is a good idea?” Vincente spoke up as he noticed how the weapon’s glistening blue coating perfectly matched up with the Lancer Beatle’s azure carapace. The Order captain sighed with indignity, “Not at all, but it’s the only thing we got to defend ourselves with, but don’t you dare breath a word to this to the others. I don’t want them thinking I’m some kind of…..” “Hypocrite?” Vincente accidently finished the sentence. “Oh, shut it, Vincente,” Alexander uttered through gritted teeth before returning his attention to his self-assigned guardian, “And you, just hand me you damn lance already.” “I’m no longer sure that is necessary. I ordinary bestowed my arm to you to help protect yourself from Lady Iodia. While you were defeated, it did accomplish its task and she did not take you. Now that I will be around to protect you, I don’t see the need to return it to your possession, since I can wield it more proficiently than you can” Walta bluntly stated. “I didn’t lose, she ambushed me!” Diamandis angrily blurted out, before quickly retaining a portion of his composure, “My point is, regardless of your protection, I would feel vulnerable without something to defend myself and those under me with. So will you PLEASE, relinquish your lance to me already.” “I suppose, if it makes you feel safe holding it,” the Lance Beetle mumbled as her dark cheeks went a little red, “However, this time I would like something personal from you in exchange, if that’s alright.” “You want to trade? But I clearly have nothing to offer. How could I possibly have something on me that you would want?” the Order captain argued. “I understand that, dear Sir, but I was thinking that maybe you could just use your words,” Walta hinted at as she looked down to the ground bashfully. “My words? I don’t understand? What exactly do you want from me?” the confused captain questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Sir, I think she may be fishing for a compliment from you,” Vincente gleaned from the context clues. “There’s no way that could be all that she wants…..” Alexander refused to accept before noticing how Walta’s entangled arms were now dangling down her middle like a timorous maiden, “Oh you got to be kidding me….no…nope…..out of the question.” “Don’t be so selfish. Walta is going out of her way to help you, and you can’t even say something nice about her?” Scilla scolded as she couldn’t understand what her towering friend saw in the blowhard. “Sir, we can’t afford to be wasting time right now. Just say something nice to her so we can get going,” Vincente whispered to his superior officer as he reminded his captain of the clock they were on. “Not only is this ridiculous, you are basically asking me to damn myself. I can’t do it,” Diamandis grumbled back. “It isn’t like she’s asking for a love confession. Just flatter her a little. Think of the men,” Vincente advised as he pressed for his captain to do the right thing. “……fine…….but if my soul gets damned for this, I’m dragging you to hell with me,” Alexander muttered as he couldn’t believe the words that were about to come out of his mouth. “Walta, I can tell your…..ummm….shell seems to be….quite shiny and….well maintained. There are you happy now,” the now defeated man groaned out as those words tasted like poison scrapping past his tongue. Walta, however appeared to have the exact opposite reaction. Without warning, the Solider Beetle swung her arms open and lunged at the distracted captain. Like a pair of merciless mandibles, those armored arms came crashing against his sides before wrapping around his back to pull him in. His face finding purchase against the center of the smooth, twin spherical surface of Walta’s natural breast plate as the rest of his front slammed against her lean, humanoid torso. “Vincente, help! I think she’s trying to break my spine!” Alexander yelped in surprise despite his smushed face. “She’s just giving you a hug, you lucky bug,” Scilla corrected with a slight girlish giggle. “That’s worse, that’s so much worse! Vincente, get over here and do something!” Diamandis ordered despite his words being a little muffled from the pink fabric his face was pressed against. “I’m not sure I can get you out of there even if I tried, if I’m being honest,” Vincente awkwardly confessed as he watched the heavily armored but flustered mamono grapple his commander in perhaps the most passionate hug he had ever seen. “I’m so glad you noticed all the effort I put in maintaining my carapace. I didn’t think any man would notice how much I need to wash and polish it every day to keep its shine. I don’t deserve such kind words,” Walta happily thanked despite her monotone voice as she paid no heed to the conversation occurring around her. “You’re overreacting, you damn bug. Put me down, you’re squishing me!” Alexander grunted out as his head remained firmly held against the thinly veiled chest plate. “Of course, as you wish, dear Knight. I don’t usually allow my emotions to get the better of me like that. I do apologize,” Walta uttered with a blush as she released her intimate hold and allowed the Order captain to drop from her care. “Never do that again, and what did I tell you about calling me a knight,” Alexander reprimanded as he took a moment to catch his breath. “Again, I apologize, my dear Captain. I got caught up in the moment. Now do believe a bargain is a bargain,” Walta exclaimed as she returned to her usual emotionless demeanour as she bestowed her lance to Diamandis once more. “Thank you, I suppose,” Captain Diamandis begrudgingly acknowledged despite now having mixed emotions about the whole ordeal. “Great, now that is all settled, can you please take us to where Iodia is withholding the others. We’re kind of on a clock here,” Vincente stressed as tried to get this questionable group back on track. Walta looked upon the two men before bowing with a submissive curtsy, “Very well, I shall lead you to where the ceremony is being held. It isn’t far but just remember to stay close to us. I don’t know what Scilla or I would do if we lost either of you.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
One final release of mouthwatering fumes filled the air as Chameda opened her oven to retrieve the final dish she had to prepare for the night. It was a simple roasted wild fowl paired with yams and cobs of maize, each piece uncorrupted and cooked to juicy perfection, just the way Cezar and her husband loved it. While Chameda preferred to get her nutrition straight from her husband, there was nothing quite like sitting down at a table and enjoying the company of one’s friends and loved ones over a nice, homecooked meal. Now with any luck, this was a wholesome fact Iodia would pick up on during her little ceremony with that piece of prime beef she had chosen as her husband. While it wasn’t easy to convince Iodia to agree to her idea, and even less so to cook as many meals required to dent the Man-Eater’s bottomless appetite, Chameda knew it would all be worth it in the end if it meant a new loving couple would be born to protect this jungle. While she did feel absolutely dreadful for going behind Cezar’s back like this and accidently interfering with his own plan to save the fragile balance held in this land, she knew deep down there was little she could have done to avoid this outcome and that Cezar understood that too. After all, available men were hard pressed to find out here, and even rarer was to find one suitable for a druid, especially one as socially withdrawn and irritable as Iodia. It really was the best for everyone involved that this opportunity not be wasted, why guess would the roots bring Iodia here. That being said, she was going to have to find a way to repay Cezar for this somehow. It was clear her little ploy to grant Iodia eternal happiness was going to cause some serious problems for Cezar later down the line, after all leading a bunch of ignorant Order troops through this diverse rainforest was going to be hard enough without the tons of trust issues she just forced onto their already fragile dynamic. She truly did wish to be in his corner, to help him patch things up with his new friends, but Chameda was also extremely worried she would only be adding wood to the fire if she tried. Perhaps over dinner she could brainstorm with Cezar and Vincente over ways she could make amends for this slight transgression. “Oh boys. Dinner is ready,” the druidic homemaker called out, her voice magically echoing throughout her home so all would hear the invite. As she made her way to the dining table, Cezar was already there to greet her as he lounged causally upon one of the naturally grown chairs. It was obvious by the look on his face that he wished to continue their earlier conversation, a sentiment the Dryad also admittedly shared. As she understood things couldn’t be mended until she properly explained herself and apologizes were made. “I understand this isn’t what you were expecting when you led your friends here, and for what it’s worth I do apologize for how this played out. Just know Iodia’s union will strengthen our chances to maintain the status quo here in the event Saint Manus does become a dark mamono realm, especially if she is able to create her garden before it occurs,” Chameda expressed her reasoning for her betrayal with genuine solace. “I get that precautions had to be made, but a few extra corrupted druids aren’t going to make much of a difference if that city falls and floods the waterways with even more corruption. At best you would only delay the inevitable. That’s why our best bet is to get me in that city and stop it before it happens,” Cezar retorted as he leaned over onto the table and rested his head upon his palm with an unamused scowl. “Cezar, I know you think you have a decent chance at stopping this, but we still don’t even know what the cause will be or even when it will occur. All those spiritual visions have shown so far is that the conversion will be shift and unstoppable to contain. What if a Lilim is involved or the Fallen God? Even with your gifts, what hope would you have to stop them by yourself?” Chameda pointed out dishearteningly. “All the more reason for me to figure out what is going on. The sooner we discover the source, the sooner we can make a plan to stop it, or whoever is behind it. Besides, even if I do discover it’s a Lilim or some Fallen God fanatic behind this, I’m not foolhardy enough to tango with them. I’ll let you know as soon as I can, and we can request our own big hitters to deal with them instead, provided it is something like that. Although I won’t know the situation until I actually get there, which is now going to be a hell of a lot tricker thanks to you and Iodia,” Cezar lamented with an unimpressed sigh. “Listen Cezar I know I’ve damaged what little trust those men had in you, but I promise I will find a way to make it up to you. I’ve make sure your group is so well prepared for your upcoming journey, that it will be like they’re living in luxury no matter where you decide to camp out,” the druid offered in apology. “I suppose that’s a start but it’s going to take a lot more than good food and a ton of supplies to win back their trust after this whole debacle. That being said, you promised you would be keeping an eye on Iodia, so what’s the update on that? Who did she pick?” Cezar inquired as he changed the subject. “Well, about that, you know how straightforward and abrasive she can be….” Chameda uttered almost shamefully. “What did she do, Chameda?” the experienced travel groaned out, as if he saw this coming a mile away. “Well, I will start by saying she may have made a bit of a rough first impression on everyone when she encountered them, but she appears she has already made her decision. He has chosen the one named Alamo to be destined partner it seems, however…..” the Dryad revealed as her words trailed off. “Come on, spit it out,” Cezar mumbled as he already dreaded where this was heading. “It appears she is still holding onto two others despite already having made her selection and hearing my instructions to release anyone she didn’t fancy,” Chameda nervously revealed. “Gods damn it, Chameda, I told you she would try something like this,” Cezar lightly scolded his old mentor. “Cezar, now this could all just be a misunderstanding. She may have just forgotten to release those men from their confines before starting the ceremony. Mamono are quite impatient when it comes to love as you know. I’m sure she will release them once she’s finished and lays with Alamo,” the druidic homemaker reassured, despite also having her own doubts. “Oh, I know how mamono can be, but I also know Iodia, for better or worse. Listen you need to go down there right away to make sure those two are released and she doesn’t try running off with them. Every minute they’re trapped by her, my chances of winning back their trust diminishes greatly,” Cezar pointed out with annoyance. “I’m sure it can wait till after dinner. Now let’s put this discussion aside for now, I do believe I sense my little bookworm arriving alongside your friend Vincente,” the druid uttered as she instantly felt some relief when she felt her husband approach. “Sorry I’m a little late honey, just wanted to finish the page I was combing over. Oh, there you are Cezar, good to see you again my boy, how are your journeys going,” William greeted as he entered the dining room alone. “Oh darling, I prepared dinner just how you like…..wait, where’s Vincente? Wasn’t he with you?” Chameda politely asked despite instantly having a bad feeling about this. “Oh, is he not back yet? I thought I told him to get back before dinner. Well, he should be back shortly, he said he just needed to go see his friends about something real quick,” the treebound Incubus divulged cheerfully as he took a seat at the table. “Darling, are you saying you let him outside?” Chameda continued her line of questioning as dread started to stir beneath her surface. “Of course. It would be a little difficult for him to talk to them if he was stuck in here, after all. Why, is there a problem?” William cluelessly asked in return. “Oh, nothings the matter, baby,” the Dryad replied with a broken smile before turning to Cezar, “Can I see you in the kitchen for a moment.” Cezar did as requested and followed his floronic hostess. As soon as they were alone and out of earshot, Chameda turned with sheer panic and concern plastered all over her face. “What did you do? You told me you wouldn’t mention any of this to Vincente,” Chameda quietly yet anxiously questioned. “Well, I guess that makes us both liars than. But it’s as I said earlier, it’s going to take a lot more than gifts to win the trust of those men back and this is simply my play in healing what you damaged,” Cezar revealed without a hint of shame. “Cezar, I know you don’t agree with my support of Iodia, but this is going too far. Even if he reaches her, he’s only going to put both himself and Iodia’s date at risk. I thought you cared about getting him back to Eleanor?” Chameda questioned with concerned confusion. “I admit it’s a calculated risk but I’m sure everything will work out in our favor,” Cezar cryptically commented. “And why would you think that?” the worried Dryad bluntly asked. “Simple, because I know that after hearing his little love story, you won’t allow anything too happen to Vincente’s chances of getting back to Eleanor,” Cezar exclaimed as a coy grin spread across his self-assured face. “I can barely make out a damn thing with how dark it is. We’re going to have to move in closer,” Diamandis grumbled as he peered from atop a nearby, partially collapsed structure. “But if we get any closer, won’t we risk getting spotted,” Vincente advised with caution as he too tried to scope out the situation from atop the crumbling building. “We’re going to have to close the distance eventually. It’s just a risk we’re going to have to take if we want any idea of what is going on down there,” the Order captain replied despite not being a hundred percent confident with that course of action either. “I don’t know, she seems pretty distracted with her date down there. You know I got to admit Iodia looks pretty good as a Claustrophyte. Green really does seem to be her colour,” Scilla uttered as she spied through her troop’s telescope. “Wait, is that a spyglass? How long have you had that?” Vincente blurted out in disbelief as he couldn’t believe the Kakuen didn’t mention having such a useful item on her person. “Oh, I nabbed this off of Kamala when she wasn’t looking so I could spy on you when you left with Cezar. It’s so much fun to look through, I just wished she would share it more,” Scilla informed with a hint of vindication. “And when exactly were you going to tell us you had that on you?” Alexander growled. “I’ll be honest, kind of forgot I had it too. I may have gotten distracted by Vincente related things,” the Kakuen bashfully confessed. “Well, do you mind if I take a look with it?” Vincente requested. “Of course. Anything for you, Vincente,” Scilla cooed as she handed her group’s prized tool without a second thought. “Umm…thanks,” Vincente acknowledged as he cautiously took the telescope out of the monkey’s paw. “Well, what do you see, Vincente. Any sign of the others?” Diamandis quickly inquired, his concern for the last few men under his command clear as day. “Give me a second. I’m guessing that green lady is Iodia and she seems to be having dinner with….I think that’s Alamo down there with her,” the Order engineer divulged as he strained his eye looking through that narrow, collapsible cylinder. “And what of Vasco or Efrain. Do you spy them anywhere?” Alexander continued to ask. “No sign of them yet but I’ll keep looking,” Vincente uttered as he continued to scan the ruins of the ancient stadium. “See, it as I told you, your men are safe and sound. Lady Iodia is taking things slowly with this Alamo and the others have most likely already been released after not being chosen. I’m sure they’re on their way back to your camp as we speak. Now I believe it is best we depart ourselves before we risk disrupting their tranquil moment,” Walta softly exclaimed as she towered behind the others. “Even if the others are safe, I am not leaving Alamo with that thing,” Captain Diamandis declared as the thought of losing another one of his men to these monsters lit a personal fire within him. “I understand the loses you’ve faced so far have scarred you deeply, but there is nothing to get worked up over. Despite how aggressive Iodia may appear, she is still a mamono and will do everything in her power to give Alamo the best possible life. In fact, that is true for everyone you have lost on your journey thus far, so please do not mourn for them and allow your grief to cloud your heart. All mamono care deeply for their loved ones and do anything to make them happy, even me,” Walta confessed as she gently placed a reassuring hand on Alexander’s shoulder. The devoted Order servant allowed Walta’s hand to remain for only a moment, but it was a moment longer than he ever expected it to stay before moving it off with a gentle swipe of his own hand. In that brief, split second of hand-to-hand contact, his mind forced him to acknowledge how comfortingly smooth and cool her carapace covered fingers felt against his own skin. “That….that doesn’t matter. I gave my word to those men that I would get them to Saint Manus and I will complete my mission,” Diamandis declared staunchly despite a small crack having appeared in his armor, if only for a second. “I see. I understand,” Walta uttered, a little dishearteningly despite her emotionless expression making it difficult for anyone to see her true feelings. “I thought your words were very sweet, Walta. You’ll wear him down eventually, just keep at it,” Scilla counselled her fellow mamono-in-love as she offered her full support. “I appreciate your kind words, Scilla. However, the dear captain and I already have a deep bond, so there is nothing for you to be worried about,” Walta announced matter-of-factly. “What bond are you talking about, you lust crazed bug!” Alexander blurted out embarrassingly. “Hush, captain, you’re going to give away our location. I think I see something,” Vincente muttered as he focused intensely on a new sight. “What, what is it? Did that green bitch spot us? Did you find the others? Should we be prepared to defend ourselves?” the Order captain spatted out his questions in a rapid-fire manner. “No, Iodia still seems wrapped up in her own little world, but I think I may have found the others, but I’m not sure,” the engineer turned scout informed as he continued to peer down the barrel of that spyglass. “What do you mean you’re not sure. You either found them or you haven’t,” Alexander spat out. “Well, that’s the thing. You mentioned before she summoned a bunch of vines to ensnare you and the others, right,” Vincente inquired. “I did. That she-devil appears capable of all kinds of blasphemies against nature. Why do you ask?” Diamandis recounted with gritted teeth. “Well, I’ve just spotted two collections of massive vines sprouting in front of that arena that both appear oddly human in shape. You don’t think Vasco and Efrain are trapped in there, do you?” Vincente questioned his more experienced cohort. “Knowing that witch, it seems extremely likely. I knew it, I knew this was all a sham,” Alexander announced proudly knowing his suspicions proved true. “There must be some mistake. I doubt Lady Iodia would do something so needlessly cruel. May I inquire your tool, dear sir, so I may judge this claim for myself?” Walta requested with skepticism. “Sure, knock yourself out,” Vincente accepted as he tossed the telescope to the Lancer Beetle looming over them. The entire squad remained in collective silence as they observed the Solider Beetle began to fickle with the contraption. It was obvious to anyone she was having a little trouble figuring out such a simple tool as her hands struggled to find where to properly grip it and it appeared as if she wasn’t sure which eye to use to look through it, but eventually she figured it out. After taking another few minutes to find the spot where the suspicious plant life was located, for the first time her usually neutral lips curled downwards into something resembling a glower. “I can confirm those vines were not there before. I’m afraid your theory that your compatriots are held within them, seems likely. I sincerely apologize for this turn of events and for dismissing your concerns. I shall go speak with her and get her to relinquish your friends back to your care,” Walta announced with a hint of disappointment in her stale tone. “Wait you’re just going to go down there? Shouldn’t we come up with a strategy, some kind of plan of attack first,” Alexander questioned the recklessness of the insectoid woman. “I doubt this will end in conflict, dear Sir, but I am touched by your concern for my safety. Iodia is by all accounts still only a fledging mamono, and thus is more susceptible to getting a little caried away with her new abilities. I will simply explain to her that such actions are not how we operate in this groove, and she will comply. Rest assured I will retrieve your men for you,” the Solider Beetle promised with unwavering conviction. “I am not concerned for your safety or anything of the like. Who I am worried about are my men. I doubt that green devil is going to release them and what of Alamo. Do you also plan on freeing him from his impious ensnarement?” Alexander called out the Solider Beetle’s allegiances. “I’m afraid there isn’t much I can do for Alamo, but I’ve already informed you he will be lovingly cared for. However, I can reclaim the rest of your squad. You just wait here, dear Sir, and I shall return shortly victorious,” the massive mamono proclaimed confidently before scuttering down the side of the ruins they had perched themselves on and disappearing into the darkness. “So, do we just let her handle this than?” Vincente inquired of his captain, unsure of how this would play out. “Of course not. There is no chance in hell I’m relying on her to get my men back. I’m going down there and I’m dealing with this mess myself. Besides I highly doubt things are going to go as smoothly as she claims,” Alexander announced as he revealed his own intentions. “Oh, you really do care for her, don’t you. You’re a lot kinder than I ordinary gave you credit for. No wonder Walta sees something in you,” Scilla teasingly commented regarding the captain’s apparent show of chivalry. “I’m not going down there for her, I’m going down there to retrieve Alamo before it’s too late,” Diamandis snapped back defensively, although the observant Kakuen swore she noticed the slightest hint of a blush. “What about Vasco and Efrain?” Vincente straightforwardly asked. “I’m leaving them to you. While I go down to deal with Iodia and rescue Alamo, you take that time to get those two out of those vines. Once they’re free, take them back to camp, and don’t look back. You understand me. I am leaving their care to you,” the Order captain ordered as he formed his rescue plan on the spot. “And what about you and Alamo? What if you need support or rescuing when things go south?” Vincente reasonably asked considering the captain’s track record with dealing with mamono. “Don’t worry about him, Vincente, he’ll have Walta to look after him once he realizes he’s bitten off more than he can chew,” Scilla stated with a snicker. “That’s enough out of you, you flea ridden beast,” Alexander Diamandis snarled before regaining his composure and returning his attention to Vincente, “Listen, Vincente, you’re an engineer, not a warrior. While I appreciate your willingness to help, you would only get in the way. I’m the one with the weapon, I’m the one responsible for the safety of those men, so I have to be the one to try and ensure that wretched plant doesn’t get her way or tries to pursue us.” “You make it sound like you’re aiming to kill her. Please tell me this isn’t some vain attempt to get revenge for what she did to you and the others. Even if you do manage to slay her, you might just end up pissing off every other mamono in these ruins and than what? It’s better to just grab Alamo and run for heaven’s sake,” Vincente advised as he questioned his leader’s course of action. “You don’t get it, Vincente. If I don’t eliminate her, she will only continue to pursue us. This is the only logical course of action to ensure she is no longer a looming threat. I’m sorry but I have to take it. With any luck I will see you back at camp with the others. You just do your part, and I will do mine. Don’t disappoint me,” Captain Diamandis exclaimed perhaps his final order before hoping down from the ruined building and bee-lining it towards the decaying arena with lance in hand. “Don’t you worry about him, Vincente. There’s no way he can hurt Iodia yet alone kill her, not with that weapon,” Scilla cryptically informed without a hint of worry regarding the captain’s plan. “I know he hasn’t had the best luck defeating mamono, but you shouldn’t underestimate the captain. He earned his position for a reason. Although I’m curious what you meant when you said that weapon can’t kill Iodia. Do you know something we don’t?” Vincente bluntly asked of the cheeky monkey. Scilla immediately rushed to latch onto Vincente’s arm once more now that they were alone again, “I might but I’ll just let things be a surprise for the dear captain. Now shall we go help your friends or would you like to spend some quality time together instead?” So, this is what it felt like to face down one’s imminent death. Sitting across and sharing a meal with his future devourer wasn’t quite how Alamo expected his last moments to be but to be fair, he also never anticipated his personal reaper to be so short, leafy and perky in the chest department either. Yet despite how she appeared, the thought she was going to strip him to the bone just like all those meat dishes she was ravaging through was a chilling thought, one that ensured his own appetite was nonexistent and his mouth stayed shut through the whole experience. Although speaking of appetites, Iodia’s was downright terrifying to witness. Ever since he was brought down here and tied to this chair, every so often strange women who looked like they were part bee would come buzzing down from the darkness and drop off massive platters of meat for the ravenous plant to devour. Whether it was a fowl, a pig, some fish or what appeared to be some sort of giant scorpion, Iodia would make such quick work of the dish and devour it completely in mere moments. She had gone through so many already that Alamo was starting to wonder how her petite body could pack away so much food. His momma always told him to find a girl with a healthy appetite but there was no way this is what she had in mind. Although her speed eating came at the price of her etiquette, as her drool would drip everywhere whenever she sank her teeth into her meals. Worst yet, Alamo could see how the acidic spitter would instantly burn through anything it touched from the plates to the table itself with insane ease. In fact, it was so corrosive the vaper created as a result was starting to build up so much that a wall of mist appeared to have formed around the gluttonous druid. A very potent, vey sweet smelling mist. “So, you’ve been awfully quiet and….BURRRPPPP…….you haven’t touched any of your food yet, so what gives?” Iodia questioned as an unladylike belch cut her off mid sentence. Alamo remained silent as he tried to look away from the Man-Eater and the high pile of partially melted plates before her. Iodia in return stared at the sheepish mountain of a man with a mix of befuddlement and surprisingly solicitude as she picked her teeth with a dissolving rib. She didn’t understand why he was suddenly giving her the cold shoulder; they were talking just fine before they sat down for their meal. Was the food not to his liking? Wait, was her eating habits turning him off? Oh, mother nature, that was it, wasn’t it. “Listen, I know I’m a bit of a messy eater nowadays but it’s hard to control myself once I get going, you know. If you like, I can hold off so you can enjoy your own meal. I can’t exactly let you go hungry, you’re going to need all the energy you can get for what comes next after all,” Iodia awkwardly tried to offer to soothe things over. “You…you just want to fatten me up,” Alamo fearfully murmured in trembling defiance. “Fatten you up? But you already got plenty of meat on those bones to satisfy me as it is. You don’t need to worry about getting any bigger for me,” Iodia clumsily attempted to flirt despite completely misunderstanding his words. “If that’s true, then what’s the point of all this than? Why all the false pleasantries? Why not get it over with and put me out of my misery?” Alamo uttered in the most defeated tone the Claustrophyte had ever heard. “I’m sorry but where exactly is this doom and gloom attitude coming from? I’m trying really hard here to get to know you and make you feel comfortable, but you’re acting like these are your last moments alive or something?” the bemused Man-Eater questioned as bluntly as a bag of bricks. “Considering you plan on eating me, I’m pretty sure these are my last moments. The captain was right all along, you monsters really only do care about satisfying your cravings for human flesh,” Alamo muttered out as he tried to comes to terms with his own impending death. “Of course I plan on eating that delicious body of yours…..wait, you’re not under the impression you’re going to die are you? Is that what this is all about? Are you….are you scared of me?” Iodia more apprehensively inquired, a look of guilt slowly forming on her face. “I may not be the brightest but even I know getting eaten is certain death for anyone. Besides it’s completely normal to be a little fearful when faced with the end, my parents reassured me of such before I got drafted into the Order,” Alamo replied as he tried to retain some dignity. “Listen, I do plan on eating you….but not in the way you’re thinking…ok, maybe a little in the way you’re thinking, but what I mean to say is, you’re not going to die. Far from it. Tell me, how much do you know about carnivorous plants,” Iodia asked in the hopes of explaining this misunderstanding away. “I know plants aren’t carnivorous, that’s why they’re plants. I should know, I used to live on a farm,” Alamo stated self assured in his answer despite being confused by the point of the question. Iodia couldn’t believe the ignorance of this man but at the same time not find it adorable, “Oh my gods, how are you so cute when you’re so simple. Ok, I’m just going to explain what is going to happen then. When I say I’m going to eat you, what I’m really mean is that I plan on enveloping us both in my leaves and drenching us in my digestive fluids…” “To melt me into a puddle,” Alamo accursedly blurted out. “What no…..sort of…..it’s supposed to make you feel really, really fucking good, ok. Like how it felt when I stuck your fingers in my mouth. Actually, you know what, never mind, explaining it isn’t going to solve anything. You won’t understand you’re completely safe with me until you experience what I’m talking about firsthand,” Iodia sighed as she stood up from her chair and began to approach the trembling man. “Stay back! What are you doing!” Alamo cried out as he tried to run off before the vines around his waist and legs held him back in place. “Relax, I’m just going to do what I should have done from the start. I knew I shouldn’t have listened to Chameda and just went with my gut instead; words are so cheap after all. Besides we will have plenty of time to talk after I seal the deal and show you why you belong to me,” Iodia ominously cooed as digestive fluid started to secrete from every inch of her body. Alamo eyes widened in terror as the bipedal, man-eating plant approached him with a devious, toothy grin and eyed him down as if he was a hunk of meat ready to be devoured. Her entire body was now glistening with that insanely sweet-smelling liquid as it sizzled upon the stone floor, creating that mist of acidic vapor wherever she stepped. Alamo could feel his brain suddenly start to get fuzzy now that he was fully exposed to the pleasant haze and the hypnotic jiggle of those ample thighs and shapely breasts.
Maybe….maybe she wasn’t so bad. She was pretty cute. Cute things couldn’t be bad.
Wait, what was he thinking, she was going to eat him….and make him feel good. No, he needed to escape…….into the embrace of that soft body of hers. No, that wasn’t right, he needed help…….he needed the release only she could give him. By the chief god, why did it feel like his rational thoughts and his intrusive desires were melting into one another……because melting feels nice obviously, silly brain. “That’s it my little snack, just breathe it in and let me cure you of those silly concerns of yours. Don’t worry, it will feel even better once you’re bathing in my fluids, although I’m afraid to say your clothes won’t survive the dip. Oh, what am I saying, I’m sure you won’t care after we’re done,” Iodia sultry purred into the dazed man’s ear as she stood right beside him. “My head feels funny……should it feel funny? What were we talking about again, pretty lady?” Alamo mumbled out almost as if he was entering a drunken state. “Just how much you adore me, and how safe I make you feel. Now just sit back, relax and be a good meal for me, ok. Let me worry about everything from now on,” Iodia lovingly murmured into his ear as she licked her lips. This was it, the trap was sprung, his mind was getting all gooey for her and his fear was now melting into sweet desire for her. Every corrupt instinct of hers was telling her, no demanding her to gobble him up right away and drain him of every last drop of his essence in the most loving manner possible, and who was she to ignore them. Very slowly, the carnivorous druid began to undo the anthropomorphosis spell she had placed on herself to keep herself small and mobile, as the toothed, fan like leaves on her back slowly started to swell in size as her vines began to creep over the entrapped Alamo and creep under his clothes. “Excuse me, Lady Iodia. I request an audience with you,” an unknown female voice called out from behind the enraptured pair.
Clam Jamming whore! Why now just when it was getting to the good part!
Iodia didn’t even bother looking behind her as she retracted her transformation in response of this new presence, “Listen, you’re sort of interrupting my pivotal moment here. If you came to bring more food, I don’t need it anymore. I’m about to start my real feast here.” “I apologize for the intrusion, Lady Iodia, but I’m afraid I am not here to deliver any meals. I am known as Walta and I am here to insist upon the release of the two men you have trapped in those creations of yours,” the feminine voice plainly demanded. The druidic Claustrophyte slowly turned her head to glare at the poorly timed intruder. As she inspected the pest, she realized it wasn’t one of the Honeybee’s that were stopping by earlier to deliver her meals, but instead a well-fortified, azure shelled Soldier Beetle adorning a frilly pink dress standing at attention behind her. She didn’t recognize her, nor could she see any reason to even justify giving the rude bitch a response, but she figured the sooner she acknowledged the poorly dressed brute, the sooner she could get back to her dinner plans. “I’m afraid I have plans for those two, so I need them to stay put where they are. They’re going to have the honor of being my bargaining chips to attract mamono to my future garden, so I hope you can understand why I can’t release them. So, now that you have your answer, do what you bugs do best and buzz off,” Iodia coldly informed the intrusive insect. “I highly doubt Lady Chameda approved of such a plan. I believe she already informed you that you could only take one of them. Not to mention encasing men in vines is not how we treat people in this groove, at least not for an excessive amount of time,” Walta stoically replied as she stepped closer to the irritated Man-Eater. “I will admit I haven’t exactly run this by her yet, but I’m sure she will see reason once I make my pitch. It is for the good of the jungle after all, and men are such a troublesome resource to get one’s hands on nowadays around here. It would be so wasteful to let them go now,” Iodia mockingly replied as she shot daggers at the unflinching Lancer Beetle. “Be that as it may, this was not the original arrangement you had with Lady Chameda. Besides, I am worried that losing any more of his men will have a devastating effect on the captain. So, if you please, release the ones known as Efrain and Vasco from your trappings,” the Lancer Beetle more sternly requested. “The captain? You don’t mean that bumbling fool with the lance, do you? Wait, that was your lance wasn’t it. I thought your shade of blue looked familiar. Don’t tell me you’re ruining my ceremony just to impress that loser,” the Claustrophyte cruelly taunted with a piercing giggle. “Why does everything smell like strawberries and why is my everything so tingly?” Alamo unintelligibly spoke out as his senses dwindled. “That’s because I’m here for you, my little snack. You just give me a moment to remove this pest and we’ll start the magic soon, ok,” Iodia lovingly cooed as she stoked her fingers through the farm boy’s hair. “While I will not deny my feelings for the captain, my duties as one of this groove’s defenders deem that I can not overlook this transgression,” Walta informed with authority as she loomed over the cocky Man-Eater and her prey. “Oh, and what exactly are you going to do if I don’t free those men,” Iodia challenged as she peered up defiantly at the bossy beetle. In one shift movement Walta managed to seize one of the Man-Eater’s arms and effortlessly lifted her off the ground by her dainty wrist. The corrupted druid was caught off guard by the heavy duty mamono’s surprising speed as she stared blankly in shock at the Lancer Beetle as she now dangled a mere few feet off the ground. “I sincerely apologize for this, but I must place your ceremony on hold until I take you to Lady Chameda to discuss your actions. I am sorry for the inconvenience, but you must abide by the laws of this garden,” Walta bluntly informed as she started to walk off with the now flailing druid. Iodia couldn’t believe the audacity of this insect. She was a druid that had undergone the Rite of Connection, a speaker for the roots themselves, and this overgrown roach was treating her like some sort of rowdy delinquent. But worse of all she was taking her away from Alamo, her Alamo. This would not stand, it could not stand. Not now, not ever! Iodia’s fury steamed to a boiling part as she caused the ground to rumble beneath them. Without warning a barrage of thick vines burst through the stone field and wrapped around every single one of Walta’s numerous limbs. The dutiful Lancer Beetle was forced to drop the enraged Claustrophyte as a result as she turned her attention to fighting against her ensnarement. “I don’t care if you were Chameda herself, nobody separates me from him,” Iodia snarled before taking on a cockier tone, “You know you really should have thought this out more. Plants like me eat bugs like you for lunch. What chance did you think you had against me, especially without that lance of yours.” However, Iodia’s confidence wasn’t to last as she watched as her vines snapped one by one as the colossal beetle lifted her legs to pull them free and nibbled on the plant matter entangled around her arms. In only a few moments after being trapped, Walta had managed tear away all her restraints with brute force alone, while also getting a snack in the process. Unimpressed with Iodia’s course of action, the devoted Solider Beetle altered the carapace on her arm in order to summon forth her shield as she stared down at the now frenzied Man-Eater. “While I am aware of the diet of carnivorous plants, I am afraid I am not as easy to restrain as a man. There is a reason Lady Chameda appointed me with the responsibility of ensuring the peace of her groove. Also, I am vegetarian,” Walta announced as she prepared to face down the troublesome plant but not before slurping up one last rope of torn vine. “They’re really going at it, aren’t they. Are you sure that bug lady is going to be ok?” Vincente quietly questioned Scilla as they both stealthily approached the two man-shaped bundles of plant matter. “Don’t worry about Walta, she’s no pushover. I heard she even placed second in the unmarried diversion of some tournament last year. Although, I will admit it will be tough for her without her lance, but she only needs to distract Iodia long enough for us to rescue your friends,” the white furred Kakuen reassured as she accompanied her man as closely as possible. Yet despite their mission to free the others, neither of them could take their eyes off of the battle occurring down below on that long forgotten game field. Iodia was keeping her distance while summoning plant after plant to strike or lock down the six-legged juggernaut while Walta attempted to defend against the endless volley in order to get close enough to grapple the slippery plant. It was a practically a game of cat and mouse, with Walta as the pursuer but it seemed the druid had the range advantage which meant she could actually benefit from the distance she was keeping between them. Yet, the Solider Beetle’s reliable shield and enforced shell proved most effective at guarding against any offensive the Claustrophyte could conjure, at least for the time being. Regardless of which way the battle was heading, Vincente knew it was better not to waste any time and use every second Walta afforded them to free his fellow men. However, there was still one variable unaccounted for that troubled the Order Engineer. “Have you spotted the captain anywhere? He left ahead of us didn’t he, so where is he?” Vincente whispered as he crept closer and closer to his goal under the cover of darkness. “No idea, but he isn’t our concern, right. Let’s just focus on the others, and than we can focus on ourselves when we get back to camp,” Scilla replied as she “accidentally” nuzzled into Vincente’s shoulder. “God damn it, Scilla, focus. We can’t afford to be caught right now,” Vincente grumbled as he distanced himself from the clingy monkey as they reached their destination. Upon closer inspection, the collection of plants were more eerily human shape than Vincente was comfortable with to the point it remined the Order engineer of that creepy practice of wrapping dead bodies that was once common place in the desert cities of old. Mummies he believed they were called. Thankfully, unlike those ancient burying practices, the two inside these bindings were clearly alive as he could see their rapidly moving eyes peeking out and hear their muffled cries for freedom under all that plant matter. Not wishing to waste another moment, Vincente hoped onto the nearest clump of vines and climbed up until he could start pulling away at the bindings around their prisoner’s face. However, much to his horror the vines were not only extremely tough to tear away but instantly grew back as fast as he could rip them away. Without any tools, this was a losing battle and he knew it, but sadly he didn’t have time for this magical bullshit. “Is everything all right, Vincente?” Scilla asked concernedly despite her eyes clearly and lustfully being glued to his ass as he dangled above her. “These stupid vines keep growing back in place,” Vincente uttered before surrendering and dropping back down, “I don’t suppose you got a sword or an axe hidden away on you like that spyglass.” “Afraid not. What do we do than?” Scilla sympathetically answered. “If they weren’t fully covered, I would say we use one of the torches, but I can’t exactly risk setting them on fire. Maybe there are some jagged stones or something else sharp around here we can use,” Vincente proposed as he brainstormed a solution to this troublesome overgrowth. “No need, we can get those boys down, no problem,” a familiar voice called out to offer it’s assistance. Both Vincente and Scilla turned to the source of the voice, only to find the simian figures of Senna, Canna, and their de facto leader Kamala prowl out of the darkness to greet the troubled pair. Each one of them held the exact same mischievous, smug expression as they moved to surround a now on-guard Vincente and an ecstatic Scilla. While the white-furred Kakuen was understandably thankful to be reunited with her troop, Vincente was far less trusting as he realized he was not only greatly outnumbered and at the mercy of these lustful monkeys, but that the exotically curved blade now hanging off of Kamala’s shapely hip was also a bad sign. “So, how have you been enjoying your quality time with Vicente, Scilla. You two seem awfully close now, I’m surprised you haven’t claimed him yet,” Senna teased with a snicker. “We’re getting there. Vincente just wants to take things nice and slow, because he’s a gentleman,” Scilla gleefully declared as she slid in right beside the Order engineer. “Well, don’t take too long. It’s cruel for a mamono to make her husband wait any longer than needed,” Kamala teased as she placed her hand on the hilt of her foreign looking blade. “Why are you only here now. I thought you three were supposed to be looking after the others when Cezar and I were away. How could you have allowed this to happen?” Vincente judgmentally questioned the trio. “Don’t blame us, your stupid captain made a big stink of things when he came back and told us to leave,” Senna informed grumpily. “Yeah, he’s a big jerk,” Canna added with a pout. “So, anyways, after that little debacle, we than saw little miss green muncher over there take everybody and we’ve been waiting for an opening ever since,” Kamala divulged nonchalantly. “So, you do plan on helping out than?” Vincente questioned with skepticism. “Of course, of course, we do. You can trust us. We’re all friends of Cezar here after all. So, how about you leave these two to us and you go down there and save that Alamo guy,” Kamala proposed with questionable glee. “Why can’t one of you go down there instead,” Vincente immediately demanded for an explanation. “Ummm…because…because unlike you, Iodia would immediately sense us if we got too close. Yeah, that’s it. Now off you go,” Kamala declared as she gave Vincente a soft shove in the direction where all the action was occurring. “It just sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me,” Vincente accused as he stumbled a little from the light push. “What no, it’s just strategy. Listen you want to save all three of them right and we don’t have a lot of time before Iodia notices what we’re up too. So while you go save Mr. droopy down there, we will hack away at these vines and get the other two. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s the best plan you’re going to get right now. So, what will it be, Mr. Hero, clock’s ticking,” the dark furred troop leader elucidated as she hid her true intentions. Vincente really didn’t want to leave Efrain and Vasco with this group of scheming monkeys, but he hated to admit Kamala sort of had a point. With the captain no where in sight, it was up to him to retrieve Alamo. Worst yet, the window of opportunity was dwindling so he couldn’t waste time arguing with these monkeys, and even if he did, he had a sinking feeling things wouldn’t work out for him considering their numbers advantage and Scilla’s clear obsession for him. “Fine…..but they better both be out of those vines and still here when I get back,” Vincente reluctantly accepted as he hesitantly stepped towards that chaotic battlefield to test his worth. “Wait, let me accompany you, Vincente. I’ll keep you safe,” Scilla uttered as she tried to join her love into that treacherous arena, only to be stopped by Kamala as she placed her hand on her furred shoulder. “Now hang on a minute, Scilla. We need to have a little troop meeting before you run off again.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“But…but what you’re suggesting would mean I would have to give up on Vincente. I can’t do that, not when I’m so close,” Scilla exclaimed with pure distress at the thought of what her troop was proposing. “I know you’re all sweet on him and honestly, a good part of me is rooting for things to work out between you two, but we got a sure thing here and I don’t want to leave you out of it. I’m not sure why Cezar is so interested in your little fruit snack, but he’s not going to make it easy for you to bag him , especially if you’re on your own. I just don’t want to see you single while, you know, we’re not,” Kamala offered as she had a heart-to-heart with her most passive troop member. “We just don’t want to see you heartbroken, Scilla,” Senna uttered with honest concern. “Yeah. If you return home sad, then I’ll get sad and I’m an ugly crier,” Canna admitted as she almost got teary eyed now. “I don’t care if Cezar said he was off limits, there’s a connection between us, I feel it. I know we promised we would all share the same husband one day but every one of my instincts is telling me to pursue Vincente. I’m sorry but what sort of mamono would I be if I can’t cast aside my feelings so easily,” the snow white Kakuen declared sorrowfully yet passionately. “Well, look at you, what happened to the shy little monkey who used to timidly slink behind me everywhere I prowled,” Kamala acknowledged before wrapping her arms around Scilla and pulling her in for an encouraging hug, “Just don’t take forever ok. As soon as you marry him, you bring him back to the treehouse to show him off to us, you got that. Oh, and if Cezar gives your love too much trouble, you tell me and we’ll get back at him for you, promise.” “Thank you for understanding, Kamala. I wish you girls luck with your own man, but from what you just told me, I don’t think you’re going to have as much trouble,” Scilla uttered back as she returned the hug in full. “Why the hell are we getting all sentimental all of a sudden. Just because we’re not as patient as you, Scilla, doesn’t mean we’re breaking up or anything ridiculous like that. Now go get your man so we can take ours already,” Senna butted in as she pushed the two apart. “Don’t worry, Senna, no matter how long it takes, I’ll make Vincente my husband and bring him back home. Then you will see what a perfect couple we are,” Scilla declared with a determined thumbs up. “Well, you might want to get on that, because he seems to be in a bind. Like literally, not metaphorically,” Canna frivolously pointed towards the predicament Vincente appeared to have gotten himself in. “Oh my gods, Vincente! Don’t worry, I’m coming!” Scilla blurted out in worry as soon as she realized the danger her beloved was in before racing off to save him. “Wow, she really likes him, doesn’t she. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her move so fast,” Senna pointed out, amazed by her fellow Kakuen’s hidden speed. “Well, she’s off to her man, so we should start thinking about doing the same. Ok girls, get in position, I’m about to shake down the harvest of a lifetime,” the dark furred leader announced as she turned her attention to the bundle of vines containing their own target. “Okie dokie,” Canna excitedly complied. “Of course, boss, you can count on me, I mean us,” Senna added as her own anticipation was starting to grow. With feverish glee, both of Kamala’s fellow troop members lined themselves under the looming, man-entrapping vines as their leader drew her slim, dao like blade and leapt to its base. With one swift yet leisurely swing, the black furred Kakuen hacked through the trunk of the entwined vines with absurd ease. With the connection severed, the bundle of tightly woven green matter was overtaken by the grip of gravity and forced to plummet to the ground like some freshly, toppled tree. However, the encasing of plant matter never made landfall as it was caught by Canna alone thanks to her superior height while Senna could only fruitlessly raise her arms up in an attempt to offer assistance despite nothing reaching her greedy fingers. The collection of lively vines squirmed like agitated snakes as their connection to the life-giving earth was cut off. Slowly the entanglements began to unravel on their own as the vines writhed and died as their rope like corpses drooped to the stone floor one by one. With the bindings defeated, a man’s hand burst forth followed by its twin as both worked in unison to tear their master free. It wasn’t long before the face of Efrain pushed its way through, spitting out bits of green matter as the man took his first breath of freedom. “Well, well, well. Looks like our piece of juicy fruit came pre-wrapped, isn’t that right, girls,” Kamala cheekily declared as she peered up to the man held high above Canna’s head. “Yeah, although it would be great if he was close enough for me to get a taste,” Senna complained as her fingers continued to reach in vain to even grasp the entangled gambler. “Wait, I thought we wanted Efrain, not fruit?” Canna cluelessly asked as she continued to hold up their catch. “Hey lover boy, how’s the view up there. As you can see, we came back for your underwear just as promised,” Kamala teasingly greeted the man see saw as the perfect addition to her little gang. “Oh, great. What do you three want, and where the hell do you think you’re grabbing?” Efrain grumbled out as he felt the hands of the brown furred monkey firmly grasping onto his behind. “Well, hello again to you too handsome. You know, last I checked it’s customary to show thanks after getting rescued, especially by three beautiful women,” the troop leader smugly snapped back. “Ok, thank you for the assist, know tell this towering floozy to put me down. And tell her to stop groping my ass!” Efrain disparaging offered his thanks. “It’s not my fault you have such a cute butt,” Canna playfully uttered from below as she unleashed a teasing squeeze upon the unprepared gambler’s backside. “Okay, Canna, you had your fun, now put the big baby down. We do need to have a chat with him after all,” Kamala instructed with an offhanded wave. “Fine, but we’re continuing this latter,” Canna complied as she gently placed the vexed card player back down. “Ok, well, thanks for freeing me and for being somewhat reasonable. Now if you would free Vasco over there so we can all get the hell away from that crazy plant, that would be great. Preferably sooner rather than later,” Efrain sternly requested despite starting to feel a little uneasy being left alone with the three Kakuens. “We’ll get your buddy out of there in a moment, but first we would like to discuss something with you while we have our privacy,” Kamala stated as she took a few suggestive steps closer to the man who had caught her devious eyes. “Whatever it is, and I’m pretty sure I already know what it is, I’m not interested. I have no intention of living the rest of my life hanging from a tree with you three,” Efrain immediately shot their advances down as he took a step back. “Oh, come on, we’re not that bad are we?” Canna cooed from behind as she blocked his exit while brushing her tail against the side of his leg. “Yeah, and we actually have a really nice treehouse we live in, thank you very much,” Senna retorted, as she pretended to sound offended. “What my friends here are trying to say is, at least give us a chance before you reject us out right. Come on, I thought you liked to roll the dice, so why not take a chance and hear what we have to offer a stud like you,” Kamala put forth as she seductively leaned right up to press her breasts against his chest and playfully walked her fingers across his shoulders. “Well…umm…some risks simply aren’t worth taking. Sometimes you just need to know when to fold’em, as they say,” Efrain uttered as he was starting to feel a little hot under the covers already. “You know, we couldn’t agree more,” Senna chimed in as she moved in to flank Efrain’s side. “And that’s why we want to suggest you stop following Cezar and come live with us instead,” Senna recommended as she pressed from behind, her bountiful chest finding purchase atop the unprepared man’s head. “And why the hell would I even consider that?” Efrain bluntly questioned as he tried his damnest to avoid thinking about how unnatural soft all three of their bodies were. “Simple, because staying with us is the best outcome for you. Even if you have someone like Cezar guiding you, your chances of actually getting out of this jungle unmarried are slim to none. But if you prefer to take your chances out there, just know you’re more likely to be taken by a girl like that nasty plant down there than someone as pleasant as us,” Kamala warned as she pointed out the mayhem that was currently occurring within that ancient court to highlight her point. Down upon that foregone arena where a forgotten civilization once played their most sacred games, Efrain saw the most chaotic scene of his life. Even with far fewer characters, the disarray on display surpassed even the ambush the poor fortune-starved man partook in at that bog. At least there, people were snatched up and dragged away quickly, but this…..this was the truest display of survival he had witnessed so far. And worst yet, he knew he didn’t have the stomach to voluntarily throw himself into that frenzy to lend a hand even if there was an actual loved one down there. After an acknowledgment like that, Efrain was struggling to come up with any real retort as he felt their warmth surround him further, “Well, if we play our cards rights, and make smart choices…..” “Come on, Efrain, you’re smarter than to rely on those suckers. Besides you’re not even a member of their little Order club, right? You have no loyalty to them,” the dark furred troop leader pointed out with a bit more of a serious tone. “And let’s not forget they have no loyalty to you either. Just think of all the trouble they lead you into so far,” Senna added with a hint of concern. “Plus, they were so mean to you. Blaming you just because you wanted to destress and have a little fun with us after going through so much,” Senna more sympathetically called out as she wrapped her arms around him from behind for a hug. “Tensions were running high and so were our emotions. I can’t hold that against them. That’s just how us guys deal with these sort of stressful situations, that’s all” the surrounded man uttered as he tried to come up with something, anything to counter their points. “I suppose, but let me ask you one last thing to win you over. You came to this jungle, suffered through all this trouble, risked it all, just in the hope you would find something valuable that could make you rich and your life easier, right?” Kamala tauntingly inquired. “I admit, I was on a fool’s errand to strike it rich and clear off some debts back home, but I learned my lesson,” Efrain stated, as if such a half truth was going to discourage these monkeys. “Now why would you say a silly thing like that, when you found exactly what you’ve been searching for,” Kamala ambiguously claimed. “I don’t follow,” Efrain uttered out with slight puzzlement. “We’re talking about us, silly,” Senna revealed as she leaned down to nuzzle her head with his. “Yeah, you already hit the jackpot finding us,” Canna proclaimed with a shit eating grin as she placed the gambler’s hand onto her massive, pillowy soft rack. “Think about it, Efrain. Wasn’t the whole point of acquiring those riches was so you could live the easy life with a bunch of beautiful women. So, why not cut out the middleman and become the co-leader of our merry little troop with me. We’re take care of your every need, and all you have to do is love us,” the dark furred Kakuen enticingly offered as she twirled around and pressed her prized, ample backside snuggly into his crotch. “Yeah, we can just play games and show you all the best spots in the jungle to have fun,” Canna added on as she grinded her breasts into his hand. “And we’re make love every day, as much as you like, anyway you like,” Senna lovingly purred into his ear before giving it a playful nibble on the lobe. “So, what it’s going to be lover boy? Would you rather fold’em now and join us in a worry-free paradise, or would you rather take your chances with those clueless Order boys running around down there,” Kamala proposed her ultimatum as she wiggled her ass into his pelvis just enough to get the stiff reaction she was looking for. “Well….I…ummm…..when you mention it like that…..I suppose…..but I would have to……you know….check your claims and see this home of yours before I…..you know….make any final decisions,” Efrain stuttered out as his brain was starting to suffer from sensory overload from being sandwiched between these three stupidly curvaceous monkeys. “I think that sounds fair, don’t you think girls,” Kamala giggled as she savored the firm banana that was currently ripening between her plump asscheeks. “Be warned, cutie, our treehouse so cozy, you may never want to leave,” Canna snickered as she started to pull him by the hand to follow her. “Yeah, we have this really comfy bed that’s the perfect size for all four of us,” Senna mentioned as she too assisted in leading the gambler away. “Wait, wait, before we….you know….head on out of here, we got to get Vasco down first. It’s the least I…..I mean we could do,” Efrain requested as it was becoming harder for him to express his thoughts. “Well, aren’t you the considerate scoundrel. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about your friend up there,” Kamala stated with a warm smile. “I actually did sort of forgot he was up there?” Senna simplemindedly admitted. Without getting to far from her successful catch, Kamala passed her blade to her dexterous tail and used it to slice through the second bundle of vines just as she had with Efrain’s before returning to his side. The dying collection of entwined vines came crashing down, except this time there was no busty monkey girl to catch the bundle from collapsing onto the hard ground. With their job here done and their goal achieved, the three grinning simians started to walk away with their nervous prize. “Wait, a fucking minute! Where the hell do you think you’re going!” Vasco blurted out as he freed himself from his withered trappings. “He’s escorting us back home. Nothing wrong with that, is there?’ Kamala coyly replied on her troop’s behalf. “Don’t try and sell me that bullshit. Besides I wasn’t talking to you, I was talking to Efrain. Shit is getting out of hand over there and I’m catching you walking away just for some monkey pussy,” Vasco ferociously accused as he made no attempt to hide his betrayal. “Listen, Vasco, I’ve had enough. I can’t continue traveling with your sorry excuse for a group any longer. So, tell your Order buddies and that shit captain of yours, I’m done. I’m folding my hand and cashing in my chips now before you lead me to an even worse fate,” Efrain confessed as he gave one final look back at the man he had perhaps bonded with the most over this disaster of a journey. “So, you’re giving up on us just because those jungle tramps whispered doubts into in your ears? You can’t be serious! We welcomed you into our group, defended you and you’re just going to bitch out now! What makes you think any of us are going to allow this?” Vasco berated the traitor’s cowardice. “Judge me however you want, but I’m smart enough to know none of us are getting out of this jungle unclaimed and the way I see it, this is the best I’m going to get. That being said, I do appreciate what little you did for me, so I will at least wish you luck. But when you eventually get dragged off yourself, maybe you can try and find me. It would be nice to know one person out here,” Efrain bid farewell with a defeated yet accepting tone as he resumed walking away with his new entourage. “You heard him, he’s with us now, so stop bothering him,” Senna rebuked as she came to the defence of her soon to be husband. “Yeah. Besides, don’t you have other problems you should be attending too? Like, I don’t know, helping your friends down there with Iodia? Unless of course, you’re too scared too,” Canna mockingly challenged as she spat out her tongue. “I suppose you could try and stop us but it’s obvious your friends need all the help they can get with that moody muncher down there, don’t you think. So, what’s it going to be, waste time on us or put your money where your mouth is and stay loyal to your Order pals,” Kamala proposed coldly as she returned her attention to the man she had finally won over. Vasco gritted his teeth, as every thought, every fiber of his being attempted to refuse to admit those conceited monkeys had a point, but he knew they did. For every second he would have wasted trying to win over a man who had already given up, those who were still fighting to maintain their dignity were being tossed about by that leafy bitch. He knew where his loyalties lied, but it didn’t make the lose any easier, even if it was a someone like Efrain. Without another word, Vasco swallowed his pride and showed his true character as he rushed to offer any assistance he could on that field of disarray. A few moments earlier. Oh, this was stupid. This was so damn stupid. Of all, the boneheaded, short-sighted risks he had already taken tonight, this had usurped them all in terms of pure idiocy. So, why, why in all creation, was he pushing forward and continuing with this asinine rescue mission. Every valuable he could identify concerning his chances only served to highlight that there was no way he was going to get away with this. He had no means to defend himself, he was at a complete physical disadvantage, he had no experience being stealthy at all, and worst of all, he was basically out in the open because there wasn’t anywhere to hide on this spacious field. If it wasn’t for Walta doing a tremendous job distracting the ravenous druid and leading her away from her prey, he would have been spotted on his way to Alamo immediately already. It was only by some divine miracle the bumbling Order engineer managed to reach that out of place dining table and the mountain of a man held prisoner there. As soon as he got there, Vincente made sure to hid behind the chair and the silhouette of Alama’s massive frame, as he peeked out to double check with the skirmish occurring by the other end of the arena. As soon as he realized he was in the clear, his attention turned to Alamo and the questionable state he was in. The dumbest, most content smile was painted across his face while his languorous eyes betrayed the fact that his thoughts may not be all there at the moment. Vincente wanted to say he looked drunk, but his attention seemed glued to Iodia as she hopped about her fight against the Lancer Beetle. No, it would be more accurate to say he was in some sort of trance or under some spell and if that was the cause, Vincente realized he really needed to get him out of here before his mind truly fell to that floronic siren. “Alamo, are you alright? Say something, but do so quietly,” Vincente whispered, hoping to reach his friend. “Don’t you think she looks…..so pretty. Every part of her is so…..bouncy and soft looking. Like bowls of….pudding,” the delirious farm boy slurred out as his unintelligible grin grew wider. “Welp, you’re definitely out of it, so I’m guessing you’re not going to be much help as you are now. Well, just hold on a little longer big guy and I’ll get you out, just keep quiet, ok,” Vincente continued to silently inform the intoxicated oaf, despite his words falling on unresponsive ears. Noticing the moving vines coiled around his waist and legs, Vincente identified his task. Taking another peak around, he eyed the table for any possible solution to his problem and as luck would have it, there was just the answer to his dilemma carelessly left out. Laying beside the plate of untouched meat and among the silverware, there appeared to be a jagged toothed steak knife. The blade had a strangely wicked, curled appearance and an odd gleam to its metallic surface, but it didn’t take a genius to know that it could make quick work of these entanglements with a little bit of elbow grease backing it up. Taking another peek to ensure he wouldn’t be spotted, Vincente quickly snatched the dinner knife and set to work sawing through those tricky vines from behind the safety of Alama’s larger physique. It was about time he had some luck on his side, however as he severed those creeping vines one by one, he should have seen it wasn’t too last. As soon as the last binding was dealt with, Alamo stood up but to Vincente’s horror, the big lug actually started to move towards where the action was taking place, where Iodia was. In a panic Vincente latched onto his waist in an attempt to halt his advance but instead only found himself getting dragged along. What god up above thought it was a good idea that Alamo had to be built like a damn workhorse. “Alamo, snap out of it. We want to head the other way. Come on big guy, whatever is going on in that noggin of yours, at least try and fight it,” Vincente whispered as he continued to try and pull back the miniature giant. “Iodia, what’s…..taking you so long…..I thought…..I thought you…..loved me and stuff…..” Alamo sloppily waved to get Iodia’s attention as he advanced forward like a determined, love drunk zombie. “No, no, no, no you fucking don’t. Do not call out to her,” Vincente sternly pleaded as he continued to struggle against the inevitable. Iodia couldn’t help herself from turning her head the moment her ears rang out upon hearing Alamo call out her name. Her brief moment of distraction nearly allowed the lanceless Solider Beetle currently on her tail to grab a hold of her again, but she was able to dodge at the last possible moment. “Alamo, what are you doing out? It isn’t safe over here. Just stay put and wait for me….....” the evading Man-Trap uttered before noticing who was wrapped around her man. Iodia had no idea who that newcomer was, or why he was clinging to her husband-to-be, but she knew he wasn’t one of the three other men she had encountered thus far, but that hardly mattered. What did matter was that it was obvious he was trying to get in the way of her newfound affection for Alamo. How dare he intertwine with their ceremony, how dare he put Alamo in harms way, and most importantly, how dare he touch her destined mate so casually. It was enough to make her chlorophyll boil, as the Claustrophyte changed targets and rushed towards Alamo and this unknown intruder despite Walta being in hot pursuit behind her. “YOU! Get your grubby hands off my Alamo! I swear when I get my hands on you, I’m going to personally shove you into he horniest Saccophyte I can find!” Iodia roared as she prepared to conjure another plant to deal with the hubbynapper. Almost instantaneously after Vincente spied the furious Man-Eater bee-lining it towards him, he felt the stone beneath him start to rumble. Before he could even react, a twin set of vines sprouted and ensnared themselves around the two men and hoisted them high in the air. While the one vine coiled around Alamo and held him by his waist in a surprisingly gentle manner, the other more harshly held its grip around Vincente’s ankle, causing him to dangle just like his comrades once did before him. “That’s enough, Iodia. Cease this foolishness and release them,” Walta cried out as she prepared to make another lunge at the druid. Instead of heeding the beetle’s words, Iodia had a different idea as she turned her attention back to her relentless opponent. As Walta charged at her like a mad bull, the crafty Claustrophyte decided to try a different strategy. She summoned numerous, but smaller vines directly underneath Walta’s wide frame, except the job of these plants weren’t to restrain the brute, but to tip her over like a cow. All at once, the Lancer Beetle felt dozens of vines impact her underbelly with so much force she felt herself briefly lifted off the ground before tumbling onto her side. Seizing her chance, Iodia unleashed another wave of vines to entangle the prone insect and hold her close to the ground, although this time around she aimed to ensnare the colossal mamono’s body segments instead of her limbs to ensure Walta couldn’t as easily rely on her formable strength to escape again. “There, I finally got you. I will admit you were tricky for a bug, but you were still out of your depth. Now if you pests will excuse me, I think its time I start my main course,” Iodia panted as she started to come down from her emotional high. “VINCENT! I’M COMING TO SAVE YOU!” a female voice loudly declared as a white furred Kakuen came sprinting into view. “Oh, come on. Who the hell is this now?” the druid groaned out upon the sight of the new challenger. With an annoyed wave of her hand, Iodia unleashed a barrage of fresh vines to intersect the rushing monkey, however Iodia’s confidence dwindled when every single one missed its target. Instead, Scilla leapt onto the tentacle like plants and swung off him with insane acrobatic grace as she practically used them as spring boards to launch herself to Vincente. With one final leap of faith, the determined Kakuen grasped onto the arch of the vine currently holding Vincente and bite through the plant matter without a moment of hesitation. For a brief second Vincente felt the force of gravity take a hold of him before being abruptly halted when Scilla grabbed hold of his ankle with her dexterous feet. With her prize saved from a nasty fall, the Kakuen used her superior strength to toss Vincente into one of her arms before crawling down the vine in a similar manner any monkey would do after securing itself a nice, ripe fruit. “Vincente, are you ok? Did she hurt you? How much blood rushed to your head? How many kisses is it going to take to make it all better?” Scilla rapidly fired out her concerns as she looked Vincente over. “I’m fine but thank you, Scilla. Now do you think you can get Alamo down too?” Vincente quickly requested knowing he didn’t have the time to thank her too much. “What is with everyone and trying to ruin our ceremony tonight? Can’t you people just stay out of our bussi……..” Iodia whined before feeling a strange sensation in her chest that cut off her line of thought. Peering down, Iodia noticed a long, sapphire point covered in her own spiritual essence sticking out from under her bosom. This unexpected sight caused the prideful Man-Eater to enter a state of shock as her brain struggled to comprehend what had just occurred to her. If she didn’t know any better, it seemed like that dreaded beetle managed to get her from behind with her lance, but that was impossible. Walta was currently struggling to break free of her vines over there, and besides she didn’t even have her lance with her, she gave it to that loser of a captain, didn’t she? Oh wait…….. “About time you let your guard down. That was for every good man I lost out here,” the cold but collected voice of Diamandis announced his victory from behind the impaled druid. “You damn rat. Where the hell did you come from,” Iodia groaned out as she forced her body to pull herself off the carapace lance. “I took the long way around and hid up by those steps, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. You should have paid closer attention to your surroundings and not have underestimated mankind so carelessly. Now hold onto those regrets until you reach whatever hell a monster like you is destined for,” the Order captain stated as he looked upon the stumbling mamono with uncaring eyes. Wait, a second? Where was the hole? There should be some gruesome, gaping hole right in the centre of her body. She didn’t regenerate, did she? No, he would have seen her body fix itself up or something of the like. There wasn’t a scratch on her, it was almost as if his weapon simply just phased through her, but that also didn’t make any sense. She was clearly leaking something and her seemingly non-existing wound was clearly affecting her, so what was going on. “How….how dare you…..how dare you penetrate me….before…..Alamo,” Iodia berated with slurred words as her face flushed bright red due to the heat now ravaging her body. “I don’t get it. You should be dead! What is this trickery?” Alexander called out as he wisely took a step back from the staggering Man-Eater. “Why would she be dead? I already informed you my lance can not cause harm to anyone and thus was safe for you to use to protect your friends. Since it is made from my own body and thus imbued with my mamono mana, it is incapable of causing physical harm, only spiritual. Were you not aware of how mamono biology worked, dear Sir?” Walta calmly informed despite her current predicament. Alexander could only look dumbfoundedly at the apparently benign weapon he was equipped with, before angerly tossing it to the ground in a fit of frustration, “Are you fucking serious! What is the point of this useless thing than!” “Dear sir, while I question your disappointment in my lance’s inability to inflict lethal wounds, it is far from useless. Just look, you have managed to strike a devastating blow to Iodia and now her mana is leaking out in mass. Considering how close to her heart your blow landed, she should be on the verge of collapse and thus will cease to be a threat,” Walta corrected before resuming her efforts to break free. “No…no…..nooooo….I’m not losing him……not like this…..Alamo……Alamo is mine….mine….MINE!” Iodia stuttered out as she struggled to remain on her feet. Not having the mana or the mental control to maintain her current appearance any longer, the fan like leaves on the druid’s back swelled to a gargantuan size in a matter of seconds before snapping shut and interlocking their false teeth together around Iodia’s humanoid body. Three sturdy vines suddenly erupted from the back of the encasing leaves and intertwined into a spiral formation before injecting themselves past the stone floor and deep into the earth. The now newly completed carnivorous plant stirred to life as it hoisted its trap high into the air, but to everyone’s terror, Iodia seemed to keep on growing as she was reaching a truly monstrous size. “I never seen a Man-Eater that big before,” Scilla admitted as the shadow of Iodia loomed over her. “I never expected Iodia to be such large specimen, but perhaps her connection to the roots granted her a greater size. I do not believe I will be able to handle her like this. I recommend a full retreat,” Walta advised matter-of-factly. “Well, I think we overstayed our welcome. I believe it’s time we leave. Scilla, you get Alamo down and I’ll handle cutting Walta free,” Vincente quickly instructed as the shock of what he was now facing was finally starting to settle in. “Actually, I think your captain has Walta covered,” Scilla uttered as she pointed to the sight of Alexander using the mamono’s own lance to cut her free. “Vincente! Captain! What the fuck is going on!” the voice of Vasco called out as he joined the fray a little latter than he had hoped. “Vasco, thank the heavens you’re here. Come on, help me with Alamo, he seems to be under some sort of trance or spell. Wait, where’s Efrain? Shouldn’t he be with you?” Vincente was quick to inquire as Scilla climbed up to retrieve Alamo. “That ungraceful turncoat left with those hairy skanks. He ditched us. They all ditched us,” Vasco informed with pure venom. “Fuck, I knew I shouldn’t have left them alone with you two. Although I suppose I should be glad you didn’t join them, considering how you are,” Vincente admitted as he kept his eyes on Scilla as she went to retrieve Alamo. “Oh, fuck off with that. This isn’t the time for underhanded comments. We are a man down, so what the fuck do we do now!” Vasco shouted more annoyed than angry. “We retreat. You monkey girl, drop Alamo on Walta’s back, we’re leaving this entire city behind now. I told you we couldn’t trust Cezar and his band of beasts,” Alexander directed as he did his best to wrangle everyone in. “Who the hell is this bug lady beside you, captain? Don’t think I didn’t notice you aiding her before us. Don’t tell me you trust that thing,” Vasco accused as he wasn’t looking to be betrayed again by someone after some mamono pussy, even if this was the man he trusted the most to lead them. “I freed her because we need her to transport Alamo. He’s too heavy for us to carry on our own if we want to escape. Now no more back talk, we don’t have time for it,” Diamandis informed as sternly as possible. “None…..none of you……are going anyway…..not with my Al…..Alamo” Iodia’s slurred words rang out before her carnivorous, entrapping leaves opened up to reveal the now heavily panting druid within. A flood of her digestive fluids and bleeding mana flowed from her leaves as soon as they opened as the exhausted mamono could be seen clenching her chest right where her spiritual wound was located as it continued to gush with her mana. Yet despite the injury on her spirit, Iodia would not be deterred as she forced her own roots to sprout through the stone laid surface one after another until the entire arena was swarming with them. However, it was taking all her mental strain just to keep conscious so her control over her own body was less than desirable. In fact, she had so little sway over them, that her vines were flailing about leisurely as I they had a mind of their own, causing much unneeded damage to the irreplacable sport’s field as they slammed against everything close to them without care. “I’m….I’m going to flood…..this entire place with….with so much of my acid….you’re all going to be…..be a horny mess……..than…than you’re feed Alamo to….to me…..yourselves….as….as an apology……” Iodia declared as she struggled to keep her thoughts together, yet alone her own words. “Scilla, come on, we don’t have time for this,” Vincente pleaded for the Kakuen to hurry her efforts. “Just one more moment. I almost got him free…..ok, got him,” Scilla announced before dropping the delirious country man onto the awaiting Solider Beetle below. “Not….so…..so fast….Alamo doesn’t belong to you……..he’s my husband…..the root’s gave him….him to me….and me alone……so give…..give him back,” the ravenous druid stuttered out as she willed every thing at her disposal to stop their escape. Her roots moved to ensure all exits were cut off as a few sluggishly moved in to try and ensnare or thump any member of the mixed party had that opposed her to ensure no one could easily escape her wrath. Her jaw like leaves leaked as much digestive fluid as they could manage as an alluringly sweet, corrosive mist was starting to form below her and slowly fill the stadium they were all standing in. It was Iodia’s final trap, one final means to reclaim who was stolen from her while punishing those who had ruined what was supposed to be her perfect night. With any luck, she could devour Alamo and quickly make love to him to recover before she passed out. Then they could continue where they left off and live happily together. She just had to be a little reckless, that’s all. Iodia lunged her colossal body forward, her salivating jaw like trap fully a gap as she aimed for Walta and Alamo who was on her shelled back. She would devour them both if needed, after all she could always spit that stupid bug out later, however, what came next no one, not even Iodia saw coming. Without warning another set of roots erupted from the ground and tightly wrapped themselves around Iodia’s snapping leaves, essentially trapping the druid and her acidic fluids within her own trap. Iodia’s massive plant form struggled and flailed about as it fought back against these usurping roots as much as she could, but it was a losing battle. Eventually after a few minutes of intense struggle, Iodia’s colossal body slowed and eventually surrendered as it toppled over and clashed down to ground as the druid used up the last of her strength and fell into erotic slumber within the confines of her own leaves. Everyone one was left stunned as they attempted to understand what had just occurred until they realized those roots that had just wrestled Iodia into submission were in fact tree roots. However, that could only mean one thing, Chameda herself had stepped and saved them from her fellow druid’s wrath. But that didn’t make any sense, this whole ordeal was her doing, why would she change her mind now? “What is going on here? This was supposed to be a night for love, not mayhem. Look at what you all have done to my husband’s prized arena,” Chameda scolded with a broken heart as she stepped forth from the shadows alongside Cezar. “Sorry, I was a little late, fellas, but it seems you had a better handle on the situation than I was expecting.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Ironically, after such a harrowing, stressful experience, the aftermath regarding tonight’s woes was unceremoniously short and frankly predictable for both sides. After Chameda had mourned the loss of such a valuable historical site so deeply loved by her dearest husband, she rambled out every apology she could think of to the group of mistreated men. Everything from how she should have interfered sooner to not bringing a hot meal for them to enjoy or sleeping bags to rest in was expressed with sincere sympathy as she wanted it to make it clear this was not how she planned things to go. The remaining men, however, naturally did not react positively to the druid’s show of remorse, as they harshly compared her tears to those of a crocodile’s. Accusations were rightfully raised, sentiments of betrayal were loudly shared, and threats of vengeance were declared, most of which were shouted to the heavens by Captain Diamandis himself as he spoke on behalf of his troops. Only Vincente raised questions regarding the incident and attempted to remain somewhat civil during the entire exchange as he did everything in his power to prevent another fight from breaking out. However, his voice was comparable to a dim candle when compared to the roaring fire that was his captain’s bellowing. Yet, despite the harsh beration and cruel words hurled at her, Chameda accepted it all and stood as firmly as the great tree she resided in. Cezar meanwhile stood mostly on the sidelines in silence, listening closely to what occurred as both parties said their peace while only occasionally stepping in with a correction, to offer reassurances or put a stop to things when they went a little too far. Eventually after deciding things were starting to go around in circles and that it was getting too late in the night for this, Cezar intervened and more forcibly suggested that everyone head in for the night to get some proper rest. With that course decided, despite how begrudging Alexander and Vasco were to it at first, everyone went their separate ways. Chameda with the use of her magic managed to put the delirious Alamo to slumber and returned him to the care of his compatriots while she in turn reverted Iodia’s unconscious body to its smaller form so that she could be more easily transported back to the Dryad’s tree. Walta and Scilla despite being invited to join Chameda at her side, instead decided to follow the men back to their resting place, despite obvious pushback by said men. However, whether they felt thankful for their assistance or were simply too tired to chase them away, the men relented despite making it clear that while they could accompany them back, they could not sleep anywhere near their camp. As for Vincente, while he originally planned on returning to the Everblight tree with Cezar in order to get a clearer picture of things and fulfil his promise to William, as well as to avoid the raging rants of Diamandis and the others for the night, his guide however had other plans. After everything that had transpired Cezar requested that Vincente stay with the remnants of his battalion in order to keep an eye on them while he took care of things on his end. While the Order engineer was hesitant to agree at first, when Cezar pointed out how wrathful Iodia would most likely be once she woke up, Vincente wisely decided not to present when that future disaster occurred and that it was probably for the best if Cezar dealt with the bratty druid without him around. With their arrangement made, both men set off to keep an eye on their respected parties and to discuss things further once they reunited in the morning. “There, Alamo is secure and sleeping soundly. The effects of Iodia’s acids should be out of his system by the time he wakes up and he will return to normalcy. Now is there anything else you require of me, dear Sir? Perhaps I can quickly retrieve you a late-night snack or provide you warmth while you slumber,” Walta offered after setting down the largest of Alexander’s remaining troops from her back. “You can leave our camp and return our independence to us. Oh, and take that monkey with you. We’ve dealt with your kind enough for one night,” Captain Diamandis uttered with heavy eyes as he felt his exhaustion creeep over him like a suffocating moss. “I understand, you require your rest after such an ordeal. Very well, I shall prepare for our reunion in the morning than. Please, rest well, dear Sir,” Walta more somberly acknowledged as she turned to exit the ruined building but not before turning to Scilla, “Come now, Scilla. We can visit them again in the morning.” “But…but I have to stay here with Vincente. What if danger shows up again or he gets cold or…..or..…” Scilla stammered out as she tired to come up with any reason to stay. “I’ll be fine. We all had a long night and you should go get your own rest, Scilla but…..thank you for assisting us in our time of need. Please know that I am grateful,” Vincente politely but genuinely showed his thanks to the Kakuen despite his mixed feelings regarding her. A small blush appeared on the white furred mamono’s face as her own bashfulness caused her to look away, “Right….I’ll be….I mean, I won’t be too far away if you need me. So don’t be, you know, afraid to call out to me if you need something.” With that both infatuated mamono prepared to exit the premises, although not before giving one longful look back at their respected crushes. While Vincente gave a friendly, if slightly hesitant wave goodbye to them, captain Diamandis refused with his arms crossed. Although judging by the pained look on his face, it appeared he may have been secretly ashamed by his own standoffishness. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by the observant Lancer Beetle. “If it is any consolation, dear Sir, I thought you were very brave tonight. You did more that most would have in your situation. So, please keep that in mind and don’t trouble yourself so much for what you have lost so far. Just remember your men knew you cared for them, and keep that fact in your heart as you continue forward. If you can do that, I know you won’t lose your way,” Walta anatomically uttered before squeezing her large frame through the exit. “I’ll keep that mind but I would be remised if I didn’t thank you for the small part you played tonight in the rescue of my men. So……..thank you,” Alexander reluctantly admitted as he did his best to not show any weakness. That little show of thanks meant the world to Walta, so much so she could feel her womb ach for his nectar, but she resisted the sudden urge to claim before their destined duel. Although it was hardly the poor girl’s fault that such a thought came to mind. Despite the obvious fear that had been driving his distant attitude, he had shown such bravery and compassion tonight in spite of it, from how he had risked everything to save his men, to how he had tenderly freed her from those vines that had entrapped her. He truly was her personal shining knight; he just didn’t know it yet. But even knights needed their rest and Walta decided not to keep him from his a moment longer, as she left into the night without another world with Scilla in tow. “What the fuck was that? Don’t tell me you two are actually on friendly terms with those harlots?” Vasco blurted out in judgemental disbelief the moment the mamono left. “They did help us a lot, Vasco, a little show of thanks is hardly a tall ask,” Vincente acknowledged. “As much as I hate to admit it, and trust me I do, we wouldn’t have been able to retrieve Alamo and you if not for their…..assistance,” Alexander venomously admitted as if admitting the truth somehow pained him. “Sure, but they’re also the reason we got into this mess. It was the sisters or friends, or whatever their relation is to that white monkey bitch, that just ran off with Efrain not that long ago, and you two want to thank them. Alamo is right there having to sleep off whatever that leafy cannibal did to him, and let us not forget every other man we knew who got dragged away by women just like them,” Vasco chastised his party as his own past experiences ate away at him. “You don’t need to remind me of the consequences of coming here and those we’ve lost, solider,” Alexander grumbled as he stepped right up to his underling. “You say that, but I can’t help but notice how sweet you seem to be on that massive bug. Don’t think I didn’t notice how you rushed to her side first to offer a hand from those vines before coming to Alamo’s aid. If I didn’t know any better, I would say you were worried for her. How do I know you’re not already wrapped around her shiny, little finger, captain. How do I know you’re not going to run off with her like Efrain did with those tree swinging wrenches,” Vasco accused as he shot paranoid daggers into his superior’s unflinching eyes. “Efrain was weak of character and was not remotely dedicated to the cause that drives us, the cause that drives me. While it is unfortunate we lost him, we have to acknowledge we did everything we could have to save him and his soul, but he chose to throw it away. Now tell me, Vasco and look me in my eyes when you answer, after everything I’ve said, after everything I’ve done, do I look like I share his weakness. Do you truly believe a bug of all things is capable leading me astray,” Diamandis claimed as he stared down his subordinate with the most intense yet earnest glare he could muster. “If there is one thing I know about women, sir, is that they can break down even the toughest walls with time and a little charm. Even if you think she hasn’t already made cracks in you, trust me she has, because the captain I know would have never relied on the help of those mamono. I warn you, captain, no man with his head on straight is immune to the wild allure of women, not even you. So, I truly hope for both our sakes your resolve is as strong as you claim, because we still got a day or so to go and there’s only four of us left,” the current second in command warned. “I am more than aware how few of us are left, which is all the more reason we must persevere. If not for us, then for those we’ve lost. I know my decision to temporary ally with those monsters may seem like an affront to not only those lost men but our very faith, but to ensure Alamo and the rest of us made it, I swallowed my pride. I can assure you; it was a one time thing and it won’t happen again. Besides, once we leave this Chief God forsaken city, we will never be haunted by them again, not even Walta. In fact, after everything we suffered here, I’m half tempted to return with an army in tow just to burn that wretched spirit’s tree to the ground in the name of our fallen brothers. That is if that damnable Cezar doesn’t try and screw us over again in the morning before we leave,” Alexander declared as made it clear where his true convictions laid. “Well, you’re on your own with that crusade, sir, because I’m never coming back to this jungle again, even if it kills me. I don’t care if I have to live the rest of my life within Saint Manus and die behind those walls, it’s not happening,” Vasco exclaimed right back, although with a calmer, more weary tone. “Maybe it’s wise if we just let sleeping dogs lie, captain. Besides, that tree houses historical treasures the likes I’ve never seen. It would be an affront to history itself if it was all burned away,” Vincente chimed in as the idea of William losing his life’s work due to his wife’s mistake just didn’t sit right with him. Both Alexander and Vasco gave each other a puzzled look of uncertainty before shifting their judgmental glares, and more importantly their attention to their noticeably less furious engineer. “You know you just reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to ask you, Vincente. When you abandoned your fellow brothers in arms to join Cezar in that harlot’s tree, what exactly went on in there? Tell me everything you saw and more importantly overheard,” Diamandis practically ordered his semi-trustworthy subordinate to hand over any intel he had. “Yeah, you know when I think about it, it’s a little weird that everything went to shit right after you left with Cezar. It seems our guide is giving you a lot of special treatment, or maybe you’re just complicit in all this? Got to say, this isn’t looking good for you, friend. Maybe we should take a page out of your book and abandon you here, since you love this place so much,” Vasco accused as he turned his suspicion towards Vincente. “That’s enough, Vasco. Vincente is no traitor, at least not a knowing one. If it wasn’t for him and his quick thinking, we would all still be in vines and at the mercy of those monsters, of that I am willing to admit. So, I will vouch for his loyalty, for now anyway. Besides it’s obvious Cezar is the mastermind behind all of this. He’s the one who brought us into this trap, he’s the one who separated us and he’s the reason we’re turning on each other. Our troubles are that villain’s doing, which is all the more reason we need to cease this infighting and reunite our resolve. So, tell us Vincente, what went on in that tree, what do you know” the Order captain defended his subordinate’s honor despite going right back to questioning him. “I appreciate the defence, captain, I really do but I don’t know what to tell you. I truly believe Cezar didn’t’ know any of this was going to happen. As far as I can tell he was out of the loop the same as the rest of us. To be frank, the only reason I was able to get out of that tree to help everyone was because he warned me as soon as he discovered this plot and told me how to escape under Chameda’s notice. If there is anyone to thank for us not getting abducted tonight, it’s him,” Vincente explained in the hopes of quelling this growing sense of mistrust. “Bullshit, he’s not involved. If he wanted to help us, how come he didn’t come in person to save our asses while we were dealing with that ill-tempered plant. And let us not forget he was the one who introduced us to those monkey tramps who ran away with Efrain and had the gall to tell us to play nice with them. You can’t tell me that’s all coincidence, no way in hell. For gods sakes just look at Alamo over there and tell me Cezar isn’t responsible for that,” Vasco laid out the facts as he saw them. “Think about it Vincente, it all seems like a setup when take everything into account. Even you ran into trouble with that white monkey when you got out, did you not? How do you know Cezar didn’t plant her there ahead of time as a favor to her or apart of some deal. Cezar is playing you; he’s playing all of us. We all see it, how come you can’t.” Alexander pointed out as he gave his own evidence. “Listen, I know Cezar can come off as a little….well, off sometimes, but I swear he had nothing to do with this. I truly believe he brought us here under the belief it was the safest place for us to settle for the night and I will stand by that. He seemed just as betrayed by Chameda as the rest of us, perhaps even more so since, apparently, he see’s her as a mentor figure. The only difference between us and him is that he understands these mamono and their, honestly questionable customs. I trust he can resolve this, and I trust he can get us out of here. Besides what does he have to gain by betraying us now?” Vincente questioned right back. “What does he have to gain by allowing us to reach Saint Manus? There is still far, far too much we don’t know about that shady bastard for my liking and the fact he seems to prefer the company of these monsters over his fellow men is the biggest red flag there is. Hell, we still don’t even know where he is leading us. We don’t even know if he even plans on letting us leave these ruins. After all this, I wouldn’t be surprised if we woke up covered in vines again and hanging over some over plant’s jaws,” captain Diamandis specified his concerns. “I don’t know about you, but I have no desire getting my head fucked with and having to spend the rest of my life rooted to some oversized plant, even if she is shaped like high class prostitute,” Vasco added unnecessarily. Vincente weighed his options carefully. It was becoming obvious their faith in Cezar’s reliability to uphold his word had plummeted severely, if it wasn’t at rock bottom already. As much as he wanted to keep Cezar’s secrets safe, if the others were left in the dark much longer, further divide and a much more troublesome trip were sure to follow. After everything that occurred tonight, if they didn’t have something to believe in concerning Cezar’s trustworthiness than this entire escape was at risk of failure, and he would never see Eleanor again. Perhaps it was in everyone’s best interest, if he did let slip a little more of what he knew about the wild man leading them through this green hell. “Listen I know I should have told you this sooner, but I do know Cezar does hold a special interest in what is occurring within Saint Manus. In fact, the reason he even agreed to help me was in exchange for me telling him what I knew about our presence there and what was occurring in the city. From what he’s told me, he used to live there when he was a boy before he was forced to live out here. That’s why I know he intends to keep his word and get us out of here, well me at least. He even mentioned something about acquiring a boat for us to escape in to reach it, but that’s all I know so far, I swear,” Vincente divulged in the hopes this reveal would help soothe their doubts. “And you’re just telling us this now? That would have been nice to know sooner,” Vasco scolded as he couldn’t comprehend the reasoning for the secrecy. “Are you telling me you were going to sell out intel to a monster sympathizer regarding our dealings in Saint Manus? Do you have any idea how treasonous that sounds!” Alexander reprimanded as he made no attempt to hide his disappointment or rage. “It’s only treasonous if I knew anything, which I don’t,” Vincente quickly replied in his defence. “So, what, you’re just leading him on. What do you think he’s going to do to you, to us, if he finds out you don’t know jack shit,” Vasco pointed out. “He’s right you know, Vincente. You have no idea what that man might be capable of if you can’t uphold your end of the bargain. Besides, something about your deal doesn’t make sense. What’s stopping him from simply visiting Saint Manus to see what’s going on himself? Why does he need you or any of us to tell him anything? No, there’s more to this and his motives, there has to be. Which is all the more reason we can’t trust him,” the Order captain deduced as he thought as level-headed as his situation would allow. “Maybe he really is an Incubus or some mamono spy? If that’s the case we can’t let him anywhere near the city,” Vasco added as he nodded in agreement with his captain. “If that is the case, we might need to find a way to eliminate him once and for all. But if he really does have access to a boat, it would be in our best interest for us to have him lead us to it first before striking,” Alexander stoically schemed as if their mysterious escort’s fate was already set in stone. “Easier said than done. If you recall that bastard managed to kick all our asses and tied us to a god damn tree in a few minutes the last time we confronted him. So how exactly do you plan on taking him out when we couldn’t even do it when we had the jump on him,” Vasco reminded his captain of their last painful dance with Cezar. “Listen we were tired, hungry and we underestimated him that time around. If we plan and properly prepare, he will go down like any savage beast. Sure, he is abnormally strong and shift, but he’s not invincible,” the Order captain exclaimed as he reassured the task could be done. “Ok, everyone hold on just a damn minute here. Nobody is killing anybody. I know we all just had a rough night but why the hell are we even discussing this? Cezar is not our enemy. He is literally the only thing that has gotten us this far and you’re acting like he’s a bigger threat than the Monster Lord itself? I can agree Cezar needs to be a little more forth coming but I think plotting to kill him over it is, well, a bit of an over reaction. How about this. We get some much needed rest, we get our heads back on straight, and in the morning we simply talk to Cezar and focus on getting him to reveal more about himself while we travel before we do anything rash. How does that sound,” Vincente mediated as he couldn’t help but understand everyone’s side in this situation. “Perhaps you’re right, but Cezar is hiding something. Of that there can be no doubt. So, until he reveals his secrets, we can not allow him to lead us so blindly or reach the city. I understand you feel indebted to him, Vincente, and that you see him as our salvation, but I only ask you keep your wits about you. Betrayal can only occur once trust has been established, and we were already betrayed once already,” Alexander advised as he practically pleaded for Vincente to see the wool that had been pulled over his eyes. “If you say so, captain. Now if you will excuse me but I think I’m going to take my own advice and get some sleep. I suggest you two do the same,” Vincente counter suggested with a hint of defiance as he walked off to one of the corners of the ruins to await the morning. Captain Diamandis could only look upon this engineer with suspicion before turning to whisper something in Vasco’s ear, “Keep an eye on, Vincente. I’m starting to think Cezar isn’t the only one here hiding something from us.” The brush grew denser and denser, as Dycia and Phoebe pushed their way through the night eclipsed jungle as they followed the newest set of tracks they had discovered. While it was child’s play to follow the scents and the messy collection of footsteps created by Cezar’s kidnappers even in the dark, they hit a bit of a snag when their trail abruptly ended and was instead replaced with that of a mamono beast, a Tomb Raider Anteater to be extract, and judging by the size of its claw marks, one reaching the end of its adolescent years if Dycia’s deduction was correct. While Phoebe in her inexperience was confused by the sudden transition from human tracks to those of a beast’s, Dycia immediately knew what it meant. Temporary taming beasts and riding them was a favourite method of travel for Cezar, and one that made the elusive man that much harder to pinpoint down in any location, and that was no exception now. Worst yet this strategy even aided the other men in his company as not only did it remove their tracks from the equation, but the beast’s overwhelming muck easily overshadowed any scent produced by a human male. All the pair of huntresses could do was follow the beast’s path instead and hope the men would be there by the end of their pursuit. However, in the back of Dycia’s mind she couldn’t help but piece together how much this contradicted her hostage theory. If Cezar, and Vincente to a lesser extent, were truly in danger, she knew her future mate wouldn’t assist his abductors, not to this extent, not even under the threat of death. Besides the veteran Ocelomeh was more than fully aware of how the average men not accustomed to mamono beasts typically tended to act fearfully around them. They wouldn’t have agreed to ride one, let alone get close to it, if Cezar wasn’t willing to step in to soothe their concerns. But if he did that, then that would mean he was willingly leading them. Perhaps those scenes of conflict back at their campsite were actually the result of dominance being established between men. But if that was the case, then that meant Cezar was never in danger to begin with and she had gotten worked up over nothing, and in front of his little sister no less. The prideful Ocelomeh couldn’t recall the last time she felt this embarrassed. “Dycia, I think I see it up ahead. Should I get my bow ready, or should I just leap on in there with my axe so I can look my best for Vincente when I save him?” Phoebe inquired with a whisper as they both took a more stealthily approach towards the lumbering target that was barely visible behind the foliage ahead of them. “Just keep low and silent, we have to see if they’re even still with that beast first. If they are, our best approach is to take out the other men as quickly as possible with our arrows to avoid pissing off the anteater. The last thing we need is a startled mamono beast putting the men needlessly at risk,” Dycia instructed as quietly as an owl’s wingbeat. “Well, it doesn’t seem to be moving, maybe it’s asleep? Maybe Vincente is cuddled all in its fur for warmth. Wouldn’t that be adorable. Oh, maybe I should tame that beast for Vincente, so that he has a pet to keep him company, when I bring him back home” the excited Amazon proposed as her daydreaming got the better of her. “I think you’re getting way too ahead of yourself. Regardless I’ll flank from the left, and you go can go right. If they’re there, they’re most likely deep in slumber considering how late it is, so I’ll give the single to take out them out while they’re still asleep so they can’t interfere,” the experienced Ocelomeh instructed as she turned to get into her position. “And than we can enjoy our catches as much as we want. Do you think I should take Vincente in an amazon hold right away or should I build up to it by starting out with a more gentle position,” Phoebe merrily inquired as she pictured a million and one ways to lose her virginity. Dycia simply let out a long sigh, “What did I say about getting ahead of yourself. Just focus on the hunt first, you can enjoy your reward after you have it secured in your hands,” Dycia murmured back before getting nice and low to travel through the brush undetected with her bow drawn. Phoebe finally got the message as she copied the Ocelomeh’s stance and followed suite by heading in the opposite direction. Both mamono took as careful steps as possible as they avoided any stray branch or audible ground that would reveal their presence as they maneuvered around the slumbering beast. However, as they reached the point where they could view what was hidden behind the creature’s furry bulk, they unfortunately found nothing. No men, no sign of their presence, absolutely nothing besides the anteater itself. “By Are’s girdle, they’re not here!” Phoebe whined as she popped out of her hiding spot. The sudden noise of the Amazon’s disappointment awoke the resting mamono beast with a shock. The now startled colossal anteater upon spotting the two huntresses pincering it from both sides, wasted no time making a break for it as it crashed through the darkness of the jungle to escape. Thankfully for the beast, it was neither Dycia’s or Phoebe’s target so it was able to flee easily from the two perceived threats. “What did I tell you about not waking it up, Phoebe. What would you have done if it had decided to stand its ground instead of fleeing. Those claws aren’t for show you now,” Dycia warned as she watched the cumbersome creature plow its way through before disappearing into the foliage. “I know, but I just blurted it out. If the boys aren’t with that beast, then where are they? We didn’t pass them, did we?” the young Amazon questioned. “They must have hopped off a ways back, but it doesn’t make sense they would abandon it so soon. Riding that creature was easily the fastest method for them to travel through this jungle, unless they made some deal with harpies to fly them out of here, but considering we haven’t seen any signs of such mamono, that also seems unlikely. That being said, considering these bastards are novices to the jungle I feel we should have easily found whatever new trail they made when they departed from their mount. Something here isn’t adding up,” Dycia pondered as she scratched her chin with her oversized paw. “Maybe we have the wrong idea, maybe Cezar and Vincente weren’t taken prisoner and they’re just trying to help out some new friends of theirs. Knowing my brother, he’s probably looking for a favor or something in return for safeguarding them. If that’s the case, maybe he took them to Chameda’s grove. It’s close by, so that seems like the most obvious place for them to stay the night,” Phoebe proposed as she thought everything over. “You mean that pile of rubble she and her plants took over. There’s no way Cezar would lead them there, not unless he was aiming for all of them to get dragged off by its denizens. That old Dryad holds some kind of grudge against him. She told me so herself the last time I tracked him there years ago,” the Ocelomeh countered as she seemed quite assure of her reasoning. The Amazon gave a confused expression as she tilted her head in disbelief of the older mamono’s claim, “What are talking about? Chameda is one of my brother’s oldest and best clients. They go way back, like when he first ran away from our village. I don’t think there is a mamono in this jungle he trusts more than her considering how often he hangs around there. Did…did you not know that?” An agitated twitch occurred under the Ocelomeh’s left eye as it was obvious she was holding back an internal scream, “Phoebe, are you trying to tell me, this entire time, that every time I’ve followed Cezar to this area, there’s a chance he was just hiding out at that old tree spirit’s home and had her cover for him. Are saying that lying Dryad may be the sole reason I am not currently happily married to your brother? And you’re just telling me this now?” “Ummmm……..maybe? But I didn’t bring it up because I thought we were following the anteater and that they were prisoners and such,” Phoebe carefully replied as it felt like Dycia was at her breaking point. “THAT ROTTEN HAG! This whole time, this whole fucking time, she’s been helping him avoid me! I bet you, I bet you every ounce of silver in this entire jungle, she just wants him to marry some daughter or a friend of hers. I can’t believe I never saw through that bitch’s façade right from the beginning,” Dycia ranted as she stomped about the forest’s floor, arms flailing about as she berated herself for not seeing through the druid sooner. “Well, better late than never, right? Now that you do know, him hiding out there shouldn’t be as big of a problem anymore, right? Just think of it this way, now we know where they most likely are, so all we have to do is go there and collect them,” the young Amazon expressed as she tried to have the Ocelomeh look on the brighter side of things. “No, that wouldn’t be wise. While Chameda may be restrained to her tree and her grove, she is still an extremely powerful druid and if she is in league with Cezar, we wouldn’t be able to get close to them while they’re in her territory. No, what we will do is get ahead of them and set up an ambush,” the veteran huntress proposed as she weighed their options. “But we don’t even know where they’re headed once they leave Chameda’s garden. They’re so many places they could exit those ruins from and so many places they could head for,” the Amazon pointed out. “Yes, there are but not as many as you might think. In fact, I would say there really is only one place they could be headed. To think like one’s prey is perhaps the most valuable skill a hunter can have, and I know how brother thinks better than anyone. If he is truly helping these men escape our tribe’s hunting game, then returning them to Saint Manus is obviously their end goal and the easiest way to go about that is by following the river. Considering how much he enjoys his boats, the only viable place close by he can acquire one is Gorgona village, and unlike with Chameda, I actually do know about the dealings he has with them, so I bet you anything that’s where they’re headed,” Dycia concluded as she put every bit of knowledge she had regarding her beloved together to anticipate his next move. “Gorgona village, huh. When you say it all out loud like that, it does make a lot of sense. Doesn’t one of the head priestesses’ daughters there have a major crush on him or something too? I swear he mentioned that before,” Phoebe uttered as she thought back on some of the tales her big brother had told her about his adventures. “I am more than aware of how that snake feels about him, which is all the more reason we need to head them off. So, enough talk and let’s get moving. I have a place in mind I know they have to pass through if they want to get there,” Dycia cryptically mentioned before heading off to lead the way. “Say no more, if there is one thing we Amazons know, it’s how to set up an ambush. Oh, I can’t wait. I bet Vincente is going to have the most adorable, shocked expression when we spring our trap on him. If we do this right, even a smart man like him will have to be impressed by my ingenuity and beg me to marry him. Oh, if this isn’t the beginning of a true romance between us, I don’t what is,” Phoebe expressed with heart filled eyes as she gleefully followed behind her more experienced hunting partner. “Save the mushy stuff until after you marry him. We still need to catch them first, so get your head out of the clouds and focus. We need to get there before they do, and morning will be on us before you know it. So, focus,” Dycia called back as she picked up her pace before returning to a full dash. “Whatever you say, future sister-in-law,” the Amazon teasingly replied as she couldn’t restrain the excitement coursing through her as she matched the Ocelomeh’s speed as the two of them bolted to their destination. Meanwhile, a good distance back, hidden high in the thick canopy, another mamono was carefully listening in as she hung upside down from her branch. Her elongated, sensitive ears easily pinpointed and picked up on the conversation the two clueless huntresses were discussing, just as they had done the entire time she stalked them from a safe distance. However, this time she had picked up on a juicy piece of intel, one that her mistress would be very keen on learning since it involved the location of her beloved Cezar. As she unfolded her leathery winged arms from her body and flew off into the night as silently as the dead, the ambitious Werebat wondered how her master, Lola would reward her if she was the one responsible for securing her long awaited union with the most elusive, and sought after man in the jungle.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Idoia began to stir as a pained grumble escaped her dry lips as she awoke within the confines of some unfamiliar yet excessively cushy bed. While she felt lightheaded and a little woozy, she forced herself to recall the events all last night, as she surveyed her new surroundings. It was obvious she had been moved to someone’s guest room, and judging by the sickeningly homey décor of it all, she had to be inside Chameda’s tree, but if that was the case, then that meant…… Another groan of discomfort forced its way past her prideful mouth as she tried to sit herself up, as a wave of fatigue and heat within her core forced her back into a resting position despite the overwhelming feeling of disgust she was felt regarding her current situation demanded she get up and move. It appeared she was still in no condition to enact her retribution, as she could still feel a hole in her very spirit where that deplorable captain had cowardly struck her. Although on the bright side, she could tell it had been treated and was starting to patch itself back up, although slower than she expected. Yet alongside this sultry discomfort raging in her body, another fire burned within her, humiliation. Not only had her date been ruined, not only had she lost to a bunch of insignificant losers, but she had Alamo stolen way from her with no idea of where he could be right now. Yet this humiliation didn’t compare to the anxiousness she was now experiencing upon realizing her delicious mate was no where in sight. She hadn’t even claimed him yet and she was already missing him this much? The old her would have never had felt this negatively about her solitude, but know it was overwhelming. Far, far, too overwhelming for even her to handle anymore. It was becoming obvious her monterization had affected much more than just her hunger and sex drive, it was making her realize how lonely she had been till now and how close she was to finally solving that issue. She needed to get him back. She needed to hold him within her leaves, within her limbs and keep him close and safe in her private confines. But before she could begin her search, she first needed to force this exhausted body of hers to get up and claim what was hers. “Well, good morning, little miss bloom and doom. Just stay down and relax, you’re in no condition to get back out there and start another tussle. It’s best for everyone if you just take it easy for now. Chameda has breakfast going but before I let you get your strength back, you and I need to have a little chat,” an irritatingly familiar man’s voice uttered just out of sight. Iodia knew the owner of that voice too well, far too well for her own liking. As she rolled over to her side and turned her head towards the location of the voice, her suspicions were unfortunately confirmed. Sitting in the corner just behind her upon an elegantly crafted rocking chair was the unmistakable visage of Cezar. A machete of pure, glistening mamono silver laid across his lap while a long beaked mask made of dry leather consumed his entire head. It was obvious the mask’s purpose was to protect him from her acidic fumes, but his new look made him quite similar in appearance to the plague doctors of old. Clever bastard, it seemed he had come prepared, yet the worst part for Iodia is that she knew behind that hideous piece of headwear, was an expression of contempt smugness regarding their postions. “I should have known a bastard like you was behind my misfortune. Was stealing my most valuable plants not enough, you had to ruin my one chance at happiness as well?” Iodia mumbled as she shot daggers up to the ceiling to avoid looking at him, “Anyways where’s Chameda? Shouldn’t she be here instead of you?” “Didn’t I just say, Chameda is currently working on breakfast. However, it’s going to be awhile since you’re a big eater now, but don’t you worry she has more than a few words for you when she’s ready. Mostly about all the damage you caused. Do you know she spent the rest of the night counseling William after she broke the news to him that you wrecked one of his favourite sites. You are in for an earful, believe me,” Cezar cheekily warned as he leaned forward on his seat. “It wasn’t my fault I got so carried away. It was your friends’ fault. If they had behaved and accepted their losses, everything would have gone smoothly,” the wounded druid proclaimed with a hiss. “You’re hardly one to talk about having things go smoothly. You literally came in vines swinging and tried to take more than what was agreed upon with Chameda. From what she told me, your deal was one man and only one man, but you had to get a little too ambitious for your own good, didn’t you. What, was talking to them and convincing one of those poor bastards to come with you a little too hard, or did you just want to flex those new mamono muscles of yours? Just what in the hell were you thinking with your approach, I have to know,” Cezar calmly berated the Man-Eater. “You’re the last person I will allow to lecture me. Besides, why do you care how I chose to go after them. They’re men of the Order aren’t they, so why are you even helping them? Aren’t you supposed to be taking part in that silly little hunting game between your tribe and those Ocelomehs right now?” Iodia questioned with clear disinterest. “Technically I’m still doing that, but I got my reason for helping those grunts. They’re my ticket into Saint Manus, or at least they were until you decided to fuck me,” Cezar more harshly stated as he ran a finger across his prone blade. “As if I would ever fuck you!” Iodia blurted out as she couldn’t believe the audacity if such a pigheaded claim. “No, not like that you. I mean how you screwed me over. Seriously how much have you given into the mamono mind set to even come to that conclusion?” the mased man corrected in sheer disbelief, even if he thought it was a little comical. “I’m not….I didn’t mean…..oh never mind. It’s not like you got a chance to get out of this jungle with those fools anyhow. Honestly I’m surprised you made it this far with them considering how obnoxiously loud most of them are,” the Claustrophyte mumbled as she did her best to move the conversation away from her embarrassing blinder. “Unfortunately, I know what you mean too well. They were difficult enough to escort before but now thanks to you they’re going to be more problematic than ever. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re conspiring to lodge a knife in my back as we speak. So, thanks for that,” Cezar went on to paint his problems out as plainly as possible for the bratty druid to understand. “Don’t be such a baby. As much I loathe you, even I’m willing to admit you’re more than capable of handling them. So don’t act like you’re in any danger or anything ridiculous like that,” Iodia muttered out, disgusted by the fact she technically gave the man a compliment. “That isn’t the point, moron. You destroyed what little trust I had with them and made my mission a hundred times harder. I can’t get into Saint Manus without some help from the inside, which is why I need at least a few of them to think I’m on their side for my plan to work. However, since you decided to abduct most of them after I promised them safe sanctuary, I basically have to find a way to win them over again from scratch, if I even have a chance at all,” the wild man sternly expressed with exaggerated hand motions. “First of all, don’t call me a moron. Second, how was I supposed to know about your little plan, it’s not like you sent a message out to anyone, not that you would. I just came here because the roots guided me here to find a suitable partner and I did. It’s hardly my fault my needs just so happen to be in a conflict of interests with your poorly thought-out plan,” Iodia abrasively rebuked. “I will admit, I am kind of making this plan up as I go along. But to be fair, I never really expected to have the keys to the city locked up beside me during my bonding time with my tribe, so I couldn’t exactly pass it up. Now that being said, I am surprised by your choice in Alamo. Never expected big and dumb to be your type,” Cezar jokingly mocked. “Don’t you dare call Alamo dumb! A self-centred cretin like you could never understand what I see in that man,” Iodia fiercely snapped back upon hearing those cutting remarks towards the man she chose. “Hmmm, you really do like that big oaf, don’t you. Colour me shocked. That being said, you knew him for what, a few hours tops, most of which you spent tormenting the poor guy, and you’re already this fiercely protective over him? What happened to the prideful druid who always prided herself on her solitary lifestyle? I guess the changes weren’t all physical, were they?” Cezar uttered as he sat back in his chair and made it rock back as far as it could go. “You wouldn’t get it. You have no idea the urges, the hunger that comes with these bodies, that comes with being a mamono, especially a Man-Eater. I’m constantly hungry, I’m constantly horny, and I’m constantly feeling this new emotion that is basically a mixture of horny and hungry. But when I first partook of his…..flavour, it was like I could taste the purity of his very soul. I could taste how kind he truly was, how understanding, how devoted he was to those he loved. It was so addictive that I wanted…..no, I needed him to direct those feelings towards me to fill this bottomless hunger of mine. For the first time in my life, I didn’t mind the idea of being around someone. In fact, I’m starting to crave it,” Iodia more somberly expressed. “Well, if that’s true, you got a funny way of showing it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alamo isn’t a little traumatized after you wrapped him up and went on about eating the poor guy. Hell, he might not be able to look at a plant the same way again,” Cezar partially jested. “I didn’t mean to scare him, you know. When I grabbed him and his friends, I thought being direct was the simplest solution and that things would just work out later. Alamo would figure me after we joined and once I handed his friends over to whoever wanted to join my grove, so would they. But when I actually tried talking to him, he kept getting the wrong idea and everything I said only seemed to make things worse. Which is why I need to see him again, to set things straight, so if you think I’m just going to give up on him, you are gravely mistaken,” Iodia more somberly expressed despite managing to tag on a threat by the end. “Relax, don’t get your vines all in a twist. As much as I don’t want to just hand him over to you, I got no plans on keeping you from him, believe it or not,” Cezar divulged with a long, dissatisfied sigh. “Really? Wait, what’s the catch?” Claustrophyte cautiously inquired with suspicion as she leaned over to make direct eye contact for the first time. “Well, if you feel that strongly about him, you will definitely try and get in our way again, and I can’t have that. Knowing you, you would turn every plant in this jungle against us, which is just too much of a pain, even for me. So, I’m willing to surrender him to you, under a few conditions,” the masked traveler proposed as leaned forward, hands clasped together as he took a more serious tone. “What kind of conditions?” the druid inquired further. “Well, for starters, you got to forget about taking anyone else. I know you want some bargaining chips to start your new grove, but the others are off limits. Second, I’m going to need you to wait a bit before you reclaim your man. I need time to reearn the trust you cost me and you swooping in to take Alamo back now is going to destroy any chances of that happening. Besides those guys have been though the ringer as of late, so just let them enjoy their win for now,” Cezar laid out his conditions. “And why should I even consider all that when I can just retrieve Alamo and be on my way when I’m good and ready,” the predatory plant rebuked as she mustered her strength to sit up and hang her legs off the bed. “Well, you said you want to do right by him now, didn’t you and I don’t think you repeating the same mistake is going to win you any points with him as of now. So, I suggest you take this time to consider a new approach to win him over. Alamo is a good guy, much better than must of those goons I’m working with right now, so if you do like him, do right by him. Do that, and I won’t stand in your way, even through you know I easily could,” Cezar earnestly suggested as he gave his own thinly veiled warning as his fingers played along the edge of the machete. The weary Claustrophyte paused for a moment as she thought things over. As much as she hated to admit it, his suggestion wasn’t the worst, in fact it sounded oddly generous. Perhaps taking a breather and finding a way to start over was the correct play, especially if it meant there was a chance she could convince Alamo she wasn’t the man-eating monster he thought she was. Not to mention, even if she was confident in her ability to handle Cezar if push came to shove, knowing him, he had some kind of trick in his back pocket that would ultimately screw her over, just like he always did. No, it was too risky. If he truly was willing to stay out of her way, then it was easier not to give him a reason to intervene. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t come up with her own conditions. “Fine, but only if you do something for me,” Iodia counter proposed. “Like what? Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself after everything you just did?” Cezar shot back. “I just want you to make sure Alamo is safe until I can collect him is all. That means not a hair on his head gets harmed, not even a scratch. Oh, and obviously make sure he doesn’t get claimed before our reunion. I don’t care if you must sacrifice everyone else in your little adventuring party to do it, just make sure he gets to me safe and sound,” Iodia more humbly requested, despite wanting to gag after asking such a favor from the likes of him. “Well, I was already aiming for that, but for what it’s worth, it’s actually kind of sweet to hear such words come out of your mouth. Never thought I would see the day,” Cezar chuckled softly from the druidic Man-Eater’s simple, yet heartwarming demand. “Oh, shut it. Now with that settled, when and where can I pick up my darling Alamo,” Iodia questioned as she was dying to know the answer. “Well, considering the fact I had to push back my schedule to have this chat with you, I imagine I won’t be able to reach Gorgona village with them by nightfall like I ordinary planned. So, if you can get there two days from now by nightfall, he will be there waiting for you. When you do take him, just make sure you do it without being noticed. I can’t have them linking his disappearance back to me, you got it,” Cezar instructed, despite truly wishing he didn’t have to make this deal with Iodia. “I’m sorry, did you say you were taking Alamo to Gorgona village? That den of vipers would eat a sweet man like him alive. Oh no, change of plans. I am escorting you all there myself and taking him once we arrive. We can frame it as some sort of apology for my behavior and it will give me time to get to know Alamo more personally,” Iodia worryingly proposed as she feared for Alamo’s marital status. “Fuck no! You’re insane if you think I’m letting you anywhere near them after last night. If I show up with you beside me claiming you’re our pal now, that is never going to fly with them. What part of me needing to regain their trust did you not understand,” Cezar blurted out harshly. “Well, how can I expect you to keep Alamo safe if you’re taking him there of all places? You’re only one man, and a selfish one at that. How do I know you won’t give him up to the next mamono who threatens your little mission, hmmm?” the Man-Eater proclaimed with actual concern in her tone. “I can manage, don’t worry. Although, that being said, having some mamono escorts isn’t the worst idea. Not only for their safety, but ensure they second guess any betrayals they may be plotting against me. I could have asked Kamala and her troop to come but thanks to you, they’re a little too busy celebrating their honeymoon with that Efrain guy,” the burdened guide uttered. “Well, there is that annoying beetle woman and that pesky white Kakuen. They seem to have some stakes in their safety, plus they did admirably when they faced off against me, so they have proven themselves…..capable of the task,” Iodia recommended, although it was mostly because neither mamono had any interest in Alamo. “Walta actually is a good choice, even if I don’t understand how someone like her became infatuated with someone like that Alexander bastard. Scilla on the other hand, now that feels risky bringing her along. From what I saw last night, she seems a little too attached to Vincente already. I would have to talk to her and explain a few things, but even than I would have to trust her to keep her mouth shut. Although, considering her friends are already married, there really is nothing anchoring her here right now to stop her from following us anyhow. Maybe it is better to keep her close, just on keep an eye on her,” Vincente pondered aloud as he thought his options over. “As long as you keep Alamo secure, I don’t care who you bring. Just make sure no one lays a hand on him,” Iodia muttered as she took her first shaky steps off her bed. “Fine, you have my word. Whenever you’re ready, just follow our trail. Oh, and if you can remove any tracks we make along the way that would be very helpful. After all it would be a shame if someone other than you were to follow us,” Cezar requested as he stood up from his rocking chair. “Fine, whatever. Now you said, Chameda is making breakfast,” Iodia grumbled as she felt her stomach rumble demanding anything to help replenish the mana she lost the night before. “I did, but you best get ready for Chameda’s little chat. She isn’t going to be as nice as me, believe you me,” Cezar warned one last time. “Might as well get it over with. Besides I need food and I need it now,” Iodia groaned as she made her way to the door, “Oh and will you please remove that ridiculous mask already. I can’t begin to explain how unsightly that thing is.” “Sorry, had to take precautions and William’s little stash had limited options to borrow from,” Cezar jokingly exclaimed before removing the headpiece, honestly thankful he no longer needed to surround himself with its funky smell, “Now, shall we. I got a lot to do today and a lot of other headaches to deal with.” “Where the hell is that traitorous bastard? First he leads us to this hell, and now he has the audacity to make us wake. The sun is half way to noon for gods sake.” Alexander voiced his impatience loudly as he stood amongst the ruined city feeling like an idiot. “Maybe we should just leave while we still have the chance. Nothing’s stopping us,” Vasco proposed as she sat atop a bundle of rubble, looking through the stones for which one would be best to bash Cezar’s skull with. “You mean aside from the entire jungle and everything lurking within it,” Vincente reminded his hot-blooded compatriot. “Vincente’s right. Our best bet is to use Cezar for now and dispose of him at the first sign of further treachery or after he has outlived his usefulness,” the Order captain proclaimed as he peered at the rising sun. “That is not remotely what I meant, and you know it,” Vincente stated to deaf ears. “I’m still not entirely sure what all happened last night, but don’t you all think that maybe….maybe we’re drawing our swords a little too quick here. Like I’m still ok after everything that has happened, so are we sure Cezar was the cause? Because I feel like if he wanted us dragged off, none of us would be here right now,” Alamo questioned as he tried to make sense of the blur that was the events of the prior night. “Alamo, we know you had the worst of it last night, but remember you lucked out. Efrain wasn’t so lucky, and you could have just as easily ended up like him. We all could have,” Vasco pointed out, slightly disappointed in the oaf’s conclusion despite everything they had gone through. “Maybe you’re right, but regardless, I think I agree with Vincente on this one. Besides I’m pretty sure what you’re suggesting goes against every teaching of the Order that I know of,” Alamo naively retorted as the thought of shedding any innocent blood unnerved him. “It only goes against the Chief God’s divine will if he was human. And even if he was, he’s clearly a heretic who has aligned himself with monsters. If that doesn’t deserve punishment, I don’t know what does,” Alexander grumbled out as the extra humidity of the day crept over the tired man like an uncomfortably warm blanket. “Well, if you feel that strongly about it, now’s your chance to let everything off your chest because I see him coming this way and he’s not alone,” Alamo announced as he pointed towards the horizon of the deserted street they were on. All the men stood up in attendance as they glimpsed the visage of Cezar appear and draw closer. However, just as Alamo stated, he was accompanied by not only Chameda but Walta and Scilla as well. Walta traveled at full attention, her body strapped with various bags and her lance finally returned to her arm as she lived up to the solider part of her species’ name. Scilla on the other hand displayed completely different mannerisms. She looked anxious and distraught, almost as if someone had just told devastating news regarding the death of a loved one as she keep her eyes to the ground while holding her arms around her chest for self comfort. The sight of the other mamono immediately put captain Diamandis and Vasco on guard as they believed their presence confirmed their suspicions as they prepared for another breach of trust. Vincente while ordinary dreading Scilla’s appearance, actually started to worry for the monkey woman as their silent, fretful expression screamed that something was wrong. Alamo on the other hand was confused by the others varied expressions as he tried to piece together the relations they had with these mamono. “Ah, I see everyone is up and about. You guys ready to get going and hit the trail again,” Cezar greeted as he attempted to display a strong, but more importantly reliable front despite the slight nervous chuckle he added on at the end. “Like hell we are. What the hell are they doing here?” Diamandis called out as he truly hoped he had avoided seeing Walta again despite the blank yet cheery demeanour she had upon seeing him. “I understand you all are still very cross with me, a fact you made very, very clear last night, but once again I would like to express my sincere apologizes before you all left. I know my actions have left a sour taste in your mouths regarding mamono, but I truly meant it when I said I was hoping for a more peaceful resolution to the events last night. I know you can not forgive me, but I only ask you don’t hold this experience against Cezar or any other mamono you may encounter in the future,” Chameda remorsefully expressed once again. “You can take your apology and shove it up your ass! You’re lucky we don’t set fire to your damn tree right now!” Vasco ferociously blurted out. “Vasco, that’s enough. She did eventually help us with Iodia, so what’s the point in trying to antagonize her again,” Vincente stepped in to avoid another disaster of a conversation from breaking out again like it did the night before. “I’ll consider it, when she means it. Besides, if she’s so powerful and sorry for what transpired, what’s stopping her from correcting her mistake and getting Efrain back,” Vasco snapped, as the thought of him sharing a similar fate and being left behind lurked in his mind. The druid clutched her hands in slight frustration upon hearing the threat to her home, and more importantly her husband, but she retained her composure, “I realize my words mean very little to you right now, but your friend Efrain is fine and well. He made the decision to go with Kamala and the others over your journey all on his own, you said so yourself. I know he was a friend, but I can not separate him from his new wives and force him to continue his travels with you. I can only promise to keep an eye on him and ensure his safety here. It is the least I can do to make up for what I’ve done.” “A noble sentiment but a hollow one considering it’s coming from your lips. We’re not foolish enough not to see that Efrain is nothing more than a prisoner here. Don’t think for a second divine retribution will not come for you for this transgression,” Alexander warned as he truly wished he had his trusted sword or axe, or anything so he could hack away at this wretched spirit. “Ok, that’s enough tough guy. You made your point, you and your Chief God are not things to be taken lightly and bah, bah, bah. She learned her lesson, she’s sorry, and by some miracle you’re still here, what more do you want,” Cezar derisively intervened. “A lot actually. Your head on a pike for example. Don’t think we’re going to overlook the fact that it was those monkeys you introduced my men too were the one’s who succeeded in stealing one of us away,” Alexander reminded his untrustworthy escort. “And don’t you think for a second Kamala and her gang succeeding in winning Efrain over benefitted me in the slightest. It’s not my fault they managed to take advantage of the chaos caused by Iodia and convinced Efrain to be their husband. Maybe you should have inspired greater faith in those who decided to follow you, captain,” Cezar cynically rebuked. “Come on that’s enough. What is all this fighting going to accomplish,” Vincente cut in as he stepped in between the two prideful men. “He’s right, Cezar. We didn’t come to cause more conflict but to make amends,” Chameda reminded her former protégé. “I know, but I need to make it clear that none of this was my idea and I got screwed over just as much as them,” Cezar declared as he kept eye contact with Diamandis’s glare. “I will take your claim into consideration but know neither I, nor my men will never fully trust the likes of you,” the Order captain stated right back as he continued to lock eyes with his guide. “Well, you better start trusting me, because there is still a lot of jungle to get through and a lot of mamono to get past,” Cezar emphasized why they needed him. “Ummm, I have a question before we continue,” Alamo interrupted nervously, “Iodia isn’t going to come after us, is she? I mean, she’s still alive right, so what’s stopping her from coming after us?” “Relax, Iodia has been dealt with. I came to an understanding with her and she won’t cause us anymore trouble,” Cezar partially falsely informed, despite knowing it was for the best in the long run. “She is still recovering, but rest assured we had a long talk with her, and for what it is worth, she is remorseful over her actions as well,” the Dryad added. “I see,” Alamo muttered with clear conflict on his face. “Well, that’s all well and good to hear, but I’m still curious why Walta and Scilla are here?” Vincente questioned as he looked towards the two additional mamono, although he made special note of Scilla’s reluctance to look at him despite how she had acted previously around him. “Please, allow me to explain, dear sir. Sir Cezar has requested Scilla and I to accompany you on your journey as additional escorts. Our duties will be to ensure you are not bothered by other mamono and to carry your supplies. I have safe food, clean water, equipment and medical supplies, including some ointment that should help with the swelling around Sir Diamandis’s nose,” Walta proudly spoke up as she announced the purpose of their presence, despite basically describing herself as a pack mule. “He said our presence alone should help to keep you all safe,” Scilla more timidly explained as she finally ended her long silence. “No, no, no, I am not agreeing to this,” Alexander rejected with flailing arms. “I second that. This is another trap, there’s no way it isn’t,” Vasco backed up his captain. “Listen, these girls helped you before, they can do it again. So, what’s the problem. Besides, you’re going to need it, because unlike here, I’m fully expecting for problems to occur in our next stop. It’s a little place by the river called Gorgona village, and its residents are going to be much more aggressive in their approach to claim you, but with them accompanying us, it should help deter most of them away. In theory anyway,” Cezar explained. “Ok, and what exactly is waiting on us in this village and more importantly, why the hell are headed there if we need the likes of them to look out for us,” Vasco questioned bluntly. “Well, the good news is, I can acquire a boat there for us and once we have that, it will be smooth sailing to your little city. The bad news is, Gorgona village is run by snake cultists and is full of Lamias. While they know me, they are going to be solely focused on you guys and believe me when I say that they are masters at getting men to lower their guard around them. Point is, they will use ever trick in the book to convince as many of you to join their cult, so we are going to have to use every trick we have at our disposal to ensure that doesn’t happen. Which is why we are bringing these girls along. You understand my reasoning now,” Cezar informed as he stared blankly at the loud-mouthed Vasco. “That’s your plan? Having these monsters escort us to a village full of, I’m sorry did you say Lamias? What the hell are Lamias,” Vasco continued to interrogate the shady guide. “Well Lamia’s are basically women with the lower half of snakes, but if I’m being honest there are also some Bunyips, a few Basilisks and the entire community is run by a Medusa and her two daughters. So, I hope none of you are afraid of snakes. But yeah, that’s my plan, unless you want to risk a full trek though mamono controlled lands that will take weeks before you arrive at Saint Manus,” Cezar revealed as you laid out their only two options. “No way, plants are one thing, but snakes are another,” Vasco stated as he waved his hands in front of his face dismissively “That’s insane. You’re insane for even suggesting that after what happened last night. There has to be a better method to get out of here than what you are proposing,” Alexander stated as he worried for the fate of his men. “I’m not sure I can go through something like that again,” Alamo admitted. “I have to agree, Cezar. That place seems extremely risky to venture too. Are you sure there is somewhere safer we can travel too? Even if it takes another day or so, surely the safety would be worth it, no?” Vincente uttered in agreement with the others. “Listen, you guys are in a shit position, let us be frank. None of you are getting out of here unclaimed if risks aren’t taken, ok. That’s the honest truth. So, either you can come with me to Gorgona village and survive a single night there, or you can take your chances by yourselves and get lost before a lucky mamono finds you. I’m not going to force you any of you to follow me, but lets be honest, what choice do you really have here,” Cezar gave his ultimatum. “You really think you have us by the balls don’t you. Well, else what, we’re not taking another step with you unless you can give us some reassurances, right here, right now,” Diamandis announced with a hearty huff. “I figured you would say something like that. I get it, tensions are high, your trust in me is well, non-existent. But lucky for us, I have a solution, a show of good faith. A little trust exercise between you and me, to show I am actually trying to help you here,” Cezar commented before looking back to Walta, “Ok, put the cuffs on me and give your dear captain the key.” “As you wish, Sir Cezar,” the Lance Beetle complied as she stepped forward. Reaching into one of the numerous bags hanging off her shell, Walta pulled out a very old set of handcuffs and proceeded to attach them to Cezar’s hands behind his back. Every man was understandably confused by this action, but none more so than Diamandis himself, especially once Walta handed him the key. “Cezar, what the hell are you doing?” Vincente called out in surprise by this turn of events. “What is this? What’s your ploy here?” Diamandis inquired with bewilderment as he tried to figure out what trick was at play here. “No tricks. Just a gamble to get through that thick skull of yours. Since you Order types really like being in control of things, I figured this act might help win you over. Consider this my apology. So, my fate is in your hands, captain,” Cezar proclaimed, although the way he expressed it, it almost sounded like a challenge. “There has to be a catch here. What if I decide to keep you in those bonds or decide to toss away the key?” the Order captain proposed as he looked the key over for any signs of being tampered with. “Well, there is technically one catch. You got to remove them before we reach Gorgona village, otherwise the residents may feel inclined to free me from you all. And trust me, you don’t want that. So I would say it is in your best interest if you hand onto that key nice and tight,” Cezar warned with a smug smirk. “And what if I decide not to go to this village. What if I decide to force you to take us somewhere else,” Diamandis inquired further, as he tested his options. “Well, I could take you somewhere far, far worse. I hear the Giant Ants are always looking for new subjects to add to their colony and trust me when I say they’re the last group of mamono you want to tangle with out here,” Cezar nonchalantly warned. One could practically hear Alexander’s brain come to a screeching halt and witness fumes escape his ears as he struggled to make sense of how he should proceed. Despite voluntarily making himself their prisoner, why did it still feel like Cezar still held all the cards. Oh, right because he did. He had the supplies, the knowledge and the means to return to actual civilization. The cuffs might as well be a non-factor, nothing more than a façade, an illusion of power to make him think he held any actual say in the journey to come. Diamandis was no fool, he knew the only way to not fall for whatever scheme this was, was to simply ignore the madman’s invite and company to venture on his own again. Such a decision would surely wipe that smug look off of Cezar’s face, but it was also one that would certainly end in disaster just as it did before. It truly felt like he was not only being made to choose his own poison, but the one that would seal the fate of his men as well. As much as it pained him to admit, if he and those under his care wanted any chance to return to any land of sanity again, they needed this bastard, or at least the knowledge he possessed. Even with the monsters that would accompany them, that didn’t mean an opportunity to take back control and avoid a repeat of last night’s events wasn’t off the table. Granted it would mean he would have to rely on patience and luck, two things the Order captain had no real expertise with, but it was all he had. Chief God willing, he believed a miracle could still appear to get them out of this mess. That one hope was truly all the faithful man had. “Fine, we will follow but I want an answer to a few things before I even consider taking another step with you,” the Order captain “Fine, I’m an open book. Ask whatever you want,” Cezar accepted with a shrug. “Admit you’re a fucking Incubus,” Vasco abruptly demanded as he cut himself into the little stand off. “For the last fucking time, I’m not an Incubus. Just ask any of the mamono behind me,” Cezar groaned out. “It is true. Cezar has sadly yet to take a mamono for a lover. If you ask me, he can be too stubborn and prideful for his own good, sometimes,” Chameda stated politely despite the hint of her own disappointment. “It isn’t like half the jungle isn’t trying to make him an Incubus,” Scilla added as she shot a glare at the man. “See, not an Incubus,” Cezar muttered as he still couldn’t believe this was still up to discussion. “As if I would take their word for anything,” Alexander uttered with disgust before turning to the Lancer Beetle, “Walta, I will ask you this, how does one identify an Incubus.” “Unfortunately, without magical means to identify the mamono mana in their system or knowing them prior, it is nearly impossible to identify a man who has gone under incubation from one who has not. However, there is one physical change that could reveal if one is an Incubus,” Walta informed stoically. “And that would be?” Vincente asked, curious himself if his savior was actually an Incubus or not. “A noticeable increase in the size of genitalia,” the Lancer Beetle revealed plainly. The entire group of Order men went immediately silent as they looked to one another unsure of how to even respond to that bit of information. The group continued to give each other questioning looks before their captain spoke up. “Vasco, check his pants,” Diamandis reluctantly ordered. “Why do I have to do it?” Vasco questioned defiantly. “Well, you were the one who asked,” Alamo stated. “So what? We were all questioning it,” Vasco defended himself as he hoped to pass this burden onto anyone else. “Vasco, it has to be you. Considering the, lets just say, unsaintly business’s you tend to visit, you have the most…..expertise on such matters,” Alexander defended his reasoning, despite how painful it was to say out loud. “Well I fucking refuse. If you think I’m going to check how big his dick is, you have another thing coming,” Vasco refused as he took a step back to make his stance clear. “Just for the record, if any of you come anywhere near my pants, I will kick your ass, handcuffed or not,” Cezar made clear with an unamused expression. “Maybe, some questions are better left unanswered,” Vincente intervened, “Besides if he was an Incubus, why would other mamono be after him?” “At least one of you knows what he’s talking about now. So, with that finally done, are you guys finally ready to leave, or are their any other stupid questions you want to ask right now,” the jungle expert uttered, hoping to get a move on. “Oh, I have many, may more questions for you but there is really only one more I need to know before we depart. What do you really want in Saint Manus? Vincente told us you wanted to know why we were headed there and the purpose of our presence, but I know there’s more to this, so what is it?” the Order captain demanded an explanation with all the grace of a dull mace. Cezar looked back to Chameda, who gave him a nod in response, “Fine, you got me. I may be looking for a bit more than some information on what’s going on in there. What I really want is for you guys to smuggle me in. Consider it my payment for getting some of you out of here.” “Wait you just want us to get you inside? This is the first I’m hearing this? Why didn’t you mention this sooner? I thought you said Saint Manus was your old home?” Vincente stepped up to question the guide next, as he pondered why the man had kept this secret from him. “Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right off the bat, but to be fair we’ve only met a few days ago and I had to make sure you were trustworthy. The thing is my dealings with mamono are a little well-known in town. In fact, you can say I’m quite infamous in certain circles. I used to visit all the time and do a lot of business for certain clientele there, but ever since they went into lockdown, they refused to let me in despite the fact I can still pass most of their tests. It seems whatever is going on there, they don’t want to take any chances, which is where you guys come in. If you can get me in, I can figure out what is going on and maybe help out,” Cezar revealed as he paced between the men. “Sounds to me there’s a reason they don’t want you inside those walls. So why in divine paradise, should we help a dissident like you?” Diamandis practically spat out his question. “Because if you don’t, your city is sure to fall. Tell me captain, do you know what a dark mamono realm is, because I have it on good authority that city is well on its way of becoming one,” Cezar divulged as he turned to the devote captain with a serious glare. “If you’re talking about those horrid domains of darkness that pop up whenever a land falls to monsters, yeah, I am quite familiar. But what you’re suggesting is an extremely bold claim. How do you even know of such a threat? What is your evidence? How do I even know you’re not the one plotting to cause such a disaster,” Captain Diamandis sternly questioned as he shockingly took the wild man’s claims with the upmost seriousness. “Aside from a few visions from some shamans and priestesses I’m sure you wouldn’t put your faith in, I got nothing. Can’t even say when it will happen or what the cause will be. Which is all the more reason why I need to get in there and investigate for myself,” Cezar stated as he made his case despite knowing how shaky it was. “That’s it? That’s all you got. You really think mentioning a few visions is enough to have us take your word, forget all the trouble you caused us, and help you out?” Vasco mockingly questioned. “You’re right, I wouldn’t put my faith in such things. However, what I want to know is why do you even care if Saint Manus falls or not? Considering your love of monsters and their ways, I would think a dissenter like yourself would love to see such a fate occur,” Diamandis stated unashamed of his prejudice. “You mean aside from the fact it’s still my home city and I don’t want to see it taken over, I’ve got plenty of reasons,” Cezar retorted, unamused by the devote bigot’s preconceptions “He is telling the truth. Believe it or not, we have just as much stake in maintaining the city’s status quo as you do. If Saint Manus becomes a dark mamono realm, then our rainforest is sure to follow. While we mamono would benefit greatly from it, the natural balance we have fought to maintain would surely collapse. Plants, animals, humans, much that we have based our lives around and grown accustomed too will be corrupted and lost. So please, assist Cezar any way you can so he may discover whatever threat is attempting to corrupt the city so we may prepare for it and hopefully stop it,” Chameda pleaded for the men to see the importance of their cause. “Wait, wait, wait. If the city becomes this dark realm, what would happen to everyone within it when that happens?” Vincente questioned, as he suddenly grew concerned for Eleanor. “They would become corrupted along with everything else. Every woman would eventually become a mamono and every man an Incubus,” Scilla spoke up timidly as she continued to avoid eye contact. “That’s why I need your help. You Order types are always going on about protecting the people and such, right. So, here’s your chance to actually live up to your creeds,” Cezar stated as he looked upon the mix reactions. “You’re not buying this, are you captain. This is clearly a fake story to distract us from whatever he’s truly after,” Vasco accused as he looked to his leader for reassurance. “It doesn’t matter if it is a lie or not. Right now our priority is reaching the city. We can test his claims latter. That being said, if there really is a threat to the city, we will be the ones to investigate, and if need be solve it ourselves, not him,” Diamandis stated as he looked towards Cezar with a judgmental glare. “If you insist, but you Order types don’t exactly have the greatest track when it comes to stopping these kinds of things. Now if we’re done with the interrogation, let’s get going. Anything else you want to ask, you can do so on the way to our next stop. Now come on, we’re wasting daylight,” Cezar announced as he walked past the group and started to head off. Everyone followed suite as they begrudgingly continued to follow their problematic guide. None of them were still quite sure of the man’s true intentions, but they all internally agreed he was still their best chance to reach the city. However, just as Vincente was about to depart with the others, Chameda placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Hold on a second, Vincente. I have a gift for you from my husband and I. Consider it our apology you couldn’t rejoin us for dinner and have your questions be answered by William. I hope these help you on your travels,” the druid contritely uttered. Placing a hand inside her robes, the Dryad removed two objects. One appeared to be some sort of perfume bottle containing an oddly orange liquid, while the other was an extremely worn-out book that honestly looked more like a collection of messy papers than anything else. Vincente took both as he looked at the druid with a look of pure confusion regarding the purpose of both items. “Ummm, thank you, but what exactly are these?” the Order engineer inquired of his questionable hostess. “That book is actually a magical copy of my husband’s original memoirs of this journey here. It contains all his notes regarding this city and its past, as well of everything he had to venture through to get here. It should prove an interesting and valuable read. He even signed it for you, since apparently that makes it more valuable, or something like that?” Chameda informed with a warm smile. “And this bottle?” Vincente asked as he looked the glass container over. “That is a deceptively powerful potion I whipped up for you to help protect you on your journey. If you ever feel threatened by a mamono, simply undo the lid and splash the contents on her. The closer to her face the better. Its overwhelming scent will lure the mamono to sleep but be sure not to breath too much of it in yourself. While it is more effective on mamono, more prolonged exposure will have a similar effect on you as well as some other side effects. So be careful,” the druid instructed. “Oh, my, well….umm…thank you, Chameda. Please give my regards and thanks to William as well. And please tell him I’m sorry we never had that chat, I was actually looking forward to it,” Vincente uttered before heading off to catch up with the rest of the party. “Take care, Vincente. I wish you all the luck on your quest to return to your love,” Chameda bid farewell as she waved goodbye, before more somberly whispering under her breath, “You’re going to need all the luck you can get your hands on.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A golden orange shimmer reflected off the eerily still surface of Lake Epifanía as the life-giving sun poked itself over just above the lush horizon to proclaim the start of a new day. Directing opposed to it on the lake’s western shore loomed the empty docks and the aboded bricked walls of Saint Manus, a small yet fortified city that stood stalwart at the very end of the Order’s controlled southern territories. Long it has stood, acting as both a valuable stronghold for exotic trade and as a sentry for the dangers that existed beyond its walls. Yet despite once being a cultural beehive for permissive merchants, dauntless adventurers and other eccentric characters looking to relish themselves within the more tropical climate, the city now lacked the lively atmosphere it was once infamous for. The boats that once dotted the lake day in and day out could now be found unmanned and docked indefinitely. The marketplace that once acted as the lifeblood for the city was now malnourished of the diverse crowds it once had to sustain itself. Even the local gathering places such as the taverns and inns were missing the loudmouthed glory seekers that once festered their now empty domains. Now the city only found itself with considerably fewer, more carefully selected visitors gracing its less busy streets along with settlement’s true residents and the extra soldiers the Order had been importing here as of late. In only less than a few months the city had become a shell of its former self, and all because it had shut itself away from the rest of the world for a reason few had the right to know. However, upon one of the patrol paths atop the fortified walls overlooking the serene lake stood a single woman with blonde hair as golden as the sun’s rays and adorned in a traditional Order military uniform. Expectedly she starred over the reflective waters towards where the numerous branches of the Silvervein River fed into it as she hoped for a miracle to come floating down carrying the man she loved. Yet no such thing came, just like it had for the past few days. She had waited so long for their reunion, but it seemed fate itself was hell bent on keeping them apart. “Eleanor, there you are. What did I tell you about coming up here alone, you’re just torturing yourself at this rate,” a concerned womanly voice called out from further down the elevated walkway. Eleanor snapped out of her yearning stupor as she adjusted the dowdy frames of her ivory glasses before turning to face the source of that voice. To no one’s surprise, it was Aleva, a security advisor for the city, one of Eleanor’s most trusted colleagues and perhaps the greatest friend she could have made when she first arrived here one year ago. With her flawless olive skin, shapely figure and long, raven black hair that flowed to a fine point like the tip of a paintbrush, Aleva tended to command all eyes to look her way whenever she confidently strolled into a room. Yet, her stunning visage couldn’t compare to her welcoming and benign nature. If it wasn’t for her company, Eleanor wasn’t sure how she would have faired here with all her newfound reasonability this long all by herself. “Oh, Aleva. I know I’m only hurting myself by waiting up here, but it’s been days, and their ship still hasn’t arrived. Something must have gone wrong. I know our manpower is reserved right now with the lockdown, but I’ve done the numbers and we have more than enough to spare for a rescue party. So, why does Lord Iveus keep refusing my request?” Eleanor somberly questioned as her glare returned to the waters below. “You know how he is; the safety of the city takes priority first and foremost followed by those under his care. That being said, you mustn’t lose hope, Eleanor. It’s as you said, it’s only been a few days so there is still a chance they’re just running late. I’m sure Vincente is safe, he’s traveling with an entire battalion of soldiers who can protect him after all,” Aleva reassured as she joined Eleanor’s side. “I know you had to pull a lot of strings to ensure Vincente would be traveling here with as many troops as possible to ensure his safety, Aleva, and for that I’m thankful but let us not kid ourselves. We both know what’s really out there in that jungle. Those men would be severely underprepared if they were to be attacked by mamono, so their numbers wouldn’t matter. Not to mention their heavy armor is unsuited for this more humid climate, those ships they’re on have limited to no offensive presence, their maps aren’t reliable enough to guide them here if they get lost, not to mention their lack of supplies…….” Eleanor stated as she started to ramble off on all the things that could go wrong. “Eleanor, relax. I know you’re worried, but this is no way for the head strategist to be acting. Have faith in your man, if he is everything you have claimed, then he’s nearly as cleaver as you are, so I’m sure he’ll reach this city and make it back to you one way or another. You just have to believe your love is strong enough to guide him here is all,” Aleva proclaimed as she counselled her superior officer. “That isn’t how love works, Aleva. My feelings won’t save him. If a mamono got their hands, or claws or whatever they may have on him, I will never see him again,” Eleanor mournfully stated factually as her hope dwindled. “Don’t say that. If the mamono value love as much as they claim, there is still a chance they could drop him off by our gates. It isn’t like it hasn’t happened before, as rare as it is,” Aleva reminded as she hated seeing her close knitted friend lose hope. “I have a hard time believing any mamono would give up on a man like him, but perhaps you’re right. It’s too early to think the worst has already occurred. I know I’m not the most devote believer, but perhaps the Chief God will intervene and bestow some sort of miracle. Not to sound too ungraceful, but I feel I’m owed that much for all the sacrifices I’ve made for her so far,” the city’s top strategist uttered as she thought over everything she had to give up because of her duty. A sly smirk crept over Aleva, “That’s more like it. Life isn’t all about probabilities and statistics. People beat the odds all the time, you just have to trust in your heart your love for one another will prevail.” “I swear all those mamono you interrogate are starting to rub off on you. You’re sounding more and more like them every day,” Eleanor softly chuckled as her spirits lifted a little. “Hey, it was your idea to relate to them more whenever we captured one. Not my fault I’m so good at my job. But I got to admit, your ideas have been revolutionary to our cause. Thanks to you and Lord Iveus, nearly every leak in our city has been discovered, mamono abductions are down, and the best part is, no blood has been pointlessly shed to accomplish it all. You have been the greatest assist this city could have hoped for, don’t you dare forget that. The Chief God would have to be a fool not to reward you for your service,” Aleva reminded as she listed off all the good her friend has done in the hopes of cheering her up. “Thank you, Aleva but I’m just doing my duty with the resources made available to me. My methods would be nothing without Lord Iveus’s magical advancements and constructs to make them possible. Besides even with the current lock down, a few mamono are still finding a way in and worst yet, they’re managing to evade us. Sometimes I swear they’re one step ahead of us, but until this lockdown is over, I don’t have the resources to resume my search for this last leak,” Eleanor ashamedly admitted as she felt she didn’t deserve such praise. “One problem at a time. Let’s just focus on weathering through this plague Lord Iveus is expecting to come our way first, then we can get back to looking for this leak. I swear you willingly put too much on your plate. You’re going to work yourself to death at this rate. You don’t have to try and solve every problem that comes your way, you know. You can rely on us to shoulder some of it, or do you want me to lose my job,” the security advisor jested. “I know but I just want this city to be as safe and prosperous as possible when Vincente gets here. If things continue as they are, this place may end up becoming our permanent home. That being said, preventing this plague Lord Iveus foresaw takes priority. I imagine the reason you came up here to find me was because he wishes to have another meeting regarding it?” Eleanor correctly deduced as she her mind returned to her duties once more. “I would have come up here to find you regardless considering your mopey state, but you’re right, as usual. That old crow requests our presence once again, for the hundredth time this week,” Aleva confirmed as she gave her a pat on the back before heading off to lead the way. “Perhaps he has foreseen more or had another breakthrough. Regardless of what he has to say, it must be important. Very well, let us not waste any more time. So shall we depart for his manor, or are we meeting at the mayor’s office again this time?” Eleanor inquired as she gave one last look over the lake glistening with the morning light before venturing with Aleva. “Mayor’s office, which I’m thankful for. Much less of a trek there from here, plus it has so much comfier seats than Iveus’ place. I’m just hoping this time he can actually give us a clearer picture of what we’re about to deal with. The people are getting restless and the sooner we can confirm the danger to them the better. The trust they have in their favourite wizard won’t last forever, and we already have people demanding we reopen the gates,” Aleva grumbled about the rising civil unrest. “I know, I see it every day myself but the faith they have in Lord Iverus is unshakable. They know he’s done more for them than anyone and that he has their best interest at heart. As soon as his premonitions declare the danger has passed, life will return to normalcy,” Eleanor declared as she demonstrated her own faith in the man she has come to see as a valued mentor. “You’re not the one who has to deal with all the compliments. But you’re right, the fact this was Iveus’s idea is the only thing preventing riots from breaking out. I just hope he announces the all clear sooner rather than latter is all,” Aleva playfully complained with a sigh. “We just need to have faith in Lord Iveus’s predictions. There is a reason even the Order values his counsel so highly despite some of his more questionable practices and views. Few men can match his talent or his mind for the arcane, especially in the rare art of divination. We should just be thankful he is so willing to work with us and our cause. Any other man with such a talent would use it for more selfish gains,” Eleanor expressed as she couldn’t help but show how thankful she was for the man’s existence. “Considering how well off he is, I’m pretty sure his selfish gains have already been acquired,” Aleva mentioned with a hearty laugh, “Now if he could show me a future where I can acquire my dream man and home, then maybe I’ll start seeing why everyone here loves him so much.” “You know that’s not how it works, but I’m starting to wish it did. Then maybe he could tell what fate has befallen Vincente so I can put my heart to rest,” Eleanor corrected despite becoming downhearted again. “You’ll see him again, don’t worry. Things will work out, even if I have to go out there and drag him here myself,” Aleva declared confidently. “Thank you, Aleva, that’s very kind of you to say. But you were right before, I shouldn’t give up on him so easily. If there is anyone who can get through that jungle, it’s him,” Eleanor proclaimed as she demonstrated the trust she held for the man who had won her heart. “That’s the spirit. Now come on, this city won’t run itself and our favourite lord won’t start until we’re all there to listen to his babble,” Aleva commented as they both went on to start another heavy workload day. Deep within the thick confines of the overgrown foliage of the Silvervein Jungle, a small section had been rotted away leaving behind a defective circle of decayed plant matter and newly blooming corruption. Within this newly created patch of decomposing litter, a small collection of black tents adorned with the stylized symbol of a silver skull with batlike ears could be found, with one tent being much more noticeably larger than the rest as it stood proudly in its center. Here a mixed collection of Zombies, Skeletons, and Werebats of about fifteen strong, stood on guard and performed various tasks across the temporary campground as they daydreamed the same future they held with their master. Just as the sun was threatening to appear to herald the start of a new day, this was the site where the Werebat known as Eztli touched down to find her mistress to inform her of her findings. As she made her way past her fellow servants, she arrived at the colossal tent that was her master’s dwellings. As she parted those cotton drapes, she quickly found her one and only mistress, the divinely touched Lola leisurely laying face down on her favourite portable chaise getting a back massage by her two Mummy attendants. Her undead massagers worked their tangled hands all along the smooth, pale surface of her slender back from her sculpted shoulders down to her ample backside. Her boney, winged arms remained folded to her sides to prevent her truly unrivaled wingspan from taking up too much space while her long, wavey silver hair was pushed aside and allowed to dangle from her left side to allow better across to her lissome figure. The head priestess of this minuscule clan of the night dwellers was devoid of her usual pious yet revealing attire as she laid completely striped bare with only her iconic bat head shaped headdress to be found laying on the decaying forest floor beside her elongated resting place. “Mistress, I have overheard some promising information,” Eztli declared as she took a submissive knee before her master. “Mmhhmmm, can’t you see I’m getting my nightly massage before morning. The sun is nearly up, and I can already feel it luring me to slumber. Can’t this wait?” Lola murmured out lazily with closed eyes as she could already feel her strength fading. “Well, it’s just that I have a lead of Cezar’s whereabouts, so I thought you might be interested to hear what I have to say,” Eztli mentioned as she dangled the perfect bait to get her priestess’s attention. Lola’s sensitive ears twitched before her blood red eyes shot open and a baleful, fanged smile crept over her willowy face. With a simple hoist of one of her arms, her pair of Mummy servants ceased their kneading and took a step back to allow their master to rise. Her lengthy, clawed tipped legs quickly crossed over one another as she repositioned herself into a sitting position as she allowed her servants to gawk at the elegant, perfect shape of her modest, bare breasts and lean stomach. Now after finding herself a second wind to help fight off her drowsiness, the imposing bat woman gazed down upon her scout with intense interest. “It’s about time, I was beginning to think this year was going to be another dud. I swear, how hard is it to find one specific man around here? Now tell me, Eztli, where is my husband-to-be and more importantly, why don’t you have him with you right now?” Lola callously demanded an answer. “Aside from the fact you ordered no one may lay a claw on him aside from you, I don’t have his exact, current location. But I do know where he is headed, mistress, and the best part is, he isn’t alone,” Eztli replied with a surprisingly cheeky tone. “Not alone, you say. That doesn’t sound like him, are you sure this is the same Cezar we’re talking about. Where exactly did you hear this intel from?” the dignified clan leader inquired with a raised brow. “I overheard it straight from the lips of Dycia and an Amazon she was traveling with, who I believe is one of Cezar’s sisters,” the Werebat informed as she maintained her genuflecting position.An immediate, frightful tone swift occurred once Lola overheard that accused Ocelomeh’s name, “Dycia? Did you say Dycia? Why were you following that overgrown tabby cat when I tasked you to track Cezar, and what do you mean she was with one of his sisters? She never works with others. She refused to work for me, hell she even shot me before just to get in my way, the ungraceful bitch. What changed? Don’t tell me her new strategy to steal away the man that is rightfully mine is by warming up to his family now? Is there no level that meddling shrewd won’t sink to get in my way? Why can’t she take a hint she will never have him?” Eztli secretly rolled her eyes as she overheard her entitled leader go off on yet another rant regarding her most hated rival before coughing to get her master’s attention, “I apologize, mistress but Dycia is the one of the few mamono with the skills necessary to reliably track down someone as slippery as Cezar. I figured tailing her was our best option to not only find a lead but get ahead of her, and my gamble paid off. For I not only learned that Cezar is headed to Gorgona Village but that he managed to give the Ocelomeh the run around. If we hurry, we can get ahead of them all and capture Cezar before Dycia even has a chance to interfere with you again, mistress.” “Well, I suppose I can’t argue with the results,” Lola uttered as she leaned back in thought while her usual composure returned to her, “Gorgona village you say? Remind me, what is our standing with those slithery cultists again?” “Well, it could be better, but it could also be worse. I would say it’s a little less than neutral, if I’m being honest. However, I have heard they are on quite good terms with Cezar, so I highly doubt they would surrender him to you if that is what you were hoping for, I’m afraid,” the Werebat stated factually. “Hmmm, then perhaps we should just occupy the village to make things simple,” Lola lazily suggested with an unconcerned expression. “Not so simple, mistress. May I will remind you, you only have about thirty servants under your command at the moment, most of which are not here or combat efficient. We simply do not have the numbers needed to clash with the village, not to mention they are led by three Medusas. While I know you have more than enough power to resist their gaze, mistress, the others and I will not be so fortunate. I think I can easily speak on behalf of the others that we do not wish to be turned to stone for any amount of time,” Eztli wisely advised as her shaky tone made it clear how uncomfortable she was with such an idea. “Hmmmm, what’s the point of having servants if they’re just going to complain,” Lola mumbled to herself before turning her attention back to her scout, “well, if we can’t negotiate or force their hand, what do you think we should do then?” “I would suggest we simply take a small force and sneak in under the cover of darkness to abduct Cezar while no one is looking. He is only human after all, so even he needs his beauty sleep and most of the Lamia’s should be too preoccupied with their husbands at that time to stop us. As long as we are careful, play our cards right and don’t overstay our welcome, I can’t foresee any problems,” the Werebat suggested. “I must say that is an entertaining idea. Very well, that is the course of action we shall take. Go, inform the others and direct them to march towards Gorgona village as far as they can during the day. Once night falls and I awaken, we shall take flight for the remainder of the journey and prepare ourselves just outside of that village. Now off with you, I need my own beauty sleep so I can look my best for Cezar when I finally reunite with him,” the bat priestess ordered as she shooed her servant away. “Actually, mistress, before I go, I was hoping we could perhaps discuss some sort of reward for my services,” Eztli more timidly requested as the atmosphere shifted yet again to a more unpleasant one. “Oh? And here I thought being blessed by Camazotz herself and given the honor of serving her divine will was reward enough. Now tell me, what exactly do you feel entitled to from me for your services?” Lola more coldly inquired of her overstepping minion. “Well…ummmm….you remember how I mentioned Cezar wasn’t traveling alone. I was just hoping that maybe I could…..you know……acquire one of them for myself as a husband?” the Werebat muttered out as it felt like she was stepping on eggshells all of a sudden. “Oh, is that all? And here I thought you were going to ask for something ridiculous. I tell you what, if your intel is correct and this all works out then I’ll let you have first pick of whatever rift raft Cezar is currently with. How does that sound,” Lola answered with a sly smile. “Oh, thank you, mistress. Rest assured, if we rely on our stealth, Cezar will take his rightful place beside you, mark my words,” Eztli happily proclaimed as she started to walk backwards to make her exit. “Consider them marked, my loyal servant. So, if you’re happy with our arrangement, I hope you now have the proper motivation to ensure my will is done. Now, if that is all, I must now get ready for my rest,” Lola acknowledged before a yawn crept up on her to indicate how tired she was rapidly becoming. “Of course, and I am most grateful for your kindness. Have a pleasant slumber, mistress,” Eztli thanked with a bow before slipping out of the tent. With her privacy returned to her, aside from the presence of her two devoted Mummy attendants, Lola surrendered herself to the comfortable embrace of her chaise as she slipped into a resting position. As her eyes grew heavy, she picked up a flower she had plucked earlier and examined it as it withered under her necrotic touch. As the last petal rotted away and fell from the small taste of her power, a content smile formed on her as she moved her other wing to tenderly rub her currently flat stomach. Soon, oh very soon, she would have the one man worthy enough in this entire jungle to stand beside her for all eternity. The one man who was as special as she was. With Cezar as her husband and his divinely blessed seed fueling her womb with life, her dream of turning this jungle into one of eternal night and undeath would soon be made a reality. Her inference would spread, her power would grow, and her goddesses happiness would be assured. Then she would have the power to not only ensure she would never have to worry about the draining rays of that accused sun again, but finally take her place as one of the great powers within this jungle. However, above all the other prospects her marriage with Cezar would bring, the one she was most looking forward to was the fact she would soon be the progenitor of an entirely new species of mamono, one born from her union with Cezar. The thought of her entire lineage being blessed by not one, but two goddesses caused a pride to swell in her like none other. Oh, she could just imagine them now, unrivaled hunters soaring through the night sky, spreading corruption and undeath wherever they ventured and ensuring their goddesses maintained a healthy presence on this plain of existence. They would be glorious; they would be perfect. Oh, the thought of no longer being the only Camazotz filled her with a sense of imperiousness delight she hadn’t felt since she was reborn in her goddess’s image and chosen to be her divine apostle oh so long ago. In fact, the notion of her impending rise and future offspring was so comforting she quickly found herself lured to slumber where she was free to partake in her dream like future to her heart’s content. But not before taking one last agonizingly long yawn and mumbling out a few last words. “If this…goes as smoothly…..as I hope…..maybe….just maybe…..I won’t need to ask that old Demon for her stupid help after all. Serves her….right…….for asking for so….much.”