A prompt I'm sure I wrote before, but now have re-written.
Prompt:
Aliens abduct a normal family man only to find out he is a deranged serial killer with a body count in the dozens.
And now he is on the loose on the ship
TW: Violence
Story:
They could hear him screaming as they ran away in terror. This wasn’t supposed to happen. THIS WASN’T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! Humans were supposed to be docile, stupid primates that they could easily control. This wasn’t supposed to happen!
“Can we stop him? I don’t want to DIE!”
The lead researcher clicked as they ran down the corridor. Mandibles dripping with a thick ichor the mantis like race only secrets when they are beyond terrified. It was only him and two research assistants that remained alive from a compliment of fifteen…including five security personnel. He’s been on the ship for two days…two days and he hasn’t stopped save for a mere eight hours, a standard human sleep cycle.
“I don’t know sir…I don’t know. He…he is a monster.”
He killed the security drones first…the bastard carried a knife on him…many knives on him apparently. Each one was different, each one cut them like they were nothing but paper. He lured the drone close to him with fake seizures and then cut his throat open with an expertly timed strike. There was no way he could have seen them before, humans think they are tiny little grey men not six foot tall like they actually were. How? That was the question that got screamed over and over again in their minds as they ran.
“We just have a little bit to go, he still hasn’t learned the systems. We’ll be safe in the escape pod. WE are ALMOST THERE!”
Then that sickening sound, the metal grinding, a blast door shutting. Two sections away from the door of the escape pod…they were cut off. There was no way around it…no way through it without a cutting torch. The Research Lead let out an ear-splitting scream, heart breaking and full of desperation.
“Check…check…oh hello. Finally I figured out your language. Not too hard, it is based on pi. Took me the better part of the day but I now control your ship.”
The human’s voice echoed throughout the whole ship via the intercom. His rich baritone words were translated with the alien’s own software…and it made everything that much more terrifying to them. To listen to this human speak to them…after what he has done.
“Anyway. I don’t like what you are doing. My family is very worried about me, I do love them very much. So now I have to get back to them. My wife and daughter…they need to know I’m okay. I was about to turn around and just head home…buuuutttt I don’t want to bring back any threats.”
Frantically they started to claw at the metal in vain. One was trying to find an access panel on the side to override the blast door and get it to open…but to no avail.
“You should ask yourself, why is this human so able to kill us? Why is he immune to our tech. Well I’ll tell you okay. Its because you found a very rare human, one who has a different brain than the rest. I overcame with sheer will power. I didn’t want it to work so it didn’t. Kill you…well that is just fun.”
He just laughed…and the insectoid creatures just slumped against the wall.
“See…I like to kill…I LOVE to kill. I’m very good at it. How many humans have you killed in the name of science? Too many. So you are wicked, and wicked creatures deserve to suffer. Do you remember that one. He had the red mark on his right arm.”
They looked up and remembered his screams as they ran to leave him behind. Then an odd smell, something they weren’t used to.
“Yeah, well I was hungry and you don’t have human food on your ship…I figured I could use a plasma torch and well…oh you taste like space lobster. Very good I might add. Too bad I don’t have any earth condiments…you’d taste wonderful in some butter.”
One of them screamed again as they realized that one of their member was eaten alive mere feet away from them and he tried again to get a panel off, any panel that might have some wires…something.
“PLEASE WE WILL GIVE YOU ANYTHING YOU WANT…don’t…don’t eat us. PLEASE! I DON’T WANT TO DIE!”
There was a pause…
“Sorry for the delay, for some reason its easier for English to be translated to your language than the other way around. Yeah no…I’m not letting any of you out alive. See, this is for me as much as your victims…I’m really enjoying this. Your screams are new…hell I might not even go home just so I can lurk around on your home planet. An entire race of guilty creatures…I don’t have to do so much work before I hunt. All of you deserve to die. Oh it will be so much fun.”
And then the static sound of the comms being cut was heard. The Research Lead took off down another hall, and the other two followed.
“We have to fight…we HAVE to fight. I know it’s a drone job, but if we don’t fight we die. I WILL NOT DIE TO SOME APE!”
There was too much fear in the other two, it hadn’t hardened to resolve yet…if it would ever but the leader was certain this was going to work. He was leading them to the weapons locker. They didn’t know where the human was now…not even a little bit. The leader didn’t care, first was to get armed…that was the important part. Then they could retake the ship right. Just because he took control of the cockpit didn’t mean he could actually fly it…right?
“THIS WAY! WE CAN DO THIS! Little moron, can’t do anything against our weapons. REMEMBER THEY DON’T EVEN HAVE FTL TRAVEL! THEY ARE A PLANET OF MORONS! WE WILL NOT DIE HERE!”
That is what got the other two running faster at his side. Soon they were at the weapons locker. There were only a few blaster rifles and one hand gun taken from a human…they didn’t even have the fingers for it…the thing was for decoration but the rifles…they would be able to rip apart flesh on a sub atomic level.
“YOU HEAR ME HUMAN! WE ARE COMING FOR YOU!”
The Lead said as he grabbed the weapon with new found confidence. The other two grabbed on as well, still unsure on how to use them as combat was always just a drones job and not theirs. Still, maybe intimidation would be what was needed. Just as they were about to leave the room they heard a chuckle.
“You don’t need to shout, I’m right here.”
He wore a modified translation unit over his right ear. His binocular eyes focused on them. In his hands were the knives he was soo good at using to dismember them. Still slick with the purple blood of their fallen comrades.
“DIE YOU PINK SKINNED BASTARD!”
The captain said as he aimed the weapon at the human and pulled the trigger. There was supposed to be a surge of energy, the smell of ozone and a crackle with a zap. Yet it was quiet. The human chuckled.
“Yes, I’m going to hide here…and NOT disarm all the weapons. I don’t want you to have a sporting chance…not even a little bit. Try to get out if you can…just try it.”
The humans tone was cold, each word was dripping with the promise of violence. He moved quickly to dispatch one of the assistants. Their head was removed from their neck quickly…the body convulsed…fell. The other was quickly without arms…left screaming and bleeding to death in the corner. The leader was frantically trying to pull the trigger on his weapon…the human had to be joking right? RIGHT?
…six hours passed and the human re-emerged covered head to toe in their thick purple blood with a big grin on his face. He pulled up what he could on the screen and nodded.
“Well, I would like to go home. Perhaps the family wouldn’t mind coming back with me to the planet. I’ve always wanted to teach my daughter the finer points of making the wicked feel pain.”
He grinned as he put on stealth mode and headed back to planet earth…temporarily.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
(Edited to make Ella not confusing...cause I'm bad at editing! lol)
Two days passed and it was actually really nice. We all just shared stories and lore. Well, they told stories about their past, aka their lore, and I listened. I would tell stories too…they weren’t happy because they were about my troubled childhood, but it let them understand me better and that was the important part. I guess you could say I was telling them the lore of Ogre.
Sasha just told stories of realms that were cool. An entire planet where all the plants were connected and self-aware. Another that just made sweets out of nothing…just so many weird things that exist just because ‘magic’. They were very interesting to hear.
Irma has had a hell of a life, and just listening to the oppression and the HELL that she has been through, yeah I’ll burn the humans to the ground. Yes its it racist. Sure, I’ll spare individuals like Bear…but like as a whole the country needs to fall. The anger is tempered though, lessened by the fact that we were in the woods.
I felt at home here, more than in the cities. I just love the trees, and the ancient majesty that seems to seep into your bones. I love the way the sound is dampened, and the smell of the plants. It was easy to just take a breath and relax, I almost forgot I wasn’t at home. I felt at peace…just listening to my traveling companions talk and the horse breath and the wheels on the wagon spin.
Then there was a shift in the wind, a rustle in the bushes…and something giant and pig like jumped out the road. It was grunting and pawing at the ground like monsters do in anime right before they charge. It looked kind of cool to be honest. Oh great, my first monster encounter! That is sarcasm.
“Holy shit, a dark boar!”
Irma said with no small amount of surprise in her voice. I used my skill identify and saw how strong it was and that thing was a tank. Irma’s stats were just below it in all areas save for dexterity and magic, and I knew she was pretty damn strong. I don’t know if Sasha could fight it…but I think this is my time to step up right? I needed to try this fighting thing. A monster isn’t going to be intimidated. Still there was anxiety…so much anxiety. I’m good though, see the grin. Yeah, I’m good.
“Well, I have to get my feet wet sometime, right? Let me fight it. I need to test myself. Stay back, even if it does take me out, it will be hurt enough for you to kill it when I’m done. Worst comes to worse, have a nice life, Irma.”
I just chuckled as I jumped down from the carriage. I had spells out the wazzo that I haven’t been practicing with…a little bit. Some shadow magic cause I think it was cool…I can use some really sharp threads to cut things and create portals to travel short distances. I knew some ice spells, mainly been using them to make drinks cold. Some fire spells…utility of course. My element of choice was dark though…cause…I don’t even know why because Thought they sounded cool. Well it was time to test some of the more basic ones out.
“Sasha this isn’t like an ancient forest spirit, right? I can kill it? I’m not here to piss off anyone I don’t have to.”
Sasha flew to my shoulder to get a better view. Then he shook his head as he returned.
“No, this one is not a legendary beast. Run of the mill cannon fodder for the species. Good eating, but a tough fight. I’ll give fifty percent chance you don’t die and ten percent of actual victory.”
Oh I could feel the love… but I also couldn’t argue with the analysis. It was charging at me before I could think of a solid plan, but that was fine. I thought better on my feet anyway. So why not…lets brute force this thing. I turn to face it and hit it straight on, grabbing it by the tusk and just throwing it almost like a body slam. The impact was strong, and my body tensed but I was able to take it…good, this was wonderful. I could tank it.
I threw it farther than I thought too so when it hit the ground, I was already running towards it as its legs flailed trying to right itself. I could run…I COULD RUN! Shit I don’t know why I hadn’t tried this before. She must have gotten rid of my asthma. I just assumed I couldn’t…and yet I assumed I could fight a boar that stood eight feet at the shoulder. My brain…is weird.
I moved much faster than I have ever moved in my old life and was on that boar in moments keeping it on its back with a kick as I pulled my great ax off my back. It took a single strike to separate its head from its body. Blood…holy shit there was a lot of blood. That isn’t something I was expecting, though I don’t know why I wasn’t. I knew about farm to table and butchering your own meat, I suppose it’s different when you are hunting it yourself for the first time. I wasn’t bothered by it, just surprised.
“FUCK! Wow you made that look easy. That thing would have ripped apart three of me! Oh, they taste so good too.”
I just grinned, half covered in blood as I pulled on my cooking skill to start to dismember the beast and put it into a magical bag for later use, I mean I watched a lot of videos on how to do it on youtube…and Irma helped me too so I saved the meat and the hide. I wanted to keep the skull too. Brains could be used for making leather, but I mean it was a giant boar skull so that had to be cool right? I didn’t even have land to keep this cool stuff. My daughter would love this skull, my wife too. Maybe I’ll save it for them…HELL…wait…WAIT?!
“I COULD BRING THEM!? HA! And here I have power! They’d live comfortably. No need to work or anything….shit no. That wouldn’t work. I don’t know how much time has passed. What if my daughter finds a girlfriend she loves, or my wife remarries and loves that guy. Shit I couldn’t do that could I? Wait, if I could check on them first. If there are portals, then I could scry. YES! YES! Okay there is hope. Work on a sky spell.”
I was mumbling as I worked…too many thoughts at once. I wonder if I could trade the hide for anything? It is like REALLY strong stuff. I bet some great leather armor could be made? Or a blanket or rug? It’s a lot softer than I thought it would be.
“A scry spell would be useful. Then you could see how they are doing when you want to cast the spell. If you don’t want to be an asshole. I mean you do care for your family don’t you?”
Sasha asked as he nibbled on some raw meat that I gave him. His body was perfect for processing that, he was just so cool to look at.
“Yes, she was…is…my wife, we…are...were in love. My daughter, I might not bring her if she is happy with a partner...that is if this takes years. Still, I think it could work. The issue is I have to build the magic from the ground up. Which means I need to capture one of the mages in the capital that can cast the summoning ritual instead of just killing everyone and burning the books. It wasn’t a skill I could take. Crap…am I being selfish? Should I not? I don’t know if I want to go back though. I like this world already. Once the war is over it will be a wonderful place to live. Shit, am I over thinking?”
Irma got a thoughtful look on her face for a moment as we loaded the magic bags into the cart. Then she nodded and patted my shoulder.
“I think a little, but if you are going to do everything you said you are going to do then you deserve to be a little selfish. I hope you get to bring them here someday. Or go home, which ever one.”
Sasha cawed at that.
“I agree, you were taken from your family, and you just want them back. The fact that you think you are selfish means you’ll be in control. So I don’t see a problem. Plus…all the violence will be done before they get here, you’ll already be a monster. That reputation will keep them safe. Trust me on that.”
That made me feel better, and I know that at least Sasha can put me in my place physically if I get out of line. After the boar we were able to travel for a few more hours before Sasha pointed to another even less used path saying that it is a good idea to go there. So we went and after a little bit we were greeted with a weird sight. They were an elf, tanned skin jet black hair and very long pointed ears…wounded trying to run along the road.
“That is a wood elf, stop! She is hurt. Stop the wagon.”
Irma was pretty much out of the wagon before I even had the chance to convey for the horse to stop. She was very quick to help…how odd. Maybe the only race that keeps the demons down are the humans? That is good. No matter what, I wasn’t going to leave someone wounded on the side of the road, even if it was a human. So she didn’t have to yell at me, but damn was she fast.
“Sasha, watch her back if you would be so kind.”
With a nod from Sasha they took off to sit on her shoulder as she started to help the elf, female presenting from what I could see. They were hurt and running, which either meant the danger wasn’t far behind them or chasing them down. So once the wagon was stopped, I got out and ran past all of them to make sure that whatever was chasing them, if anything…would have to chew on me before it would get to my friends.
“Demon bear! Ogre! WE NEED TO RUN! GO! GO! GO!”
Irma called after she had been casting for a few moments, she was already scooping up the elven woman and running back to the wagon. I was too busy watching the tree line waiting for whatever a demon bear is/was. That is when I saw it…damn thing was a good fifteen feet at the shoulder, course black hair with ichor dripping from its fangs and glowing red eyes. This thing was terrifying…my heart was hammering in my chest. I remember my world, the world where a bear wouldn’t think twice about murdering me just for shits and giggles but still was close to my size. I wanted to run, fast and hard away from here.
Still…this voice in my head whispered power…tank…protect…fight. It was a voice that was gaining volume. I call it my dad voice. Even over the hammering of my heart I could hear it. I was grinning like an sadistic idiot now as I approached it while everyone ran past me to the wagon. Why? To hide the sheer terror I felt. I needed to be more badass than this. I knew the battles would only get harder. I needed to push forward to protect at least Irma, I don’t think Sasha needs me…but I like his company no matter.
“Fuck it, I got this. Stay back and get ready to run if it eats me. Sasha, can you do a shield thingy or something over Irma and the elf? I would be happy if you did.”
I let out a breath and then decided to use one of my abilities, taunt. I want it focused on me and no one else. The hand axes were pulsed from my blet and held in my hand as the lumbering beast approached, dead hungry eyes fixated on me with no thought or emotion…just hunger. I could feel a surge of magic behind me as Sasha cast a spell…good, I could let loose.
“Hey! You…yeah you! YOU MOMMA WAS A SNOWBLOWER! HA! Gods you look like you’d make a shitty rug. Still…I could use a shitty rug to wipe my feet on after a long day of walking through the forest! TAUNT!”
That helped me calm down a bit, god awful insults make me feel more like myself. Fuck, what to do? OH YES! I pulled an axe from my side and threw it. I through it hard and fast. That is what I had right now, try not to use magic at first. Don’t use it as a crutch. The blade bit into the bear’s shoulder, lodging in and causing a pretty deep gash to form. Good, that was good. Now with me wounding it and taunt affecting it, I’ll be the only concern for it. More taunt!
“I WAS HAVING A NICE DAY! I’m not going to recover from this till tomorrow. The anxiety is insane you asshat. Fucking bear…HAD TO BE A BEAR! SHITTY ASS PRE-RUG…come and GET ME! TAUNT!”
I didn’t use any spells on the boar…and this thing was hurt and pissed. Its strength stats were going up with each passing moment. Watching the numbers tick up each second caused me to want to panic even more. This thing…fuck I hated it. The face was angry and hungry…thoughtless. RUN YOU FOOL!...nope. Gotta be an idiot. Gotta fight the bear.
“I hate this…I hate this. I’m SO SO…wait…WAIT. BEAR JERKY! HA! Food, I’m GOING TO EAT YOU! YES! You better not be filled with WORMS! OH, some salt and pepper and the SUN! YOU ARE GOING TO BE A SNACK! TAUNT!”
Okay time to use some of this shadow magic stuff. My screen popped up as I kept an eye on the bear as it recovered and threw another axe to keep it off balance and at a distance, I wanted to slow it down and the axe bit into the opposite leg so it would limp now, or I thought it would anyway. FUCK It was ignoring the pain. I pissed it off good and plenty. Time for some magic now. Okay Shadow thread…this is your time to shine.
“I summon the secrets hidden from sunlight. Ribbons of the hidden spaces between worlds. Cut my foes, send them into the next life. Dance with violence intent…. SHADOW THREADS!”
It was almost elegant how I moved my hand and caused a rooster tail of blood to erupt from the bear’s entire back as the threads emerged from between my fingers. My hands moving like I was conducting an invisible symphony of suffering and pain as I simply started to tear into the beast one huge chunk at a time. It was screaming at me at this point and it closed the distance faster than I would have wanted. Before I could do much else a massive claw took a swipe at me, the way I was attacking made mobility limited…and I’ll have to remember that for the future.
…I’ve never been hit this hard before. In all my life I was never lifted off my feet and thrown back. There isn’t much you can do other than watch the thing that hit you get further away. I’ve even been hit by a car when I was riding my bike, and it didn’t feel like this. I’m calmer than I thought I would be. I hurt, but I always hurt…well since before coming to this world. I hit the ground hard and rolled a bit. I tried to stay tight and together. Then something in me started to act, I don’t know if it was the skill points or something but I was able to get on my feet very quickly. I bet in no small part it was thanks to the armor I was wearing. I’m not mad about that. The bear was bleeding from hundreds of small wounds all over its body. The spell wasn’t that powerful yet…but now I have incentive to play with it some more. I was just hoping that I could wiggle my fingers and kill people…that will come later I’m sure.
“HEY…Fuck…ass…Okay that wasn’t good. BUT LOOK OVER HERE ANYWAY. DAMN RIGHT YOU ARE GONNA BE A RUGH….and and…I’m GONNA GO FIND GOBLINS…they gonna FUCK ON YOU ALL DAY! SWEET SWEET GOBLIN LOVE! YOU ARE GONNA BE STICKY WITH IT! TAUNT!”
I shouldn’t be laughing. This was a serious situation, yet here I am…grinning and chuckling. If I can’t keep its attention on me, Irma might have some issues with the elf and Sasha might have to step in. Hell, I don’t even know how powerful that bird is. I want to see this through though. I have to finish him off. His strength was still going up despite the life points going down. I needed to hit it hard with something not so elegant. Then there was a spell I’ve only been using a little bit…time to pump some mana into it and see what happens. The pool I have is HUGE, looking at my numbers I haven’t even touched a tenth of what I could do…so that was good.
“The cold in my heart manifest…freeze the air and let this creature know the pain of loss. STEAL FROM IT THE HEAT OF LIFE! ICE SHARD!”
The spell was wonderful, from not just my hand but an aura around me hundreds of dagger like shards of ice appeared around me and then fired into the bear. The thing howled again…and tried to run forward….it was snarling and growling as I watched the life points tick from ten to one as it fell over. No sign of defeat on his face, just rage…empty hollow rage.
Still I didn’t wait…no slow approach to see if it was still alive I ran over as fast as I could and removed its head from its body. I fucking hate those kind of jump scares in movies. Breathing hard and covered in its blood I just fell backward, my mind sort of shorting out after the calm could take over. The sky was pretty, and the clouds were nice.
“I’m NOT dead…but I don’t wanna move for a couple of years, okay? Camp here? Please…pretty please with sugar on top?”
I said loudly with a chuckle so they wouldn’t worry about it, The elf was the priority anyway. I’ll be okay, I just was covered in gross foul blood and tired. Soon Sasha was sitting on my chest looking down at my face.
“You are an idiot. A skilled, tough…very powerful idiot. Next time ask for more help…you moron. IF YOU DIE I GO BACK HOME. I’m having fun. NO one, NO ONE, has beat a demon bear like that. Groups of adventures have to plan to kill a thing like that FOR A WEEK! You brute forced your way to a solution. Just…just try not to be so stupid. You got lucky. Next time that thing might be smarter than you, you ape!”
I couldn’t help but laugh at Sasha’s words, not because he was wrong…but because he was so right. I needed to be more careful. If I die, there is no summoning my wife back. There is no victory march for the demons through the capital. Thousands of creatures will remain enslaved. I couldn’t be passive, but I certainly needed to plan better. I can’t die, not yet…but there is one issue. I’m stupid. So that is a huge thing that is working against me.
“Sasha I would love to say I won’t do it again. As you said though, I am a moron. For in my pea sized brain that wood elf that I have never met before and don’t even know the name of…Irma and you are all worth more than my mangy hide. I am the tank, I take the damage, I fight the monsters and I protect my friends. Plain and simple. Just hope I get stronger, so fights won’t be so hard.”
I heard a frustrated grunt from Sasha and then he just shook his head. I’m sure if he had a mouth, he’d be giving me some sort of pity smile. Then I heard two footsteps approaching. Must be Irma and the elf.
“Her name is Ella. Her village isn’t close, but it isn’t too far either. She was gathering herbs to deal with a rampant sickness in her village when the bear attacked. She ran this way to lead it away from the village so they would have more time to prepare. You saved her Ogre.”
Irma’s voice was gentle, I could hear the smile in it. She must have heard what I just said to Sasha. I wasn’t lying at all. With a groan I sat up and looked to the wood elf. They had tanned skin and dark near black eyes, pointed ears, at least this one did. I held out my hand after I struggled to sit up.
“It’s a pleasure Ella I’m glad I could help you out. With the bear.”
Ella looked terrified of me. I can’t blame her, I just fought something I am sure it would take an entire regiment to fight. I did it alone too. Made me more of a monster than the bear. I’m surprised he isn’t running for the hills now. If demons hate the hero I wonder if all the other races do too.
“Well…”
Irma started and that is when the Wood elf sort of spoke up. She took a breath to steady her nerves and then as I fully stood up she got down on her knees.
“Sire, Lady Irma has so graciously offered your services to my village. So please…please I beg of you. Help my village and my people.”
I sighed and looked to Irma, I mean really it was on her. I didn’t think we’d be doing side quests here. I wanted to get her to her people as fast as I could so I could start the rebellion from the outside. Looks like the other races still live in this human country but they are very much out of sight out of mind.
“Are you that desperate you’d seek the help of a human?”
Ella looked to me with desperation in her eyes. I mean the answer was yes from the outset of this interaction. I just don’t want them to feel like they are dirty being indebted to a human. I have a good idea of what they’ve done to these people.
“Please I’ll let you take me as a slave, just please help my people.”
That is when I got that pleading look from Irma. There was no worries here, I didn’t want a slave, not in the least. The very idea pisses me off.
“I don’t want a slave, Ella. I’ll help you and your village. Just give a place to rest afterward and we are good. Call me Ogre by the way. I’m the summoned hero…just don’t call me that. No sir, or anything else other than ogre or you fat bastard…but only after we’re friends.”
I was doing my best to lighten the mood, I just wasn’t doing the best job. I shook her hand, she was TREMBLING. I had gotten so comfortable with Irma and Sasha I’d almost forgotten that the rest of the world was terrified of me. I’m a human with a terrible amount of power, that is the worst nightmare for so many. Might as well try to improve my reputation. Ella got in the wagon with Irma and Sasha got on my shoulder after flying high to do some scouting. I took some time though and started to part out that demon bear. I’m sure the claws and fangs and the heart will do something? The hide was ruined, there wasn’t much I could do with it…I am FUCKING making that rug though. I wasn’t sure what to do with the rest of the corpse. I didn’t just leave it either, I figured that much power…even dead shouldn’t be left to rot. Instinct just screamed ‘You want undead, this is how you get undead!’.
“Burn this body to ash with flame, cleanse this spot so that no soul remains. Give it peace and let it pass. Turn this body into the grass. Incinerate!”
The flames that came out of my hand were almost soft…if that is the right way to say that. They floated gently and gave the body the respect it deserved. They seemed like they were tamed and making sure everything was done well. It was interesting…and I might have gotten caught up watching the body burn for a bit.
“HEY, OGRE come on. WE have to get moving! Sooner the better…hurry the fuck up!”
That was Irma and she snapped me back to reality. I just smiled and turned to come back. Ella then lead us to the village…and honestly this…I don’t know what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it. I had a lot of work ahead of me. I hope Irma won’t get mad with a week or so delay. Not that I had any idea of what we were walking into at all.
I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The smiles, the fake handshakes. I hated all of it. Gods they even felt slimy when I touched them, I’m sure it was projection but still. I hated the way they saw me as one of their own. Sure, I was going to betray them but, in those moments, when I had to play along, I hated them and myself. I just didn’t know the timeline. Would it be days or years. Gods, I hope it wasn’t years. I left out without a parade or any parties. I told them it would just take me longer to get on the road and I wanted to be done. It was an answer that pleased them, and I thought that I earned a little of their trust. GROOSSS!
Still…they followed me. Just a few spies were sent by the king. Lower level than I would have thought, but the good ones were probably out in the field. So, I kept up the act, I pulled the demon when I could, let her ride the horse I borrowed in the name of moving faster. Not borrowed, stolen. This horse was mine now, I had no intention of getting it back. The demon was shaking the entire time…I can’t blame her. I was a monster in her eyes just like them and for now the act had to keep up. There was no defiance…she looked like I was marching her to her death and my heart hurt for that.
I found an inn and paid for the room, two beds…which drew attention until I paid the extra gold to get them to shut up. They probably just thought after that I just didn’t want to sleep with a filthy demon. Works for me. Once inside I closed and locked the door and cast runes on the doors and windows to stop prying. These spells were nifty, and she was right…I knew how to cast them right away. No one will hear anything said in this room and there is no spell that can reveal to the prying eyes what we were doing. Those who were following me didn’t come into the inn…at least not right away. There was a tavern downstairs so they could slip in when they wanted, I’m sure. Just another thing to watch out for. My attention is instantly on her and the chains on her wrists.
“Fucking hell…I need to touch your wrists to break the chains, okay?”
I asked, she didn’t move so I reached down and as gently as I could snapped the wrist restraints on the demon’s wrists like they were nothing. They didn’t give me a key; said she’d try to kill me the instant she was free. I wasn’t worried, she deserved a couple of revenge hits to be honest. If she could kill me then I deserved to die, but I can endure the pain for sure and it might make her feel better and get her to talk. She didn’t fight though. Not one bit. After I removed the shackles, I took a few steps back.
“…assholes.”
I could see the scars on her wrist and some of the wounds on her arm were fresh. I had an area of effect healing spell that was powerful so I would cast it on her instead of touching her. Still though…
“I’m going to cast a healing aura on you. That should take care of the injuries…alright? Do I have permission?”
She still didn’t’ say anything…so I cast the spell and again it was easy. Her whole body lit up with a faint green glow and her scars seemed to fade to nothing and her injuries faded too. It might not have been the right thing to do, I felt shitty just throwing my weight around. I wasn’t any better than them right now but she needed to be healed.
“I’m going to get rid of the curse around your throat too. They thought I wouldn’t notice, but I did. Rat bastards.”
Again, she didn’t respond, so I traced the runes in the air and shattered the spell around her throat. None of the curse breaking used incantations, I would just get pictures of symbols in my head and then draw them out. The wards were the same way. They didn’t count on my ability for that. Curse breaking seemed different than casting attack magic, I had a hell of a lot to learn. When the curse around her throat shattered, she reacted and then looked up at me. She still looked defeated, but a little less than before. Sadness in her eyes, but a tiny glimmer of defiance…so that was good. We were making progress.
“What use do you have for a speaking slave?”
There was a bitterness in her tone that I didn’t hate, it means she hasn’t resigned to her fate. She has probably just been focused on the horrible things that I was going to do to her in her mind. That is a depressing place to live, but at least she still had it in her to be bitter. I needed to give her space, so I moved across to the room to sit on the opposite side. I didn’t need to crowd her, I felt bad enough forcing her to be in the same room as me.
“I don’t have a use for a slave at all. An informant and a guide, but not a slave. I don’t like slaves.”
That caused a rather disgusted look to cross her face, there was anger there again. Good, she was slowly coming out of it. Let her feel the anger. She can yell and scream at me all she wants. Not that I’ll take it well, but my comfort isn’t something I care about right now.
“Call me what you want. I don’t have any free will! A slave, that is what I am!”
I sighed, the level of anger was making me uneasy, but I couldn’t be the one to regulate her emotions and really it was my problem not hers. I could deal with that. I just took some breaths to calm myself so I didn’t shut down, I have certain issues with dealing with angry women. Been that way ever since I was little. A man yells at me and I’ll fight them, a woman yells at me and I just shut down and take their aggression…deserved or not. In this case, I certainly deserved it…at least I feel like I did.
“No, I wanted to talk to you alone with no prying ears. Tell me your side of the story, your side of the war. It’s important. No one can scry this room or listen at any of the walls or windows.”
That stopped her in her tracts. My tone was calm and even, I was just watching her without making eye contact. I just wanted to listen and appear non-threatening. I could see all the emotions going over her facial features. She didn’t move for a moment or two, she was processing. I was a different creature now, not what she had prepared herself to deal with.
“What is there to say? We are hunted and treated like scum. My race has been pushed out to the west where there is hardly any farmable land, and the game is more dangerous than we are. Every time we gather enough strength to try and push out and expand, they summon…well you. Then you ride in slaughter our strongest fighters and we get enslaved for another hundred years.”
That tracks with about how this kingdom looks. They didn’t seem like they were in dire need, and really I’m sure they were prepared to try and brainwash me with horrible stories of vengeance that the demons have visited upon the humans. I waited to make sure she was done talking before speaking up.
“Alright. How were you captured?”
I asked and still she seemed confused.
“I was in a scouting party for my brother. He is the current leader of the rebellion. We were ambushed and I was captured, they had hostages and when they found out who I was…They thought they could use me as a bargaining chip. I am but one demon and my brother wouldn’t give up for that so here I am. They treat us like we are nothing, worse than nothing. We…we just want to live. To be happy, we want our children to feel safe. That is it. Why can’t we have that?!”
I can’t be mad at her at all, not that I would be. This was all garbage. I wonder if the other races had this sort of issue. I didn’t see a single race other than humans in the capital. I didn’t like that. Diversity is the key to growth and happiness. Same on Earth really. The more diverse places tend to do better…most of the time.
“You deserve that to be honest. All races do, no matter the world.”
That made her stop, tears falling from her cheeks. Perhaps she was taking time to feel emotions, she felt safe enough…no. She didn’t trust me. She might think this is the end and that she had nothing to lose. I don’t know…I’m so nervous and anxious.
“Why are you saying that? You are human. You are at the top! Not only are you human, you are a FUCKING hero! You don’t know hardship. You just have power and then the King and the pope point you in a direction you KILL and then you get to have a pile of slaves and land and live happily ever after! SO what? You’re going play nice, then I’m going WANT to fuck you? Is that right? What game are you playing here!?”
I had to hold back a wince. Don’t yell back, don’t get angry…I’m not angry…I’m sad and filled with anxiety. She deserves this, to yell without being corrected…to vent. It was the very least I could do. I take a breath, but my heart is beating fast. Sometimes you need to let people yell and feel. She stood up and walked across the room. My anxiety was off the charts.
“I’m NOT Going to roll over you got it. If you are going to fuck me, do it! But I’m not going to just let you. You sick fuck you probably like it! I can’t fight you…I know that. You…you are on a completely different level than I am. I WON’T SUBMIT THOUGH! Fuck you…get it over with I’m ready! That is why you healed me up right?! So I can be all happy and ready when you want to have your way with me? Bastard! WHY AREN’T YOU SAYING ANYTHING!?”
She hit me in the face…I was surprised how little it hurt. She looked horrified a split second later after she realized what she did. I know what she was expecting me to do, but instead I smiled. That is what she deserved, understanding. I took a step back too, giving her room. She could attack me again if she wanted, but with that fear on her face I don’t think she’ll do that again right away.
“You needed to say your piece. I respect that. I can’t imagine what you have been through. Before we even left the throne room, I had made up my mind about one thing. Your freedom is top on my list. A world where there is slavery is a broken world. This place is terrible, there are slaves in the street…a slave market near the palace. I hate all of it. I want it to stop…no country that ‘needs’ slavery should exist.”
Most countries in my world hold a history of it. Where there is wealth and power, there are those who seek to own everything…even sentient beings. Whenever I play games and I have the freedom to do so I take down any institution that supports slavery. It’s an easy trigger to get me to act…and I’m okay with it.
“So, I’m going to help you. You have the Heroes aid and protection and I make that vow right now that at the very least I’ll get you back to your brother.”
She stopped dead at my words and was staring at me. I kept waiting to be hit, or for her to not believe me…or to be hit. I’m a tank, I can soak it. I’ll only stop her if she is going to hurt herself…I’ll heal, I think.
“You are lying. How dare you! Don’t give me hope, not even a sliver. I’ll kill you for that.”
I didn’t move, I just blinked and offered a soft smile. She was changing her stance as though she was going to fight me head on. I didn’t move, I calmed myself and prepared to be attacked. Still the anxiety was tight in my chest…my hands were even shaking a bit but I kept them behind my back.
“Do you have a spell that will make me tell the truth? I’ll let you cast it on me. Or an ability that will make sure I’m not lying. I’ll let you use it without resistance.”
I stand up then and take off all my weapons, leaning them against the wall near her side of the room. Then I sat down and kept my hands in the open. She stalks across the room standing above she grabs my chin and forces eye contact. I was deeply uncomfortable.
“Do you plan to betray me?”
I didn’t feel any different, but I didn’t break eye contact. If this was a spell, I couldn’t see the mana flow…I caught the surge of mane when I cast the spells earlier. I can see hers too in her aura. This wasn’t a spell. An ability maybe? I don’t know. What ever she was comfortable with.
“No, I do not plan on betraying you.”
She didn’t move for a while, her head canting to the left and then to the right.
“Are you actually going to help me and my people?”
Again I didn’t feel any different, but maybe this was her power. An untraceable skill maybe?
“Yes, even if it kills me.”
Her breathing slowed…and I could almost see the weight leaving her. She wasn’t scared of me anymore. Whatever skill she has worked. Would she trust me now. Her face stayed stern as she stared at me and moved back across from the room. One human telling the truth won’t change her opinion in one meeting. I had a lot to probe.
“My name is Irma by the way. You should know that if you are going to march to your death.”
I nodded and gave her a smile as she moved to just fall over in her bed. She allowed herself a little smile at that point. I can’t imagine how long it has been since she slept in a bed. She looked to me once more.
“Call me Ogre, that is what I’ll go by in this world. It’s my nickname from my home. I’ll keep my real name for myself.”
She nodded a bit and passed out soon after, she must be so tired. I’ll have to let her rest for a few days before we get to moving. She’ll need armor and weapons too…shit how will I sneak those in. I didn’t take any polymorph skills or anything. Shit, this was going to be harder than I thought.
I hear some motion in the tavern below and I figured why the hell not. I’m not sleeping much tonight. The sounds of this town were too quiet, and I don’t’ have my sleep sound machine. So, I cast an alarm spell on the door and the window and head down. Nothing will get in without my knowing about it and then I should be able to move very quickly.
At the bar was a bear of a man. He stood nearly seven feet tall and if I wasn’t ‘the hero’ I’d sure as hell be intimidated. This guy could break a normal human in half. There were some others scattered around, looking half drunk and just sitting in silence. That is the company I could keep tonight. I approach the bar and offer a half smile. I didn’t want to be an asshole; customer service is hard no matter what world you are in.
“Hey.”
The large man turned around as I sat down at the bar and gave me a good look over. I was still trying to keep up appearances. Looking like a grumpy badass. I was spent though. Its not who I am. Confrontation takes it out of me that is for sure. I hate it and used to avoid it. I’m old enough though that I can force it. I figured once we were on the road I didn’t have to keep up the act anymore. It would take a few days to get a few horses and some supplies, I already started that process before getting the inn room.
“What?”
He asked, a mirror of the attitude that I was projecting. I couldn’t be mad, those eyes he had were intense and watching my every move. He wasn’t just passively existing. I was being judged. That is fine, keep it up…I have to keep it up. I’m tired as shit, but at the same time there is no way I’m sleeping without a little help.
“Ale.”
I grunted back to him. The giant of a man looked at me for another long moment. I could swear he wanted to punch me in the face. Again, I couldn’t blame him. I guess I was playing the asshole a little too well.
“One Gold, payment first.”
Oh he was taking me to task on this. I was an asshole, so I was going to pay like a noble for an ale. Even I had some idea at this point of how much a gold could buy. I could get a night and a meal at the inn for a gold, and I was just about to spend that one a single drink.
“Better be the best fucking ale I’ve ever had, or we are going to have a problem.”
Yeah, I was certainly playing it up. Something in the back of my mind was still trying to tell me to use caution. Perhaps it was my years of role playing that was catching up to me now. I couldn’t pull myself up from this nosedive. I pulled out a gold coin and put in on the bar top. He almost looked surprised, like I was supposed to threaten or intimidate him to lower the price.
“Here.”
He said very nearly slamming a tankard of ale on the bar top in front of me. Still not a drop spilled, what a neat trick eh? I took it and took a deep swig. That…actually hit the spot. I took a breath and seemed to relax a moment, I felt almost like I deflated from that one sip alone.
“Well…looks like we don’t have a problem tonight.”
I couldn’t hide the little smirk I had on my face. It was like having a perfect cold bottle of beer after doing a lot of yard work on a hot summer day. This ale was an oasis. It was a happy place, a hint of home. Just refreshing. I noticed the bartender seemed to be more at ease too. Was it a test? I thought I was just letting my adhd over analyze everything. Guess it works here too, body language is multidimensional I suppose.
“That girl…what did you do to her?”
This was another moment of tension. His body stance changed too, this time he was ready to hit me. I could lie, keep on the mask. Make up a reason. I looked at the other regulars, they hardly spoke and were whispering. Were they watching too? No, just focus on one thing at a time…I have to stay keen.
“Honestly…like truly honestly…”
I motion for him to lean in. The whole tavern didn’t need to hear this. I have a reputation of a day or so to uphold. I needed to be an asshole, make people think twice. But I’ll tell this one man the truth. Bartenders did that here too right? Keep secrets because they really don’t care…at least I hope so. He did as I motioned for him.
“Removed the chains on her wrists, healed her scars and then I saw the mute curse they put on her throat, so I broke that curse…I let her yell at me. You didn’t hear it because I have the room sound proofed. She even hit me…but I want you to act like I just told you something gross. She is resting right now, so I gave her some space and came down here.”
He lingered for a moment and then pulled back with a snort of derision, though it didn’t reach his eyes. I took a breath and then another deep drink of the ale. That is good, he did what I asked. Maybe a little respect?
“Yeah, she had to sleep for a bit after that. You know what I mean.”
I said a little bit louder for the others to hear. I don’t know why the act anymore, I couldn’t stop at this point. I was being cringe as my kid would say. Still I am bad at this. I just want to be me…I hate all of this to a point. The longer this takes the longer it will be until I can start researching how magic works in his most primal form and develop a spell to get back home.
…I’m over thinking again.
“You sir, are one sick fuck. Let me refill that for you.”
I had apparently just been sitting and drinking without interacting much, my mug was empty. I’m a big dude and had more than a few skills to help against poison…so there was no way I’d get drunk. When I fished out the gold coin the bartender just winked and waved it away, did I just make a new friend? Thank the goddess.
“Thank you.”
I said quietly before looking up to motion him close again. I looked like a gremlin with the direst secret. I didn’t trust the other two that were still here, I swear they were trying to listen.
“Listen, I have no idea where to look right now. You know how big she was, do you know where I can get clothing for her? Men’s or Women’s, it doesn’t matter. Anything is better than what she has on.”
His eyes went wide after another smile and he shook his head.
“You…wow I didn’t know…wow. Yeah I’ll look in the back to see what I have. People are always leaving shit behind. It will cost you another gold though.”
Yeah, I like this guy already. Someone touches this tavern I’ll burn them to ash while recording their screams for their families…well that was a bit dark eh? I’m tired. I just nodded to him and the bartender moved to the back and I could hear him opening a trunk and pulling out some clothing.
“You want more, down the street is the tailor’s shop. She is good enough to whip up something in a few days for you and her. Cause you stick out a lot.”
I laughed and took another drink of the wonderful, wonderful ale. I was feeling better already. The clothing was placed on the bar and I pulled out two gold coins and slid them forward.
“So, you’ll ignore the screaming tonight?”
I gave him a fake wicked smile, I don’t know if they tip in this world but if anyone deserved it, this man did. I finished off the second tankard as sober as when I started and dipped my head. The anti-poison skills were working just fine.
“Have a good evening. We’ll be here for a few days; you’ll be seeing me.”
I said and turned to look at the two regulars that seemed to be trying to hide the fact that they were just looking at me. That is alright, if I’m lucky they’ll spread the rumor that I’m some sick fuck, or at least some sort of bastard that the bartender fleeced. I hope that was a good enough show to get them off of my back for a while. With clothing in tow, I head back to the room and try to get some sleep, I feel better here…so finally I’m able to sleep.
It started with a glowing ring of light that just appeared under my daughter when we were shopping. There were runes that I’d never seen before appearing in the floor, my brain screamed danger and I pushed her out of the way before they exploded enveloping me in a bright light. The pain was intense, the room spun…and in that instant I wasn’t there anymore.
When my senses returned and the pain ebbed, I found myself floating, no solid floor beneath my feet nor a ceiling above my head. Around me nebula swirled, stars zoomed this way and that, entire galaxies danced around me it was stunning, I couldn’t even bring myself to breathe until my lungs started to burn. Soon the feeling of floating left and there was a floor beneath my feet. Tiles of brown, blue and green to show the topography of a planet…one I was not familiar with. This too was beautiful; I could see roads and cities…the water looked like it was flowing. Nothing like I have ever seen, like the purest high-definition picture you can see on a screen. So impossibly detailed you can’t take everything in.
I let my gaze wonder naturally, that is when I saw the staircase that led up to a very detailed golden throne. Sitting in that seat, a woman with blowing blue and purple hair, the color constantly shifting between shades of the two colors. Her skin was fair, her clothing…elaborate and elegant…and the expression on her face…disinterested.
“Welcome, oh young hero, to this realm between realms….”
She sounded bored and almost annoyed; hell, she wasn’t even looking at me. Like she was in customer service and everyone before me had been an asshole. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t shocked…but when stress kicks in I tend to calm down. That is what ADHD is good for among a few other things. I could be dead, but I hurt too much. You can’t be dead and in pain, can you? That would suck. Though how was I supposed to know what a near death experience felt like. I could have been teleported to another world. That would be crazy. This place is beautiful.
I didn’t notice she had stopped speaking…my eyes were focused on a point a million miles away as I tried to figure out things. I was disassociating so I could think. She scared the hell out of me when I came back and she was right in my face.
“JESUS FUCK!”
I barked as I stumbled back, she was smiling…before I even reacted, she was smiling. Once I fell on my ass, she offered a hand to help me up. She was strong…lifting my fat ass up like I was a paper doll. I’m a big dude for my height and I feel like if she wanted, she could throw me off this little platform with an ease that would certainly put any effort I put forth to shame in trying to fight back.
“You…are different. Old, grumpy…old. Oh, I crave different. You are simply wonderful! Oh, look at your beard, so much gray!”
Her voice was alto, her eyes were stunning, like her hair, swirling blues and purples…and her smile. Her smile made me miss my wife already because it was full of kindness and a hidden wit that you can only see if you dealt with it before. It felt weird when she put her hand through my messy beard, her touch was cool, not warm like a human. Then I remembered where I was when everything started. My daughter…she would have been taken here instead of me.
“My daughter?! Is she okay? She wasn’t hurt, was she?”
The woman’s smile softened a bit and she put a hand on my shoulder giving me a gentle squeeze. I felt instantly better, I guess magic wouldn’t be out of the question seeing my surroundings. I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure everything out. I’ll just call it magic until she calls it something else. All will be easier that way.
“No, she is fine. I’m told she was able to get ahold of your wife and got home safely. I mean, she is shaken up, you were enveloped in a white light and then gone. They are blaming an explosion. So there is that.”
I sighed…I just wanted to get back home. Who would do this? Why would it happen…? I looked to her…she must have seen the anger and worry in my eyes for she looked startled for a moment, like I scared her. Shit I forgot to mask. I took a breath and softened my own features.
“You have a lot of questions, I am sure. I am a goddess of this realm. Not the only goddess but the Queen of them all, you may or may not meet others as you travel in my world. Call me Your Majesty, or Queen or Sonia. Whatever you want. You were summoned here because the humans of my world think they need help.”
I sighed…I can’t say no if people need help. It’s a weakness. No matter what front I present…when asked I’ll help. My wife and daughter are the same way. In for a pinch, in for a pound. I want to say no…but I can’t.
“Alright.”
She was surprised I didn’t react with more shock; it was clear she was trying to give me time to process so she took a breath and continued.
“I don’t control that magic, I didn’t ‘bless’ them with it…I didn’t give it to them. They figured it out on their own and I can’t stop them. Humans are the only ones to have this power, and they use it to pull humans from your world to fight their wars. The best I can do is limit them to only once every one hundred years. So, there is that, but still, I’m not happy with what they do and why they do it.”
I nodded, as she spoke. Okay so there is magic, which I might gain access to…unless you need to be a native of this world. She didn’t look happy with this explanation, but also it didn’t seem rehearsed. Like she was speaking to me genuinely. I can appreciate that. Still, I stayed quiet, no need to interrupt with questions.
“So I will give you access to skills and powers they can’t dream of as an ‘I’m Sorry’. I’ve done this for every single ‘hero’ to pass through this hall. Every single child they have summoned I have given this power. They knew this and took advantage of this fact. I tried not to…but then they just murder the human on the other side saying they are rejected…and non-believers. So, unless I want to send you to your death, I must give you something.”
I’m not screwed, that is good. When I find out the who, I’ll make them regret it…unless they are tattered and broken and I am their last ray of hope, I’m gonna be a dick. She might have noticed that dark smile upon my face because she took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“You are different. If you didn’t act quickly, they would have taken another child from your world to be a soldier in theirs. You are refreshing, wonderful…just perfect. They won’t be able to manipulate you. No, you are too much of a…oh the whispers say…really?...they call you a righteous dick…I’ve never heard that phrase before. You are just wonderful.”
That makes sense to me too, if I wanted to manipulate a soldier with powers, I’d want to start young as well. Not that I would want to, I just have the ability to think like they do…like a villain. Wait…were the humans in this world villains? She is speaking like she is unhappy with them. Fuck, I’m starting with the short stick aren’t I. That is fine, I’m used to being a target. That is the issue of having a mouth and an attitude like mine.
“So, with your age and wisdom…we will select what powers you want. I’ll give you access to more and different abilities. More skill points and everything. Once you get spells, you’ll just know how to cast them, the more you use anything, be it a skill or a magic spell, the better you will be with it and the more powerful it will become.”
Then screens just started to appear in the air, labeled skills and spells…elements…words with descriptions under them. Holy crap there was a lot of information…I have ADHD and am a speed reader…also I’ve been playing dungeons and dragons for more than twenty years. May be a bit of a min-maxer that is for sure. Still all the information was easily absorbed. I mean I was interested, sot that helped too.
“Well let me start with that is a pleasure to meet you. You seem very nice…and you have NO idea what you are about to unleash upon your world. The humans, they aren’t good are they? I don’t feel like they are.”
I said as I Started to read through everything. When I play dungeons I play a bruiser, but that isn’t who I am. I’m a tank. I take damage for other people, I protect them with everything I have and I lead them in the counter attack. It’s a good role, and I’m very good at it. Its easy to lead other people when you are the one leading the charge and taking the most damage.
“No, not this kingdom anyway. I can’t say too much more, but you’ve already made up your mind. So do as you see fit and judge fairly so I can’t be mad.”
That was all I needed to hear. I started to pick skills that would let me take more damage, work longer and harder…the spells were harder and meaner. I don’t need to be fast I need to be devastating. They will call me a scourge, a monster…a menace. My slow approach will be unstoppable and relentless. Then I had to pause.
“There is a lot here, but I don’t see a certain category. Do you have anything that dispels magic and curses?”
Her eyes widened with amusement and a smirk danced across her lips as a new screen appeared. She then rested her head on my shoulder to look at the screens too. I should be bothered by this, but I’m not. She didn’t raise my hackles so to speak. It was already like she was family. That is what it was, she was my sister or cousin right now. It felt…comfortable already. The touch was grounding too.
“No one ever asks for that one. They always assume what they see is all I can offer. Thank you for asking. You are such a delight.”
OH these were the asshole spells, wonderful! I took a few of those and then I spent most of my skill points in the shadow element, save for a few very large area of effect spells. I need to be able to both lead and fight armies. I did get one that I’ve always wanted, summon familiar. I get a loyal buddy no matter what. That is worth its weight in gold. Also spent some points in concealment and identify spells. I’ll need to be self-reliant, a skill called trollish fortitude is wonderful for that as well. When I get hurt I’ll be able to heal on my own, and a good organ shot won’t kill me instantly. Yeah, this is good and of course a mini-map spell so I’ll never get lost. I look back to the Queen and she is just grinning ear to ear.
“You…YES Oh this is wonderful. You are a bastard person, aren’t you? I mean that as a compliment. I do love a bastard person with the right motivation. Do you know how long its been, how many heroes I’ve helped since I’ve been happy about it? Far too many.”
I laugh a bit and grinned back. I wanted to say I was just going to be a monster from the start, but I have no idea. Maybe they were in trouble…I was just going off of her attitude and her information. But then…they started poorly by trying to make my daughter a solider. That sort of set my resolve. I doubt they are in real danger, they’d seek soldiers or people qualified…not children.
“They tried to take my daughter; they took me away from my family. I’m going to cause all sorts of problems there.”
Then anxiety starting to rear its ugly head. I’m stubborn, an asshole…but really my natural state of being is nice. I don’t like confrontation. It’s just a role that I slip into because I’m big and I have a strong protective instinct. Will I just be able to bark and they’ll fear me? When it came to roleplay, I always stuttered when it came to my lines of importance, unless I had a drink or two in my system. I think too much, plan for too many things. That will be an issue going forward I knew it. Her voice brought me out of my head.
“Alright, let me see…you need a change in clothing, armor, and a weapon or two. I don’t normally do this, but I think…if you’ll let me, I’d like to outfit you?”
She asked hopefully and how could I say no? She was being as nice to me as she could, treating me in a casual way that made it easy to transition. Also I didn’t know how to deal with my asthma in this new world, but I took a lot of healing skills so maybe they would cancel each other out…if I still even had it. I kept going into the issues in my head…and soon she was patting my shoulder.
“You took axe as your weapon, so I made you a great axe and a pair of hand axes to give you the greatest choice. All are supernaturally sharp and impossible to destroy, and if you throw the hand axes they’ll reappear in their holsters at your side.”
I was aware of their weight upon my body now, they looked sick too. Lusterless black metal, sharp and elegant design and nothing too flashy, I don’t think I could have done a better job of making something like this if I was given ten years.
“The armor is black dragon hide. Looks the coolest and in my world they are associated with shadow which matched a bulk of your skills. You can take a great deal of damage in this. Also, you look intimidating. No helmet because you’ll hate it, plus it would hide your beard and it looks good on you.”
I smiled at that; my wife says the same thing. Was making me miss her more and more.
“Will I ever get the chance to go back home?”
The goddess let a touch of sadness seep into her eyes as she just slipped her arms around me and gave me a hug.
“That is up to you. I can’t cast that type of magic. Of all the heroes summoned to this world, not a single one has made a spell that can send you back. Doesn’t mean you won’t be the first, but it’s harder than it sounds.”
That figures nothing could be that easy, could it? I just sighed and squeezed her a bit and then I let go and took a step back. I was mentally preparing myself for what was to come. I made assumptions based on what little I knew and was working on a ‘character’ so I could survive the initial meeting.
“Okay I’m ready. Send me to this hellscape.”
She paused at me and looked for a rather long time. Her hand took my mine and she gave me a little squeeze. I think she was conflicted…because she knew what she was about to release on her world, and she was happy for the change but sad for what I will do. I will be called a monster by the end of this, of that I am sure.
“Save the world as you see fit, my hero.”
I never told her my name, but she never asked. Should I keep my name or make a new one? Gods I can’t just not over think anything can I? There was a rush and for a moment I felt dizzy. The very pressure of the air changed around me, and I knew I was someplace else. There were gasps the moment the effect of the transportation spell ended.
This setting was far different than where I just was at. It smelled of perfume…opulence was everywhere, tapestries that told stories of past heroes…treasures in glass display cases. Just elegant chests filled with I don’t know what. Around me were men and women in robes, hands on their knees, tired from whatever spell they cast. I think the Goddess made them try a little harder, I’d have to thank her for that later. In front of me was a large set of stairs that lead up to a throne where two men stood, and one man sat. A man with a crown and opulent robes, a man in white and gold robes with some sun symbol on his chest and a man in black and purple robes. I hated all of them instantly for no reason whatsoever. Well not no reason, they were slimy looking men, that is a good enough reason. The anger was coming back.
“Welcome Oh Hero!”
The man in purple and black robes started to speak until his eyes took in this man in all black armor, armed to the teeth with axes. Full head of brown and gray hair, and a beard to match. Dad bod rocking with thick arms and legs…I did not look like what they were expecting…and that made me happy. There was a pause as all three just stared at me for a moment…before the man in purple and black started to speak once more, after a cough of course.
“May I present to you the King Archibald the Third, the king of Arthuroria and the man behind your call to greatness.”
They were expecting me to act impressed, my face was cold and just collected. I had no desire to show them how angry I was right now. Or how amused I was that my mere presence was throwing them all. They were all faking smiles and trying to look like they were happy to see me. An old hero is better than no hero at all isn’t it?
“To the King’s side is his Holiness the Pope, leader of our religion that worships the Queen Goddess Sonia, whom you should have met. My self I am but the humble royal advisor Marko. We welcome you oh great Hero to our kingdom in our time of peril and need.”
The man in robes gave a sort of bow and a nod of his head. I was already irritated they haven’t given me the chance to talk yet. They were trying to overwhelm me, get me to agree with whatever they want. I can see that happening to a teenager, mine…not so much. She was smarter than that and had a far sharper tongue than me. I can hold my tongue when needed, so I had to let them speak.
“We implore you to fight for us. The demon race is a scourge upon this land and every one hundred years they are able to gather in strength and numbers to push into our kingdom. Take OUR lands. They want nothing more than to ruin our way of life. They will rape and pillage and take everything until there is nothing left. Your power, the Hero’s power is what has always lead us to victory. Let us show you the menace that you will hunt the lands for.”
They pushed a bound woman down the stairs, her skin was a deep lavender, her hair was jet black and there were curled horns on either side of her head. She was hurt and angry. Instantly my blood boiled…I still look cold and collected. I can’t just shoot off. I don’t know how strong everyone is in this room. For all I know the king sits on a power that dwarfs mine and just won’t fight for the kingdom until the last minute when he might die. I started to use identify just to be safe, never assume. Everyone had stats here, numbers to represent whatever arbitrary abilities all living creatures are given. I was wrong…the strongest one was the demon bound at my feet. What tricks did they use?
They were all staring at me now again waiting for me to speak, I probably missed the introduction while I was stuck in my own head. How do I want to play this? It was time to start the character. They were expecting a child and got a full-grown man. They get the act, they’ll think I’m like them. They’ll think because I’m old and grumpy I’m just like any shitty rich man.
“So, you kidnapped me from my world and brought me to this one so that I can murder those that stand against you?”
I offered with sort of a smirk. I didn’t introduce myself; I didn’t want to. They don’t need to know my name yet. I watched their faces fall in dismay as they scramble to figure out a way to cover their asses and the woman was just staring at me, fear in her eyes. Can she feel my power? I could crush everyone here easily, but it wouldn’t do anything. That wouldn’t change the power structure…a revolution was needed. A revolution that I will start.
“No…no! We needed to summon you. The power you have isn’t granted to us. We need you and we need your power. Without the great Hero to fight the demonic invasion of our land we will not be able to hold them back and our way of life will be over. We…we regret what we must do but it’s a necessary misdeed to keep all of us safe. You’ll benefit from this too. You’ll be treated like a prince. Like I said, gold and land…women…men? Anything will be yours for the asking. Will you grace us with your name Champion?”
I wasn’t happy with that answer. I look to the scared woman who couldn’t speak and then back up to all those that were at the top of the stairs.
“Just call me Ogre, that will suit me just fine. Don’t look so pressed, I’m just pulling your leg…um telling a joke. I have magic and money here, right? I’ll have power and women and land. I don’t see a downside right now.”
Ogre is a name I used for gaming, a nickname that I tried to get off the ground for myself that never took off. Might as well use the chance now. Real names have power and I didn’t want them to have mine. I look down to the demon woman at my feet…and I felt sick for what I was about to do. I let that smirk spread to a wicked grin.
“Sure, I’ll fight for you. This woman, this demon. I’ll need to study her. Give her to me, point me in the right direction and your problem will be over as soon as I can get to the front lines. So long as you don’t ask too many questions and let me do my thing we are all set.”
They all looked like a weight was lifted from their shoulders. They were expecting me to be a child and it made the air in the throne room thick. That dissipated when I asked for a slave basically. I hated acting like this, but that is all this was…an act. Marko advisor looked confused for a moment.
“That is all you want? Do you want a contingent of men? Mages…a whole escort to get to where you are going?”
I shook my head.
“Nope, just some gold so I can stay at inns and then I’m good. I want to be done with this as soon as possible. I’ll bring you the demon leader’s head and then it will be the easy life. I don’t want to do more than I must. I got a few perks from not being your ‘typical’ fair. So I’ll do just fine.”
The High advisor motioned to a corner of the room and one of the people dressed like the chanters brought forward a crystal.
“We need to measure your power and see your skill lists so we can rest knowing you are powerful enough to fight. We are more accustomed to younger heroes and are not sure how the powers take hold of you.”
I should have been more prepared for this. I can’t let them have an edge so it will be the goal to just flood it and break it. The goddess gave me access to more power than what she would normally give out. I motioned for them to bring it over…I took a breath just flooded the crystal with everything I had…and it shattered like I wanted and in only a few moments. I picked a shard of it out of the palm of my hand, and I watched the wound heal quickly…how cool was that?
“That good enough for you.”
All three of the pigs at the top of the stairs looked scared but happy at that show of power. They nodded and someone brought me a sack of gold. They also handed me the chains that lead to the demon’s bindings. I nodded and looked about.
“Someone to show me out, please. I’ll be back before you know it. When I’m done not only will the demons be under your boot, but no other country will also think to stand against you.”
All of them got these disgusting dark grins on their faces. I couldn’t wait for when I did actually came back to burn this world to the ground and I could see the looks of terror on their faces before I kill them all. Then I looked to the woman, and I hated myself for what I was going to say next, I didn’t mean a word of it.
“If you want to live, you’ll come with me. If you attack me, betray me, I won’t make your death painless.”
I hope she can forgive me. I tugged a bit, and she came with me, completely defeated. They were going to make my daughter do this. I will burn this entire country down. A few hundred years of occupying rule will do something to refresh the human spirit.
40 year old bastard in another world (YEs that is what I am calling my isekai.)
Has almost three chapters. I'm going to over look the first chapter once more then I will be posting it.
I've found something out. I don't think I'll do voting anymore and will just pick what I want from now on. If I ever get to the point where this pays my bills that will change. But its for fun right now.
I'm enjoying writing this a lot. Its easy and fun and I have a plan. So yay for that! We'll see.
I think One day I'll revisit Dark Sanctuary and re-write it to be a more connected story and not just short stories in the same realm.
