seen from South Africa
seen from Yemen
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from Brazil
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from Japan
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Japan
seen from United States
The issue is...
I have these awesome characters...fully fleshed out backstories...and no plot to put them in.
You know when you love the characters so much but you are having an issue on what to do with them? Yeah, but like...I don't want the back stories to be the stories cause its disjointed.
I just wanted a solid found family at the start.
Writing problems. *laughs* But honestly there are worse problems than having characters you love.
( I got a little inspired from Facebook...and was just able to sit down today to write it. I approached it not exactly from the prompt's direction too but that is the scene that popped in my head.)
“Well…I have to ask, am I dead?”
Moments ago I was just sitting at my desk sipping a cup of coffee playing a lovely game of slaughter the Nazi when I found myself suddenly not there. Still had my coffee in had though, Deadpool pajama pants for the whole damn world to see no shoes and, I’m sorry to those that had to see me, no shirt. Someone was standing in front of me too, lithe build with a very baggy hoodie and baggy pants on wearing some kind of sneaker and a face that was obscured by shadows that were impossibly dark for the time of day and location.
“No, finish your coffee and let’s go.”
Fuck…people were walking around us like they didn’t notice me or them. The voice of the person was androgynous and a touch echoey. I knew one thing in this moment, without introduction and without me even having to ask the question, in my bones I knew this was Death. THE Death the primordial force that will exist until the end of the universe. So weird, I wonder if they developed that power just to make it easier.
“Alright, fuck it. Not like I have a choice do I…?”
I already hate this. I’ve got body issues, most fat guys do no matter the praise they get. Fuck, I hope I don’t have to fight anything. I have no idea how I’ll do. I don’t fight, no one wants to fight me so I’ve never had to.
“No you don’t have to fight. Maybe, I’m not sure. People handle the situation differently. I’m just Death, I don’t know the future or the past. Think there is a time you’re supposed to die? Absolutely not. Chaos my friend. Complete Chaos.”
That…honestly that made me feel a lot better about a lot of things. Though to delve into that right now would completely pull my focus away from whatever this is.
“Why me?”
I had to ask as we walked another block. If Death was powerful enough to just pull me out of my living room I figured we could at least get closer, though…my feet don’t hurt even though they are bare so that is good at least.
“In a two-thousand-mile radius of my current problem your soul was the only one that matched what I needed…what ever that is. I don’t know have exact details. I just know when I problem arises and I need help I concentrate and the one who is best able to help just appears to me like a blip on a radar.”
Well…it is nice to be needed right. I mean I doubt that is the case, I’m not that special. I’m just me. I took another sip of my coffee.
“What do I get out of this?”
I don’t work for free. I’m completely convinced when given any modicum of power I’d go full on super villain. I know at my core I’m evil, just the kind of evil that still wants to protect those that love and cherish. Touch my wife and I’ll burn the whole damn world down, same for my kid. So again, I wonder why I was the blip.
“A favor.”
That was all Death needed to say. I get a favor from Death, I mean I bet there are rules and what not attached to it, but who wouldn’t want a favor from Death. That was enough for me.
“And lunch. A favor and lunch and you have yourself a deal.”
Death stopped and turned around to look at me, I could feel the weight of their gaze too but I just stood there and stared at where I thought their eyes would be crossing my arms across my chest with a smirk…Never take fully what is offered. Ask for just a little more.
“You got it. Cause I know what you want…hell I want it too. A favor and lunch.”
That was good enough for me. Almost made me forget I was shirtless and barefoot in a large city. We approached a hospital and headed right in. We passed the nurses station, and I was able to grab a scrub top much to their confusion. I felt better with a shirt on at least. We went up to the morgue…and there…holy crap.
It was some kind of creature, twisted with pitch flesh and blood ooze from various places, like self-inflicted wounds. It was just roaring and trying to smash through things it couldn’t fully interact with. There were some forms in the corner cowering in fear…ghosts? I don’t have time to question everything.
“Calm them down.”
…wait…what?!..
It was just a roaring beast that was at least six feet tall. I think it was meant to be bi-pedal but it was only that way sometimes. Like how some movies show werewolves, like they can walk a few steps until they want to run and then it is down on all fours.
“Well…fuck. Okay. Hey.”
I started waving slightly. The creature made a swipe for me but It was slow I was able to step back to avoid it. The ‘mission’ was to calm them down. Calm, not hurt, not subdue but calm.
“HEY!”
I said again, but this time with the power of dad voice. I didn’t like using it much, unless we were outside and my kid was about to run into a parking lot or something just as dangerous. I have NO information to go off of. Death wasn’t a planner were they? The creature’s attention was fully on me now. Good, that is what I needed…not what I wanted though. I knew I wasn’t dead now because my heart was hammering in my chest.
“Knock it the fuck off okay. You are scaring the shit out of these other people. What the hell is going on anyway? I’m sure being dead sucks but this…this can’t be good for you, can it?”
The creature seemed to understand my words if only for a moment before it roared at me. Its mouth…chilling. Elongated like a wolf but the teeth…they were human. I could make money on this if I could get into practical effects and recreate the look.
What to do. I had to use a chair to keep it back and out of swiping range. I don’t think I can actually die here…but maybe no risk no reward.
“This can’t kill you, but if it manages to hurt you too bad I am SOL and will have to destroy it completely. I don’t want to do that so I brought you.”
So it was a soul, something twisted and probably not evil. Otherwise there would be no sympathy. I need more compassion. The creatures attention was still on me and all those cowering in the corner were watching with rapt attention. There is a lot of rage here, so much anger, and where there is anger there is sadness. Okay…okay…got it.
“Hey, we are just gonna talk alright. I won’t yell anymore. Just calm, just calm and cool. Listen I can’t help you right now. Not with all this rage and aggression. Trust me. I want to help you. I get nothing out of the situation if you are harmed. What happened? Why are you so angry?”
It took another swipe at me. Fuck…this thing is strong, almost knocked the chair out of my hands. It was hurt, even it was just by itself. When I met its gaze I could see such sadness. Rage and sadness. I got you.
“Hey. Listen, I am here for you, okay? I am here for you. Not Death, not these people in the corner, you and just you. Fuck any reward…fuck anything else okay. Just me and you here. I am your friend. No one touches you unless they step over my literal dead body, which isn’t even HERE so they are screwed trying to find it. You don’t deserve this, what ever this is. So talk to me. Let me help you, that is all I want right now.”
That caused the creature to pause and look at me. Tears welling up in its eyes. I see why I was called. Most people wouldn’t look in its eyes, they couldn’t see the pain there. They’d see the twisted muscle, the claws…they’d be hostile. Monsters were fantasy for me until I was brought here.
“I…they…momma…MOMMA!”
It cried and looked around panicked. This is a child. THIS IS A CHILD! Thank gods I didn’t hit it, and now I know why the dad voice caused it to pause. I wonder if these souls were trying to help before or where they just trying to leave after they died? Hard to say.
“Hey kid…calm down. Shhhh I got you okay. You want to see your Mom once more. We got you okay. Did they take you and here away at the same time?”
The kid seemed calmer now, just tears streaming from its eyes. They nodded and seemed to wrap their twisted arms around themselves, rocking a little bit. Certainly a kid. I sighed for a moment.
“Would you like a hug? I can give you a hug if you’d allow. Sometimes its nice to just get grounded. I’m a dad, so I can only imagine how it is being separated from your mom. I give the best hugs too, I’m like a teddy bear.”
That is why my daughter said when she was younger anyway. Daddy bear hugs. The child looked to me hesitantly and then nodded slowly. I got up from the chair and I moved slowly. I had no weapons, I’m a big dude but people say they aren’t scared of me. I like to think I’m not scary normally anyway. When I got close enough I just wrapped my arms around them. Sure some of their spikes went into my skin, hurt like a bitch too, the blood smelled terrible as well…still though. Sometimes a hug is what the doctor called for. The kid just started to cry. Its massive head put on my shoulder and nestled into the crook of my neck like my daughter did plenty of times when she was little. I felt they shift, the sound of…gods I don’t know, snapping bone and such was heard all around. I just closed my eyes and held the kid for as long as they squeezed me back.
Soon, I was holding a five year old boy who was finally calming down from all the crying. The holes from the wounds and claws were still there on my body but he looked alright. Oddly I wasn’t bleeding…wonder if that was Death’s doing? Or do I not bleed if I’m not solid? Too many questions I’ll leave for another day.
“Can you take us to his mom?”
Death just nodded as I held the kid in my arms. We left the morgue and went to a hospital room where the kids mother was. She was alive, but badly hurt. Apparently there was a car accident, they got hit by a drunk driver. The kid was dead just after arriving. Freaked out when he couldn’t find his mom. I held him for a while.
“Momma will be okay?”
He asked me and I looked to Death who nodded with a touch of a shrug. I know, chaos on all that stuff, suddenly I was a little less reassured.
“She’ll be okay little one. Best thing you can do is let Death take you to the next world, be as happy as you can. Your mom will cross over eventually, and then you two can play. Just be happy and play as much as you can in the meantime okay?”
The little boy nodded and I set him down, he walked to his mom and gave her a kiss on the cheek before turning to go hold hands with Death. Sudden I was back in front of my desk…wearing the scrubs top my coffee cup filled to my liking.
“Get dressed. Lunch is gonna be in an hour.”
I heard Death’s voice in my mind. I could only grinned. I was about to get my favorite sandwich on the planet, that alone was worth it. Still, I would have done it for free if there was nothing Death could give me. That kid needed the guidance. I wonder how many have crossed over and looked to reunite with someone but couldn’t due to held back rage and depression. That…that breaks my heart.
“Also thank you. You were certainly the best pick.”
I smiled at that, again…feeling useful was nice. Well time to get dressed, I wonder how Death will get me half-way across the country to that sandwich place? I don’t care…number 15 here I come.
A survivor and a metal man
The sun was warm upon aging skin, the clouds offering just the right amount of assistance to make it soothing instead of scorching. His helmet just rested in the grass next to him, a dull gleam…dust from walking. Magento had no idea how he got here, one moment he was on Arrako and the next he wasn’t. Gods, mutants, dimensional rifts…it was all hard to tell at this point. You live long enough; you see it all and very little shakes you.
There were no foes here, no immediate danger and if this was to be a cage it was one of the loveliest he has ever been in. The question remained still, what was the purpose? His powers have been diminished greatly, but they were still there, which was a bonus. He couldn’t rip raw ore out of the ground, but he could feel it was there. He couldn’t fly either but honestly walking here wasn’t so bad. He could gather some powdered iron on the surface and press them into projectiles, so he wasn’t completely defenseless. Still, he was less prepared than he would have liked to be.
Magneto could feel another ‘portal’ open not too far away, just on the other side of some rolling hills near the meadow he was walking in. There was a pause, was this friend or foe? A clue to why he was brought here perhaps? Iron was pulled and gathered and he was ready to fight the best his old bones would allow. It was then he saw a robot walking casually. Eyes of red and the color of bronze dressed…well dressed like an American solider from World War 2. There was something nostalgic about it. He didn’t seemed to be armed and his movements weren’t aggressive but rather meandering. When the robot caught sight of Magento he made a b-line straight towards him. No weapons were pulled and no aggressive movement was made, he simply saluted.
“GI Robot, reporting for duty sir. I have seemingly made a wrong turn somewhere and have been separated from my unit. May I have your name and rank? You seem to calm to be a dirty Nazi, nor do you wear the uniform. Am I correct in that assumption?”
There was an odd sense of calm coming from this robot. Magneto couldn’t help but eye him for a moment and then with a light smile he shook his head. He then without held up his arm and pulled back his suit sleeve just a bit to reveal his wrist and the number 214782 tattooed in faded ink. The robot’s eyes widened and then he took a step back to salute once more.
“GI Robot was present at the liberation of several internment camps and killed many Nazis in the process. I am familiar with that tattoo. You are strong and brave and have earned my respect sir.”
“I certainly not a Nazi, GI Robot was it. You, you do not need to call me sir. I have no rank as I am not military and my name is M…”
He paused for a moment and just smiled. There was something interesting about this one. His mutant name meant nothing here, not to this being pulled out of time and dimension. So Magneto put out his hand.
“Max, Max Eisenhardt It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Max was a name he gave to few as everyone else called him Magento, that name was for Earth and for mutants and humans to know and fear. Here, there was no reputation to be had. Here with this robot he would just be Max at least while he was here.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Max Eisenhardt. Friend Max would you like to hunt and kill Nazis with GI Robot? I’ve been looking for a friend to hunt and kill Nazis with. My primary directive is to kill Nazis and their allies and It has been 74 years two weeks and fourteen days since I have been able to do so.”
That made Max laugh more than a little bit. What ever made this robot had good intentions if nothing else. This singular drive was pure, and his intuition didn’t scream at him…there was an odd comfort in the GI’s presence.
“You know what GI Robot; I would like nothing more than to kill Nazis with you. I am afraid I am not made of metal though, so my ability to aid is more than a little limited…but I will do my best. We will help each other alright?”
Even if there were mutants, they weren’t called that back in the day so it was hard to gage if they were indeed from the same planet or not. This simple question would help, no one didn’t know the name he was about to drop next.
“Listen GI Robot, I don’t know if you have celebrities where you come from there is a man by the name of Steve Rogers or better known as Captain America, he killed Nazis too. Have you heard of him?”
That at least would tell him if this metal man was from any Earth that was somewhat similar to what he knew. GI robot canted his head as though he was searching for something. A slow shake of the head followed.
“GI Robot does not know of this Captain America, but if I were to meet him I would be very happy to kill Nazis with him too. I am sorry friend Max, is he someone you were looking for? Do you think the Nazis have captured him?”
So that was that, they aren’t from a familiar earth. At least with the robot’s attitude Nazis didn’t win the war like he has encountered in the past. Though even if he encountered that now there wasn’t much to do with his powers so diminished, but…he could help the robot. That was advantageous.
“Listen GI Robot, I don’t know why we were brought here together. Clearly you are my friend and not my enemy. I need to find water at some point and food. I will help you kill Nazis, and you’ll have to help me with food and water. Is that acceptable?”
GI Robot did another scan of the area or what Max would assume to be a scan. He then nodded and simply took off at a brisk pace in one direction. Picking his helmet up and wearing it once more Max moved to follow the Robot. This was going to be interesting no matter what. Might as well…just go with the flow. He was constantly testing for electromagnetic fluctuations around him, seeing if he could get more of his power back as they walked. He had some control, a little more than he did a while ago so that was progress. Apparently flexing one’s powers was allowing them to return at a faster rate.
“Look friend Max, I have found a creek. You need water and I have found it.”
There was a creek just outside of the meadow that perhaps the robot had seen upon arrival. Max took his time to hydrate and GI robot even had a canteen at his side that he offered so they could keep moving. He probably had a radiator or something as well…and the thought of fuel came up. He must be powered by diesel…that would be harder to do.
“Thank you GI. Can you tell me, friend, how you got here?”
GI Robot did another scan of the area before picking another direction to walk. His pace wasn’t faster than Max’s and that seemed deliberate, more nuance to this metal man.
“I was getting my upgrades explained to me by my new employer Miss. Waller, I spun around to make sure all of my joins were limber and I was not where I was but was here instead.”
Simple enough, so their methods of transportation were similar too. After a few hours of walking there sounds of a large group of people. Shouting and orders being given…the sounds of boots on the ground…it sound like an army and when they got closer the orders were being shouted…in German.
“Could it be, GI Robot asks, a gathering of Nazis begging to be exterminated by GI robot?”
Max just looked to the metal man next to him and had to stifle a chuckle. There was a pat on the shoulder as they stuck to the tree line to get a better look at the group ahead. What they saw, well even after all these years it caused a bit of tension to grab the Omega level mutants heart. There were indeed Nazis. Close to thirty or forty, looking like they were just pulled from the front lines of the German invasion. Their commander was…a red faced murderer that Max had no issues wishing death upon, Red skull. Mixed with the Nazis though were soldiers of a similar uniform carrying the identifying mark of Hydra but…different and a second one revealed himself…it was another Red Skull but older looking. Did this place bring together past and present? He had to put a hand on GI Robot to stop him from just charging in.
Something else caught his eye, there were jeeps and guns and some supplies but also a cage with a prone figure wearing a very familiar suit. Steve Rogers…how interesting, speak of the devil huh? How good would it be in some relations to have a favor from Captain America? Still though…the robot was shaking with anticipation…what could he do to help, certainly if he just ran in he’d get obliterated?
“It is in our best interest to think a little bit before acting GI Robot. Also those other men near the Nazis are allies called Hydra. They are just as bad, but we have a hostage to think of, the man I mentioned before Steve Rogers. If you rescue him, he will be more than happy to kill Nazis with you alright?”
GI Robot looked like an eager puppy just waiting for the word go, but at least he was holding back that much. He would nod and wait not being able to add to much. Max looked to the tree line and found a good path to the cage where Captain America was being kept, he pulled more iron from the soil and had his own bullets ready.
“Just be careful of me. Attack from the west and well kill as many of them as you can. Those two with the red faces though, they are VERY strong. The name is Red Skull. Can you fight a strong opponent GI Robot or are you made to kill just humans?”
IT was then the sound of tearing fabric was heard and GI Robot got taller and wider, all of his limbs looked similar to the hulks. He still wore the helmet with the number 2 on it though.
“I have been upgraded friend Max. GI Robot can fight men or monsters now. All Nazi scum will die. I am so happy!”
He laughed as he turned to stomp away, the sound of very high caliber munitions being fired could be heard and the shouts of alarm were coming from all over their camp moments after GI Robot’s assault. If it wasn’t those that caused him so much torment, it would almost be unnerving to listen to…the sounds of robotic laughter and the dying screams of Nazi and Hydra agents.
“WHAT IS GOING ON?! SHOOT HIM!”
Max could hear The Red Skulls shouting to their soldiers as they were slaughtered on mass. He moved to the cage where Steve was being held and was able to bed the bars shattering the lock. He looked like he was beat pretty good, but perhaps the powers he had were reduced too…which meant that Red Skull wouldn’t be as strong either, good thing for the robot he didn’t have powers…how fortunate to meet.
“Mag…Magneto?”
A dazed Captain America said as the mutant helped him stand up and offered support. Max just held him up and lead him away from the cage back to the tree line.
“Yeah, it is your lucky day. You’ll certainly owe me a favor after this, but right now we need to get out of the way of my new over zealous friend. A robot from the time when we were young but not from our Earth. If he had a soul, I’d say it was good but not a bit violent. His name is GI Robot.”
Steve looked up to see the robot rampaging through the camp fighting the two Red Skulls. Dead bodies littered the ground, well bodies and body parts. There was nothing merciful about how this one killed his enemies. Still, even Rogers didn’t have room in his heart for Nazi sympathy even after all these years. Magneto sent a few metal spikes here and there to kill the wounded, but there was not much either of them could offer in the way of support.
A body slammed into a tree where they were taking cover. It was the mangled remains of the younger Red Skull. What a way to die…if it was anyone else there might be sympathy. The other was still fighting GI, Steve was watching with just rapt attention. It was an epic conclusion that had the robot lifting Red Skull above his head and ripping him in two in a macabre scene laughing the entire time.
“Good thing he is on our side.”
Steve just watch the robot pad up. Max of course was smiling a touch.
“It is like having a Hulk, who only likes to kill Nazis.”
Covered in viscera GI Robot padded up like a puppy happy as could be. Max patted a very small portion of the robot that was left undirtied and Steve did his best to muster a salute.
“Cheer for the tin man?”
The tone was pensive and reserved, Max couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. Really this metal warrior hasn’t followed his directive for a long time, he wanted approval, and he wanted to feel relevant. There was no anger here, just respect.
“Cheer for the Tin man!”
“Cheers!”
Max smirked when Steve chimed in. There was no telling how long they would be here, or still the reason why, but this…this could be worse. That was for sure.
Every Year for a minute...
...I make this post and it is no different this year.
It is okay if you Hate Mother's day. You are allowed to.
I see you, I feel you. I hate it too. It can be a hard day for so many people for so many different and valid reasons.
This blog is a safe space. If you need to vent DMs are open.
Chapter 3 is up on Ao3
I needed to post something positive today. Something to distract for a little bit. I have chapters 4 and 5 done as well, but editing is slow. I hope you enjoy.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/60846667/chapters/159634396
I deleted the community...
...no bad blood, no anything negative. I just couldn't get a clear view of what I really wanted to do on it that wasn't just on my blog.
I might make a new one when I get the itch. But right now until I can be more consistent I think I shouldn't try to bite off more than I can chew.
40 year old bastard in another world (retold)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
I'm not going to post the full text here. I have spent a lot of effort on this one and realize I'm going to edit it forever if I don't post it.
Chapter 4
Here ya go!
Sorry I've been slow on posting. Life is busy and the world is on fire. Doing my best, I'm still very interested in writing it is just hard to get stuff out and work full time.
Full Text Below
Its long as hell. Not sorry.
We didn’t talk for a while after that. Irma would look at me now and again, I noticed out of the corner of my eye as I looked out at the road. I got some XP for it too…almost got a level, but not quite. I have noticed I gained XP when I first learned to use a skill and when I cast shatter magic, the skill screen has a history section. Good, I’m glad it isn’t just based on murder, though I doubt I’ll notice when I level up.
We rode for a while after that, until we came to a clearing on the much less traveled road we were trying to take. I spent time figuring out what food stuff and herbs we were given. Salt pork, a single fresh roast that I’d have to cook tonight…things that looked like potatoes but smelled like carrots. All of it was good, I had several ideas for dinner as I got the fire and the pot ready.
“Men know how to cook in your world or are you all assholes there too? I am not cooking you shit by the way.”
Irma asked as I started the fire. I had to chuckle. I was already setting up the travel table so I could start cutting the roast and the veg to make a rather lovely stew. I made sure to pay extra for some pepper and salt, I knew they would be the difference between okay and wonderful. Spices made the world go around. Eating food from the tavern showed me they are at least reserved with their seasoning, but then that could be the wealth gap.
“I mean there are a lot of men who are assholes in my world, when it comes to cooking I’m not one of them. I love to cook. So as long as you like my food, I’d like to cook for you and anyone else. If there is a dish you want me to cook, I’m open to learning for sure. I’m in a new world, which means new flavors. I’m excited for that.”
Irma just watched me and then got up to pour some ale from one of the barrels Bear sent with us. She brought me one too which was nice of her, I wasn’t expecting anything from her. She has been through a lot and I didn’t want to even have her drive but I have no skill with horses so it had to be her until I leveled up and was able to have access to animal handling.
“Alright that works for me. Told ya, I am not cooking.”
She was watching me the entire time, not one ounce of her trusted me. Hell, she might not even eat what I make, but again I don’t blame her. I just need to keep acting truthfully. I think she can see that is what I’m doing at least. No lies, no deception. Keep it open and honest. I have to build trust, and that is just going to take time.
Everything was smelling good and in a position where I could just let it cook for an hour. So I moved away from the camp and looked to the sun as it was trying to set and smiled. The forest was beautiful. This felt good, gods I haven’t camped in so long. Then I remembered a spell I took…now was the perfect time to take it. I even clapped my hands and bounced in place causing Irma to cant her head and then shake it. I think she was getting a feel for how big of a goof ball I am.
“I’m gonna do it! Right now…we have the time so why not? Going to cast Summon Familiar. Yeah this feels right.”
Her eyes widened and she just sighed and took another drink of the ale we brought. I could tell she was thinking about her next words as she leaned forward and set her tankard on the table. Her hands folded in front of her face and she took a very serious tone. That got my full attention.
“Okay Ogre, I’m going to give you some free advice. Summon something weak. Something you can control. If they hate you they might try and kill you just so they can leave. You are their tether; you live and that will keep them here. If you summon something as strong or possibly stronger than you and you piss them off, they’ll try to kill you just to go back home. SO LET ME REPEAT…go for something weak. Or not, you don’t have to listen to me.”
I smirked, she said the same thing I say when giving advice. She wasn’t telling me what to do, only advising me on what will possibly happen. It wasn’t bad advice, but I wasn’t planning on listening to it. When I look at the spell description there was a bar at the bottom with a little slider that seems to be how much mana I could use to cast this spell. I haven’t seen that on any other…so that was interesting.
“I hear you…but something inside me says all or nothing. I’m gonna crank it up.”
Irma just stared at me and then laughed a little bit. She turned her chair to face me a little more and even refilled her mug so she had a full ringside seat for the antics to come.
“I want to see this thing rip you apart. When Demons summon a familiar, it is a personal thing. It is a rare ability, and they revere their familiar. You better do the same. Familiars are NOT slaves. They are partners. Understand. I won’t trust you ever again if you summon something good to make them a glorified slave.”
That last part was a stern warning. Hell, I didn’t want this summon to be a slave. I wanted it to be a companion. I didn’t need to say that part out loud, words weren’t needed here. Actions will be what show my intent. I look at the spell description and start reading.
‘Chant what you feel is right and pay the mana cost, this is not a guarantee of success and it may take more than one casting.’
I nodded and slid the bar about 9/10ths so I could cast a few spells if it really wanted to kill me. Shit I Have a lot of mana don’t I? This is a lot of mana…maybe I should dial it back? Nah. Oh…oh this might make me feel drained. OH well, let us get this thing started eh. I took a position and decided to take a knee, like I was asking for help rather than commanding. Then I hit the submit button.
“I call upon the realm of the Faye where familiars dwell. I don’t need a servant, or a steed. I need a friend, an equal…a companion. I need wisdom from years beyond my own and I need a power that rivals my own. Not because I want to rule the world. But because I want to free it. I have power and what I need is perspective and someone to knock my skull if I become drunk with it. The world does not need another tyrant. They need a true hero. I am not what they need. My heart is dark, and I will spill a great deal of blood before I am done. Irma, is a great source of wisdom but I will only continue to increase in power…and she may need help. So I ask, beg, plead…come to me my new friend. Help me change the world for the better and know the path ahead will be hard but worth it.”
Then it felt like someone was pulling a thousand strings from my skin. I didn’t hurt, but it made goosebumps form all over my bodsy. SO WEIRD! Yeah, so this is what it felt like to cast a massive spell…how interesting. This is good, this is very good. I wonder if the sensation of having one’s mana pulled away is the same or maybe, then its painful? My breathing got a little labored. Everything, just existing was heavy. Fascinating!
Soon in front of me I saw a swirling mass of black clouds. Most would assume something evil…a dark creature bent on destroying the world. Me, nope, I’m still smiling. Shadows aren’t evil and not everything that dwells within is considered that as well. This is SO…
…that is all I got to think before a massive arm came from that swirling cloud and knocked my block off sending me a dozen or so yards off to the side. FUCK that hurt. I was dizzy, my ears were ringing and I bet a million bucks I’d be dead again if it wasn’t for that armor. When I hit the ground I rolled and then did the cool thing where I was able to right myself and skid on the ground on my feet with a fist in the ground for a little bit.
There was a bear covered in feathers standing where the cloud was. Its face was very corvid like. OH! It was a raven-bear. HOLY HELL THAT LOOKS SOOO COOL! I thought owlbears were awesome. This is way cooler…but it wants to kill me. Irma…she was laughing at me. She was right…I can’t be mad if she is gloating a little bit. Fuck it, fine. I’m going to fight it though. I reach for my axe but stop myself. No, I don’t want to kill it. I don’t know why, but something in my gut says to fight…but not kill.
“Stone skin, dash!”
Even with a little mana left I could cast a handful of spells. This was going to help me…I charged forward and used one arm to block the next attack while…fuck it I just punched it in the face as hard as I could. Irma spit out her drink in surprise and I knocked the bear back a little bit…but not as much as it hit me. I could hear her laugher soon after…she must be having a blast.
“You’re gonna punch it to death dumbass? This is too funny. It has been nice knowing you, thank you for all the supplies so I can get back home.”
She chuckled and took another sip…she said some other stuff but I was only a little aware of her words now as I tried to punch the bear again, and it landed but not much happened, and again a massive paw smashed into my side and sent me flying, but it didn’t hurt as much this time as it did before. Irma was laughing which now caught the bears attention. It growled and turned to face her, but only after looking at me for a moment. SHIT! If that thing is hurting me this bad he might kill Irma, NO…fuck.
“LEAP! DASH!”
I moved faster than I could think really and I made myself a cannon ball slamming into the side of the bear with all my weight sending it flying off into a different direction. This also put me between it and Irma. The raven-bear stumbled back, but didn’t roar once. Its amber eyes were just fixated on me, intent…judging…thinking or at least that is how I took it. I don’t speak Faye body language.
“Let her laugh about my death. I’d rather the thought bring a chuckle than a tear. Also FUCK YOU MAN!...or woman or non-binary entity. You were supposed to be my friend! Not that I can force you to do shit…but like…OUCH! FUCK! Okay Irma gave me a warning. She said…THIS…was going to happen. But I’m STUPID…and a guy…and a neurodivergent and I have POOR IMPULSE CONTROL! What did anyone expect was going to happen!? So anyway…BRING IT! Imma fuck you UP!”
I couldn’t see Irma’s expression. I Bet it was a mixture of shame and amusement at what she is going to be able to do once I’m dead. I’m sure she would be able to get out of the country and hopefully without a hero the kingdom will at least be a little crippled. I could only hope so. Why am I not sadder about dying? I don’t know. I mean I get killed by a cool monster I summoned…so that is kinda neat. I still think I’m really sad in general too. I miss my wife, my daughter…I’m just doing all of this to keep busy. I don’t want to self-destruct. Death by bear better than suicide…cause at least I’m fighting back with a slim hope to win.
“You are protecting her?”
It said in a deep, well bearlike voice, like if you’ve ever imagined a bear talking in a movie or tv show that is pretty much what it sounded like. I hurt…all over and my ears rang so it took me a moment or two to process everything.
“Y…yes, why wouldn’t I. She didn’t summon you, I did. She said NOT to…be a dumbass. I was a dumbass, she shouldn’t pay for that. So, I’m your fucking target. Kill me and then you can leave but…but I’m gonna make sure you’re tired before that happens.”
I could feel stone skin wearing off and I had more than enough mana to cast it and dash a few more times. I don’t think that would be enough to stop it, but when I die it just goes back home so I Have to be the biggest threat. I really should pull my axe, but that gut feeling or as my wife says ‘witchy voice’ was telling me not to still…always listen to the witchy voice.
“Fair enough. I had to test you. It is easy to leave someone to their fate when your life is at stake. You didn’t. You are prepared to die right here, I feel it. I respect that. We are good.”
Then the bear started to shift shape, compressing in a…well just…wow. No bones popping or anything just like a lump of clay collapsing in on itself and reshaping. Fucker didn’t have organs so I don’t know what I could have done anyway. Or maybe he did and this is just the magic that is shifting? Hard to say. Soon there was a giant raven standing where the hybrid bear once was. It flew up and landed on my shoulder, heavy bastard but not too much of a burden.
“I think I’ll be happy being your familiar. You are stupid, but in a smart way. Means you’ll be fun and more importantly chaotic; I do so love chaos.”
I mean, I liked them already to be honest. I turned to look at Irma and she was just staring slack jawed holding her drink. Then she just laughed and shook her head. I grinned like an idiot and limped over to the pot so I could stir the stew. The world still spun just a little bit and my ears were ringing far more than normal…but all in all I wasn’t really hurt that bad.
“Ogre…I’m starting to think you are a lucky idiot. I don’t even know what to say. Good job at not dying?”
I had to laugh at that and my new raven friend chuckled as well. I mean she wasn’t wrong. I’ve always had a certain amount of luck. Too many near misses and the like, I don’t think about it too much save that I say thank you every time I survive a near miss that could have killed me. Maybe that carried over here. Makes me wonder how many Earth gods are actually real.
“So what do I call you my new corvid friend?”
I smelled the stew and added some pepper and salt and the carrot/potatoes. Smelled good, I was not going to be mad at this. I hope they liked it…I did add more herbs too. I wanted all the flavor, this was my first time cooking in another world…has to count.
“Well…I don’t think I have a name. At least not now. I remember your majesty…OH and great scaled one! I liked that name. Blessed one was another one. I don’t think that matters, as a familiar, I need to be named by the one who summoned me. Makes the bond stronger.”
I nodded at that and Irma looked like she was processing something heavy for a moment before just laughing and shaking her head taking another sip of her ale. She might know something I don’t, I don’t need to pry at the moment. I keep doing weird things and coming out okay. I’d laugh at me too. I tapped my chin and thought for a moment before looking at my new feathered friend.
“Well I have something, its more gender fluid if that suits you. Not really masculine or feminine at least back on Earth. Will that be okay?”
I got a sideways look from the raven and they looked to be thoughtful for a moment and a solid nod followed. Iram smirked and took a deep draw of her tankard before getting up to grab mine and refill both, how nice! Maybe she is warming up to me? Maybe a little bit.
“Your name will be Sasha. I’ve always liked it, and it is partly related to my heritage back on earth since its Russian, not that you or Irma have any concept of where or what that is. So don’t mind the history of it. I really like it because my wife said that it would be my name if I ever took a job taking my clothing off for money.”
The bird regarded me a long moment and Irma had spit out her drink this time. Good I got her. I grinned at that, I love saying out of pocket things that aren’t lies. I got a nod from the raven now named Sasha. As I moved to shift the stew away from the fire Sasha hipped down and perched on the table.
“I accept that name…Sasha sounds good. Treat me well, or I’ll kill you.”
And with that he hopped down and started to inspect the camp, making his way over to the wagon after no long, his words coming back to me as I tended the stew. He sounded like a kid really…I don’t know maybe that is my hyperfocus manifesting in the bird. If that familiar is nothing more than my ADHD given form, I feel pity for my enemies.
“Wow you are ready eh? Long trip? WONDERFUL! I love to travel. What is this? Oh…never mind. WHAT IS THIS! Oh…never mind. You didn’t bring anything back from Earth did you?”
I laughed and shook my head.
“No, all of it happened in an instant and anything I had other than my clothing was gone. Sonia took those when she gave me this armor, I have my boxers, or rather A pair of boxers which is a type of underwear from my world…but like they are made from a cloth I’m not familiar with. I don’t have regular clothes, I was too focused on getting food and making sure Irma had everything she needed.”
Irma leaned forward a little more when I mentioned Sonia. She looked interested but serious too like she had a lot of questions.
“So you really talked to her huh? Like the actual goddess and not an avatar? Like a summoned body to take her place?”
What an odd but interesting question. She did say she wasn’t really worshipped anymore. I wonder if the Demon people hate her for all the heroes she has allowed through over the centuries.
“Yeah it was her, there was like a galaxy, and then the world under her feet but it was all covered in some glass. I could see mountains and clouds, and tiny little roads with tiny little wagons. Her dress…OH it was so pretty all the colors were swirling and her hair was swirling. She was NOT expecting a full ass man though that was for sure. Made her happy though, at least I think I left a good impression.”
I couldn’t tell you what was going through her head, at least not yet, she seemed like she was processing what I was saying. I don’t know her well enough to trauma response read her body language yet. Plus demons might have an entirely different set of emotional ques than what I am used to culturally.
“She didn’t say serve the humans did she? Like she wasn’t just sending you to be their puppet?”
Ahh, I see a little bit now. She was making sure the goddess wasn’t against her people. Perhaps there was a part of her that still hoped there was good in the goddess, or that the heroes being an asshole was intentional. At least that was the jist of what I was reading from her body language. Telling her the full truth would be best. I don’t need to hold anything back right now.
“Honestly no. She said she had no control over the magic save for how often it can be cast, which is why it is once every 100 years and not as much as they want. She only gives those people powers as an apology for being dragged here. Her final words to me were ‘save the world as I see fit’. I don’t think she is happy with what the human kingdom is doing. I know I’m not. Those fuckers killed kids that came through and weren’t magical. Soina said she tried that a few times and that is what happened. So I’m damn devoted to their downfall.”
I growled so I didn’t go on a super long an angry rant. They were both watching me before they looked to each other like they were sharing a silent moment. All I could think of was what would have happened to my daughter if they were successful. I wouldn’t even have known…I’d just have thought she was fucking dead. The anger was raising in me and I think at least Sasha could feel it because I felt his weight in my lap. I must have drifted away once I started to focus on the angry part. That brought me back though.
“Some of us hate Sonia for the summoning of the hero. It has done nothing but brought us torment and misfortune. She gives the humans a massive weapon to use against us. Some of us think her hands were tied and that is why she allows it. Your words confirm this. We are still angry, none of us worship anymore. It seems pointless since she seems to have turned a blind eye to our plight. I…hated her. I really did. Still do to a degree. Still, she gave you a HUGE boost in everything. Sasha should have killed you in two hits. The fact that you took it and stood shows that much. I might have a little hope that you truly are different, that you’ll change the cycle. Maybe you’ve been given more because she wants you to destroy the cycle, I’m starting to believe that is the case.”
I take in everything Irma says, her people have gone through hell and then some.
“She said I can talk to her if we find some shrines of her and I ‘pray’ hard enough. We’ll go from there, I don’t want to assume anything.”
Iram gave me a long sideways look and just shook her head with a smile. I’m going to assume that is her way of just calling me an idiot but like…in a nice way. I’m taking it as a compliment. The rest of the night was easy. I made fucking GOOD stew that is for sure. I’m a good cook even here.
They asked a lot about Earth. Society and such, then I told them about my wife and daughter. Neither really gave up much about their history…which is fine honestly. They get to choose if they can trust me, I don’t really get to choose to trust them. I have to, or I’m dead in the water. I’d wander around and end up heading back to the capital and dying in some lone stand of fake heroism.
Irma was nice/mean to me. That is what I’m used to from my family. I think it is her way of dealing with her situation. I have a feeling she’d still sell me out for five bucks if it meant the downfall of the human kingdom, and I don’t blame her. We are all just dealing with the cards that we are dealt.
Sasha sparred with me over the next few days, I got down how to call and activate my different skills. During that time I gained a level and a small amount of skill points. Also had more choices now, and put some into riding so I could drive the cart and found one that said forage. Now I could find simple herbs and veg in the forest. Stew went up by a million times. This was a good part. A very good part. We were far away from the main road now and knew that it was so lightly traveled that we didn’t see anyone for a whole day. The further away we got the more comfortable that Irma seemed to be. That was good too. We were two days off the main road Irma was letting me drive the cart because it was smooth. Made me feel like I was a dad in the drivers seat again, I always did the driving…not that I insisted but because every always wanted to rest during trips.
“AHHH!”
There was no cry for help, just a scream from down the road. Sasha flew up instantly to get a better view of the situation. I was already on alert and handed the reins to Irma. Now…I’m going to say something, I’m stupid. I’m REALLY stupid. I’m raised in America as a white male with a hero complex stupid. Raised by women who told me men are expendable stupid. So I ran straight ahead…like an idiot.
“OGRE YOU DUMBASS!”
I heard Irma yell after me. Yeah hindsight, I should have waited. Sasha would have given me a report and we should have planned. NOPE, Dumb dumb here had to run head long into something…and what I ran towards was terrifying. Bears…seems to be the flavor of the big bads here. This one was fifteen feet AT THE SHOULDER. Glowing red eyes, ichor dripping from an open maw with wicked looking teeth. Fur as pitch…everything about it screamed evil. I didn’t even register what it was chasing. This thing…stopped my heart cold…but not my FUCKING LEGS! It was terrifying and I was running right at it.
Then I came to my senses and I saw what it was chasing, a woman…wounded and running with everything she had. Think think…ADHD TAKE OVER! The world went calm and I was done calling myself stupid. I picked up a rock and chucked it hard to hit the bear right in the face. Drag aggro first, I needed its attention on me.
“SASHA GET HER OUT OF THERE PLEASE!”
I barked and kept running forward. Sasha shot past me changing his form into that of a black feathered covered griffon with a corvid looking beak…so cool. He went right up to the woman and lowered himself so she could get on.
“Get on! We’ll get you out of here!”
The woman hesitated but got on just as I was running past. I pulled out my throwing axes and just hucked them as hard as I could at the giant bear. One after another, again just trying to draw attention and wound it enough so they could get away. There wasn’t time to be scared, my rational brain will process that later. The first axe bit into the bear’s shoulder and sunk there. The second went for its leg and stuck there too…FUCK, I don’t know how the recall magic works on them. Hopefully it kicks in soon? All I knew is that I needed to hit it harder.
“DASH! STONE SKIN!”
I had other spells, but if the axes weren’t doing much I think turning myself into a sledgehammer. Though to be honest I had ZERO confidence it was going to help. Those claws could rend steel. My axes finally returned to my side after a time but this time I was close enough to get into melee with it. My great axe was brought to bear…hehe…and It knocked me off my feet before I could slam into it. More of a whole paw strike and MUCH less claws. Probably cause I was moving faster than I was a moment again. I slammed into the side of a cliff the road was cut into.
…but I could still see and think. I could still move despite the pain. Good…fucking ouch…but good. Other spells here we come! I was covered in shadow now…so might as well use shadow step. I pictured myself in the shadow of the bear behind him….I felt myself fall back and then raise up. In an instant I was behind the bear. HOLY FUCK SO COOL! I hefted my axe and bit into the bastard’s ass as hard as I could. That…certainly got its attention.
“ICE SHARD! BITCH!”
I was pissed and in pain…which furthered my anger. I don’t know why I was so angry right now…I have no right to be this angry save for my whole entire situation…oh right my situation. Yeah I’m using my rage to fight. This is good…VERY good. Stupid fucking bear bastard. A dozen or show ice spears formed in the air and launched into the flank of the bear. It howled this time and moved to turn around quickly…probably forgetting about its quarry now. Good. She can get away…hopefully it didn’t kill her whole family or anything.
Shadow Step…I grinned as I fell into the shadow of the massive paw only to appear behind it again and let my ax bite into the other side of his ass. There was blood everywhere now. I’m DOING IT! This is my second real fight…shit I haven’t even used identify. I guess instinct works faster? This time I knelt down to ham string him. Pulling out a hand axe and just slamming it home in its ankle and it howled again, making it stumble to the side too. If I didn’t feel just an awful aura coming from this thing I wouldn’t be stuck trying to use cheap shots the entire time. I don’t care if there is less than honorable, I need to win. I NEED TO WIN!
“Regenerate.”
I cast on myself so I could save some mana and heal over time. The bear was roaring and pounding the ground so much I could feel it shake. It tried to kick out it’s wounded leg but with dash I was a bit faster than it. Though I wouldn’t want to be on the other end.
OH OH, more armor…I have something more for than then stone skin.
“SHADOW CLOAK!”
I howled…and that was cool…I love watching all the shadows take substance and swirl. I really don’t thin this thing will be scared of me, but right now I was just trying to pad for the next hit rather than look actually scary. In this time the bear was hobbling around to face me.
“Yeah buddy…fuck you. I messed with your dinner huh? Come get me!”
I tried to stay on one side of it and dragged the blade of my ax along its side. Holy shit it was a thick hide. I don’t even think I was hurting it, I got a little blood but not like when I just slammed the ax in its ass. It was PISSED at me…and that made me happy and terrified all at the same time. The best thing though, I was keeping its attention on me. That was the role of the tank, draw aggression…aggro. I’m VERY good at that…not good at the killing of things stronger than me.
Shadow step…
Fuck he almost hit me. I sink my ax into its hind leg again, this time he shoots it straight backward and nails me solidly in the chest, sending me sailing back. FUCK…ouch…fuck. I don’t like pain. I REALLY don’t like pain. That gave it enough time to turn around and charge forward at me.
“ICE…fuck…”
I was having trouble breathing now. He hit me in the chest hard. Shadow step…I moved to the side of it before. He knew the old pattern because right when I appeared his leg kicked back and that would have ended me. I send a hand ax as hard as I can into its side…which isn’t very hard right now. He spun around really fast and hit me again…I was able to brace with the great axe and I slammed hard into the ground.
…fuck. I am certainly going to die here. Sorry Sasha for not letting you see more of the world. Hopefully Irma and the girl will get away…fuck. I’m stupid…I struggle to my feet to meet this asshole head on.
“Bring it…gonna make you choke on my bones…and then some little bunny is going to come by…and…and…EARTHEN PIT!”
I made a hole in the ground near the bear’s paw and made him eat shit a few yards away. I need a constant list of my spells…I forgot I had that one. I charged forward in a last stand sort of deal…regeneration was actually doing its job though. The few moments I was able to give myself rest was enough for the body to repair itself enough to fight more.
I have this…I can…NOPE…nope I’m fucked. A massive strike sent me back as I chucked an ax at the bear’s shoulder. I wasn’t fast enough to block with my great ax and he hit me hard again. Ouch…hard to breathe…hard to move…so much pain. I can’t think…I just see its wounded lumbering form. Bastard will remember me though. Shit, regeneration ran out…mana is almost gone...shadow cloak expired, stone skin gone…It was hard to even focus.
“Come on you furry bastard…bring it. Heal…”
That was the last of my mana, I had no more spells…and I still hurt and was dizzy…I think I just stopped some internal bleeding. I did my best to hold my great axe as I was waiting for death to take me. I hope Irma and the woman got far away. I’m gonna fuck it up one more before it eats me. OH maybe I can hurt it so it can’t even chew…
“You fucking dumbass. Gods I leave you alone for five minutes.”
That was a familiar voice. Or did Death sound like Irma. Nope, I hurt too much. Not dead…then what? My vision cleared to see someone jump down from the cliff and bring something shiny down with them…which resulted in a rooster tail of blood erupting from where the bear’s head was split in two. The body just fell limp there.
“Hey…that is MR. FUCKING DUMBASS…”
I chuckled a bit and fell to one knee. I saw my level skyrocket. I got a crap ton of points to spend on skills and stats. I looked to Irma and her level shot up too. I don’t need mana for identify apparently. Sasha landed with the woman still on his back. She looked…shocked…but that only lasted for a moment before she ran up to kick the corpse of the bear, she was shouting some colorful obscenities that was for sure.
“You had me worried Ogre, to be honest you should be DEAD. So fucking dead I should be picking out your bones from bear shit. It is impressive that you are still alive. Good on you.”
Irma said as she wiped blood from her face and watched the woman. I only just now noticed she had pointed ears. An elf? That would be cool. I’m not going to make an assumption. Oh I hurt, I am hurt…even with heal I’m not doing great. I’m far under okay, I mean heal is weak as hell. I’ll live…but like, it isn’t an insta fix like I thought in the beginning. So glad I cast regeneration too…but like I’m all sorts of fucked up.
“That is twice you gave me kudos for not dying, I might get an ego. Thank you for saving my ass and making it so you didn’t have to pick my bones out of bear shit.”
I was being a little snarky, but I didn’t expect her to come and save me. That means a hell of a lot, more than that. Well I mean she had it before but I’m loyal as fuck now. I’m a simple creature, save my ass and you got a goon for life. She did just that.
“Welcome. I parked the wagon a bit back. Nothing got lost. We…we are going to want to cut this bastard up. We can sell him for lots and bear meat is so fucking good.”
Irma said as I struggled to my feet. I just smiled a bit as I spit out some blood that had pooled up in my mouth.
“We have bears on Earth too and let me tell you that you are not fucking wrong.”
I walked VERY slowly back to the wagon. Sasha was keeping an eye on the elven woman and Irma took to cutting up the bear and I put it in my storage because it would be preserved there. I have no idea how to cook bear except it has to be super well done because of parasites. I’ll mess with seasonings and cooking method when I’m done being near dead. Right now…sleep…yes…sleep…
…sleep
