This will hurt ― watching this process, of the dragon queen swooping around, destroying things. I can let my mind retreat to 'block out' the more emotional connect; but I need to focus on some other things ... memories.
... here goes ... I'll force the flashbacks-
-fwoop-
... what? The warrior goddess is ... right?
... huh. It's just, I ... got summoned?
Ahead of me in this room, I see a whole row of catlike people ... I believe Six of Ten calls them catkin. A race of humanoid cats of various breeds. Some are behind me, as I turn in place to scan the room. At least what I see ― four are human, so I may find comfort with some of my own kind, in this world-
But the most noticeable is the matriarch cat woman at the head of this room, as I turn her way. At least I believe her to be a woman, in this sense, from seeing the bumps down her chest. At least four, to the human two. No; six. And she is maternal in the sense of having family. Not sure how many are literally her own; but at least seventy beings, other than me, fill this grand chamber-
Speaking of, I now have something I didn't on Earth ― the long rumored status screens! It means I can now sense and analyze things-
-information flows into me so I read with awe. She's known by name, Her Maternal Highness Queen VicNyanne Nyaga, of Clan Apurrnyathy. Nearest her are twelve ― who identify as her five sons and seven daughters ― of three litters, if they truly follow some catlike birthing potential. At the back, the eldest three are male, but not the heirs to the throne ― such role goes to the fourth eldest, the daughter after her brothers. Hmm ― since it's a matriarchy, this bit is a clear clue of succession going to an eldest female in line. The youngest seems to be a shy young girl, Princess Nyandra. Single, beyond cute ... and also eyes wide open to my notice of her. I lock eyes her way, hear a faint purring now, and also the raw clearing of the mother's throat, to start speaking-
-click-
Around my neck, I feel a thick leather collar snapped into place, and its attendant magics flow into me. Shocking! Without my permission? I don't get a say?
... only too late, I realize Six of Ten's last words ― "apologies in advance, but they assimilate summons this way" ― as the hint even the goddess will not free me.
... f-
I search within my mind, untamed thoughts ― but I sense both how the collar restricts me, though I do yet have my own thoughts. This means, I'll be feeling each and every moment of their training time. I can't play passive for some time either. But, neither do I feel a strong obligation to resist; if I try, I'll only be hurting myself. I am a ... a slave? Cool ... wrong ... cool ... bad ... what do I do ... let me go ... just listen here kid-
I'm fighting ... myself?
"Welcome, young human male," speaks the matriarch. "You are now a slave of the Nyaga Matriarchy, and directly belong to me, Queen VicNyanne, now. Fear not though; you may try all you wish to get free; but you cannot. At least, know you will not come to harm so long as you obey and submit to authority. You will be trained with the best of our known methods and peoples. You will be provided with lodging, and a daily regimen of lessons to teach you what we need you to learn. Plus given tasks. First. What is your name?"
"... Arthur Franklin King."
The cute young eyes of one cute young kitten show a smile, while the girl's fingers scribble in some notepad-
Aah the memory, of the first day on Pernam. In the days thereafter, I'm drawn around the city, shown where I can and cannot go, told things I can and cannot do. But otherwise, with the collar on me ― I'm free. The cats ― citizens of this queen matriarch ― greet me openly; I can befriend them too. One of the human girls seems to have followed me from the start, though I haven't got the chance to talk to her yet. She seems to be watching me but maybe she got warned from approaching me, in too familiar a manner.
This reminds me: while the cats are in power, other races exist. The true muscle of the matriarch is almost certainly the dogkin ― canine humanoids just as the catkin are feline inspired. I'm told it's the same way, the whole world over. Queen VicNyanne's land is fairly large, but not the largest. Seven other lands ring hers; each of them have also summoned on the same ten year mark, the first of each year; so ... hmm, just stay as I am then.
For not only the first year but a second one too, I'm training. The first year went more to the physical fitness ― honestly I came through to the world as I was at age fifteen. Not well muscled nor perfectly toned, but because I took on a wide range of chores, I wasn't so bad either. And in the meantime, I got to know my captors, and lay of the land.
My flashbacks slide ahead in time; now I'm at a halfway point in the second year-
Because I got summoned a year and a half before, I had not noticed at first one thing installed in me is a magic aptitude. Their high wizard Neytaan took me under his proverbial wing, then began training me. I see how some wizards think him somehow past his prime; it's unfair, but they do. I side with him all the more, seeking his wisdom. He won't tell me the reason for how or why he could arrive at such a grand age; but he holds my shoulder to steady himself-
-we're descending, in their magic variant of an elevator, a plane of magic which lets Neytaan and I go down to the seventh floor beneath the ground. It's their library; and now in the end of this second year here, he's letting a curious me see some secret things in their vaults. I've gained his trust and he's gained mine; the closest thing to a true father role I have ever had in my life. Ever.
We're both silent; but as the pane of mana stops, we step forward into the hall. Neytaan points to the third door on the left, where I aim my steps. I'm giddy; what secrets can I see? It's only a preview as after this I'm to start in some quests beyond the capital here.
He lets me wander here, up and down the aisles between shelves. I see scrolls and books, some huge tomes ― all things mostly preserved in the state the last person left them in their place. A document titled "Make Or Break A Magic" ― a sneak look tells me one whole day of nothing but intense focus can 'break' a magic. Can it work for this collar? Other things are: a treatise on use of mana in sight or invisibility, a tome of weather, a diagram of some 'mana bullet array' which seems too large to build-
-and one ornate chest marked, 'The Realm Project'. Neytaan turns away to not watch me as I lift the lid of this chest, and see ― dozens if not hundreds of bound scrolls. A treasure trove of something they call a 'realm'. I do not know what this realm is, but my interest is piqued.
... and on down another row, a new stack of books and things on a table, the spell of preservation felt rising here. A few old papers not bound in books, their pages too old to roll up, without their cracking. One stack shows scribbles with words of 'interrogation for fun'. I ... don't get it-
I shake my head; this time was more mundane, but reminds me of the starting steps. Maybe I don't have to look for memories which are so mundane? Aah. End of year two, beginning the third, a first chat with the young cat princess-
"... Arthur?"
Aah rats; I meant to hide here alone, in the royal garden-
I've heard her come from behind. Even if this day is the second anniversary of my summon, the cats only summon on the decade ― it's still new year eve, so it's this annual party time. I didn't feel like being seen in public, as some cursed 'charisma boon' seems to draw too much feminine attention to me, all the time ― which is honestly ... unwanted. Why I tried to hide here is because I presumed all the royal family went to the feast, too-
-I don't know how she found me, but she did! It's strange how she's now like this, when the rumors say different. I've sensed this princess ― excessively shy, they said, before I came ― is also growing more curious about me ... as a human ... I think. Pretty sure she's anxious and nervous but getting up the wits to talk. Maybe more.
"Yes, Nyandra? Uh, I mean, Princess-"
She smiles anyway, a faint purr of pleasure coming from her lithe body.
"... I ... I like that, you called me ... by name."
This moment is a rare chance I won't have again, in ... some time. I may as well, you know, get what I can here. Well no, not take advantage; I broke my collar last year but the fragments of this collar are still here at my neck ― held in place by my own magic. Oh I suppose Neytaan may suspect it; but he's never said anything, and even once I think he covered for me with an excuse for the time I was 'breaking' it. But here and now, I got the green light from this princess, to socialize.
"Well if you don't mind then, please ... sit here, and talk with me. Nyandra."
She plops right here on the bench beside me and exhales, not even minding the twin dogkin guards scanning the grounds.
"So ... I'm curious. Tell me about you ... I mean ... about your former life ... if it's not too painful, to recall-"
"Oh, it's alright," I sooth, looking directly to her eyes. I swear, if such were possible, the pupils might turn to heart shapes any second. "Well ... I do miss my Earth family ... but, Neytaan is like an adoptive father; so ... I'll stay fine. But as to my life ... what do you want to know?"
I see how she grows more accustomed to me as we talk back and forth, somehow equals if we ever could be equals. The summon is highly valued, in what service they give. I know already how the catkin value information of other worlds for some sociological reason; but the lore of other worlds they bring makes them a source of rich experience. I know too how Nyandra's elder siblings do call her a socially weak twit ― she'll not hold a position in their rule, except what her mother allows. But this doesn't matter, if she's locked onto me, now does it? We're ... good together?
A good hour of chat passes, the night growing darker ― and now I add, "So ... it was on a night like this, on Earth ... the night I was summoned. I went out on an errand, my mother was not feeling well, and I ― ended up in this world-"
I halt. Already Nyandra's eyes are watery; I suppose she is feeling some guilt at my arrival has let a mother be or remain ill.
"... I'm sorry," she whispers, lips trembling.
I sigh too, and then shiver for the cool air passing through the courtyard here has this effect. Then jump, as a firework pops near by; aha, it's this time, for the annual fireworks. Nyandra also jumps; and then, I feel her lean in suddenly, seeking a surprise comfort ― and then backs away, in her embarrassment.
"It's alright," answer, my words working double duty. I acknowledge her sorrow for my loss, and I also say it's okay if she's this close. "I ... I do miss my family, on a night like this-"
A single teardrop falls down my face ― I don't know why, maybe mention of my family draws it forth. But the princess leans in, her lips nearing mine ― a new sort of bold purr coming from her throat-
"Daughter! Answer me right now!"
-oh crap-
This had been a fun memory; one in which I could recall the first daring meeting of our hearts, only interrupted before we could ... go further. Next memory in line?
I exit the main throne room, and sigh in relief.
It's the end of the first quarter into the third year, barely one quarter of the year since the queen found out Nyandra and I ... had interest in each other. The queen's security minister revealed I no longer had their slave collar intact, and guessed how I broke it; it went like I would presume. Some turned irate, some turned scared, some feel ... relieved. Mostly ― Nyandra seemed eager to continue where we left off, a thing both her mother and her elder siblings have been running static to keep us from being together.
In fact, this one meeting in the royal chambers ending mere minutes ago is for the queen to inform me ― she's sending me out on a brand new mission.
"The demon lands are becoming active again," she said, "so you get a team and go there, spy out their land for a while."
Truly, that's it.
A chill winter air won't stop my orders. I'd also told all, time and time again, collar or not, I'm staying here and acting as their hero, for the reason of ... I see how an imbalance of them not having me here, could let neighbor lands to 'snap up' borders. It's still firmly in mind with some of these catkin, how the recent 'wars' could again break out. No I'm not leaving this queendom open to the beginning of such a thing.
"Arthur?" A new voice calls out behind me. One of the humans who have been present since my summon. She's always been around; I haven't yet spoke to her for any serious length of time; but now might as well be the first time I try.
"Yes ... uh, Nika?"
A generous smile on these human lips; I've made the mistake to say her name and she thinks I like her now. She's shorter than me, far more "chesty" than Nyandra became ― I've seen the glares between them already ― but, socially casual and just now turning her attention to me. I think I'm in her line of sight, and she's aiming to put her brand on me somehow.
"Um. So you're going out into the wilds then, and I can't go now; but if you're going to hunt the demons ― beware, they're crafty beasts, never trust them. Never. Also if you learn something about their leaders ... um ... will you tell me too? I'll like to talk with you about your missions now, too; since I don't think the cats care much for your emotional well being-"
I feel her calm soft hand touch my shoulder, as she makes a first contact. A faint zap of energy arcs to my body, and my heart races faintly faster. The unsaid promise is here ... it's her or the princess. A promise for happy life, with one or the other-
My heartbeat throttles up again, strangely sounding loud even to me.
"-ah I gotta go! Catch you tomorrow, or something!" I accelerate away, but hear her protest.
"Wait! Arthur! Something you should know-"
Hmm. This one was the first real conversation with the damnable girl, the one I have only hatred toward her existence, now. I push away thought of how Nika tried to be part of the humans' plot to murder my Nyandra later ― in favor of seeing a new happy memory-
I'm back in the capital, it's the end of the third year here; and I'm done with the report on my first travel to the demon lands.
The queen has excused me. I'm a mess, I literally had zero time to shower and shave since arriving; but the summons to appear and report has come and I ... obey.
I feel so sweaty, so gross; yet as I try this time to slip away ... I'm grabbed and pulled to one side, and down a hallway. Nyandra. She's feeling ... needy? Yes, needy and pouty, for some reason. No doubt she's been hearing the rumors of what the other quest team mates said.
... I did seriously have a romance with two of the teammates, at the same time. Hey it's been two thirds of a year and unholy hell are they competitive for me. Like, by now I have no question in my mind a 'charismatic boon' is no boon, it's a curse. Get it off of me, why don't you, whoever put it on me.
"Arthur!" she sighed at last, after we're in a recess of the hall. She leans her head against my body. "Oh Arthur I missed you-"
"I missed you too, Nyandra, you have no idea. But," I speak while caressing her hair, "I'm so messy and sweaty and hungry and-"
She laughs. "Oh Arthur I don't care. I just ... need this. Just, stand here with me, okay?"
I sigh, in both relief and exhaustion and futility. My arms wrap around her, too ― holding her close enough still ― yep she hasn't developed in the bosom any further but that's not a problem for me. "Ducata teasing you?"
"Mm."
The queen might scold both of us if we're found; and we're liable to get found sneaking around, since this hall is still inside the castle-
-about this. One of the bundles of scrolls I'd been researching ― after making my own copy of what's in the library vaults ― is a prized 'realm project'. I think it's an answer. Some cosmic space set aside, for some means still attached to a mortal world by placement of a construct called a portal ― yet also is its own world. A place I can have of my own, a thing the catkin cannot take from me. Also it will be a retreat from all this female attention ― or at least the unwanted ones. I'm thinking Nyandra is still on my short list of those I'd permit inside. Only, to construct a realm ― I'm still only ninety percent of the way in resources; likely by the end of this year, mere weeks away, I'll have what's needed ― earth crystals.
All these thoughts mill through my mind; while Nyandra sniffles softly, her head against my chest. Sniffles, and sniffs, then her head rears back-
"Arthur, you-"
"I know, I smell terrible. I've been on the road all of twelve hours with everyone else; then got called here. Yes I need a bath, or shower, or ... dunked in a horse trough. Hah, imagine this."
I played it off calmly; and for now, her suspicions of the teammate who'd been pressing her flesh with mine mere hours ago is ... pushed back in her mind. She shakes her head, then starts on a different tack.
"Arthur, if you see that human girl, um-"
She's embarrassed to come to the point now? Also now it's jealousy against Nika, which I'll have to figure more of what to do. At least I haven't had Nika with me, for all of these last few months; who knows how hard she'll try too, to draw me into something-
"... I'm not chasing her," I sooth. "If you think I'm wanting human attention ― I do but I've got ... my own family in mind, before she'd ... have me." Aah, I feel choked up, for some reason.
I'm not emotional in this moment; I am still tired, mostly ― but I'll also need what Nyandra offers me. A companion ― whether her mother or siblings are ready for it to happen. Flashes of memories from Earth also arise ― with a girlfriend I'd had, who eventually left me-
So, I'm not emotional, yet sadly, my eyes are wet. I miss my own mother, and siblings, in the moment too. I say it, to let Nyandra hear it from my own mouth, why I'm ... like this.
I feel a convulsion; I am tired ― but the emotion shall now trigger. I feel her lips on mine ― our first serious kiss, of ever ― and I'm crying? Aw this mood is embarrassing for me too. But it's a kiss I need, I welcome, I return with zeal-
I pull back into the moment; it's still only been seconds of watching the dragon lady going around so fast. Who knew the mana batteries the wizards installed across the land cannot keep up with her vast rage or speed? Who knew?
It's from a not too distant past, of some 'prophet' of doom who said a dragon will lay waste to the land. Nobody has known the reason why or the form of how it would and could happen; in hindsight, just trying to avoid it, still did not prevent it. Mea culpa.
Next past memory ― mere weeks after the last one ― the first moments within my own new realm.
I'm standing in this closet the catkin still 'let' me use as a bedroom, in the Wizard's Tower. The closet itself is just two meters wide by two meters deep of floor space, but four meters tall. That's the floor's height through this whole level; and I guess the closet got the same space allotted ... which is fine.
Beneath my feet, a square of light which is the 'mana elevator' waits to lift me alone up to the 'upper half' of this bedroom/closet. A ledge halfway up exists ― which means it's a perfect place to hide the portal. I understand I'll be able to make and place more portal locations; so in case I get my own home somewhere else, I can install a place to there, too. But for now ... I'm making my own 'home realm'. My own world. Nobody will bother me; the other wizards have left for the day to their own beds; Neytaan's up on the seventh floor, three floors above me now. The rest are nowhere to be seen or sensed. I'm in the clear.
"Rise," I command, with my chosen word. My elevator will now only respond to me! The problem is, it works going up ... but I don't have it working for descending ... or for recognizing when I step out of the portal I placed up here. I'll be falling flat on my face, down two meters at least-
I see through the portal into its inside view. The realm itself is its largest possible initial size ― it can be from three to ten meters, I'm lucky it's a ten meter radius I guess. I see four objects within it ― a water well, a housing hut, a library hut, and a spare hut for maybe storage of items. But, tall wild grasses cover all the rest of the ground.
Time to step inside ... aah it's nice, in here! A cool air flows, not yet enough to call a breeze, since the realm is so small; but some air movement which lets this place be not be stale. That's also in line with what I read of this old realm document. It should have weather patterns ... for real.
I turn around. Ten meters in radius, means twenty meters across. The well itself, one meter diameter, sits in the exact center, right where one would want it; and the four quadrants also have things in them. My residence sits as a shack with rough boards for sides ― to the northeast, if that's the direction I see.
I glance inside the open doorway; yes it's a hovel, a wreck of a place ... but it's mine. One room occupancy; a simple stone floor, a mat with blanket and pillow, a table and chair in another corner ― and a chamberpot? Well I miss the proper bathrooms of Earth, I miss not having to squat, to ... go. At least the status screen for it says it will magically rinse away all waste, when the person is done. It reminds me; these work rags I wear now are still wringing with sweat, time to change. Drop off my clothes, select from my personal Inventory a pair of undergarments ― tee shirt and briefs ― and, change into them. Clean clothes have never felt so good, even if they are for 'lower class citizens' of Pernam-
"Needs a kitchen," I mumble.
South of my home is something marked as a library. It's not empty ― one shelf against its east wall, a second table with two chairs. A lone book is on a shelf just ready to be seen. I'm curious but since it won't go anywhere I can come back to it later. The floor is fitted stone blocks, but has a woven rug laid out. I pass by this hut, for now ― two structures left to see ― too much more to do and see!
West of here ― the southwest quadrant ― is a structure which also shows by analysis as the combined storage shed and food pantry for now. Granary? Am I supposed to have grain? Hell yes, I'm hungry ― I've been working ten hours since this morning! Also since it's night on Pernam, it's disconcerting to see the light of sky also dim here; even if the scrolls said so, it's feeling like it'll be dark soon. Time to hurry! Nothing seen inside the granary slash warehouse! Moving on!
Northwest corner! A second hovel! Half as large as mine! Garden on one side! Ah well then this means I can ... relax, slow down now. I'll have a garden at least, a chance to plant and raise some vegetables, and then store the extra, so my food won't spoil? Inventory systems are a great thing; mine isn't as great as I'd hoped by now, but I can't carry every bit of food with me everywhere-
Turning back to the bounds, specifically to the portal I just came through. I see how the realm is ... already expanding? The portal stone itself sits abutting the hazy 'wall' of the cosmos from beyond; gray scale flotsam which could tear living beings apart if one pressed against it. The first one was a freebie ― each one after this will cost me some resource. I'll be careful-
At the center of the realm again, a floating status screen of the realm shows a notice. I'm supposed to summon my first minion, some being to put as its 'majordomo', just a dream word for a lieutenant or helper or whatever. I open the screen more, to see my options. Hmm. Just three. A cheetah girl maid, an orc male warrior, and a stone golem drone. Hmm. Only the first one fits. Her traits: submissive, and ... what's this other word? Gosh it's so dark here now, except for the screen-
I sigh, and press the button; she'll have to do; I am supposed to summon a second too but I want to get to know this one first.
She's almost my height but a few fingers short. Not even a thing to worry about; but she's arrived without clothes, even though her body has cover in her plush furs. She looks fine, feminine, and ... shy?
"... m, master-"
Oh that's easy, I figured I'd have to somehow, force her to submit? Unlike my start, she has no collar, but somehow she does recognize me as her master- Oh. Well damn. I'll have to be as good a 'master' for her, as the catkin were for me ... right? Or else I'd betray my own self, somehow-
"Hi. I'm Arthur, your new master, and this is my new realm. Um. It won't look like much for the time being ... but I do have the option to expand as I go. Also, you're the first one I called to be here; of course I hope you and I will work on the same goal."
I feel awkward, speaking to a cat now, as she is 'my slave'. I ... I should have thought this out more, right? Well I can't go back, I have to move forward then.
"... master."
She repeats this. Why?
"Huh? Is something wrong, um, what's your name-"
"Ceevah." A shy peeking look at me indicates she's more than slightly timid, here. "Master ... I need ... I need to-"
"-need what?"
"-to pee."
"... oh ... oh." So suddenly, it's needs. I didn't know my first summon would come already having such a need. "Um. In this hut, is a chamberpot. I hope you are used to that; it's all I have too. But at least it'll be self cleaning."
I stand silent outside, while she rushes in and completes the task. I can't not hear the spray of fluid through the thin boards of the hut; it's plain to hear ... and smell. This catlike girl has such strong smells in her wastes. I am shocked too; since my realm is only so large, and the air only disperses it to swirl around. Hmm; the tall grass is tall enough, I'm wanting a different scent; so I drop down in the grasses and ... lay down. Until something catty pounces-
I break from this memory; as the next events were more of ... well, 'frolicking'. Ceevah somehow outgrow her shyness; or maybe her innate role as this breedable creature she is, somehow prompts her to be more playful after she faces her own shy ways. Anyway. Playing with Ceevah in the tall grasses led to the next day, and the next ― soon enough, a first 'random spawn' arrives, because I forgot to stay ahead of them by summoning-
Two days later, Ceevah and I are rolling around in the tall grass ― she's eagerly showing me how she and her siblings would play in the grasses, when they were children. And since I now choose to wear as little as possible ― tee shirt and briefs ― I now have to be aware how I roll, lest something 'pops out'. Not like she'd notice; she's in teaching mode, showing a human how a cat pounces and hunts and catches her prey. It seems she remembers a fair amount of her childhood, the same lessons a parent taught her. Some aspect of this summon screen hints it's different for each summon. Some recall all, some recall none, some do not want to remember what they do, some want to recall what they do not know.
Also in this time, she and I are ... subtly getting closer. It's been two evenings ... of me taking a rest for being on Pernam; my own realm now has expansion options I want to choose. So when her tumbling grasp rolls me too, unable to hide an erection, and I am looking up at her face above mine ― I ... press my lips ... to hers.
-I've kissed catkin girls before ― they've all been the ones to initiate. It also seems all catkin are playful even to the ripe old age beyond human years. But here with Ceevah, she looks shocked ― meaning ― I know a boon is not on her, at all. I can try to pursue a relationship here; only it cannot result in any child, if I understand. I could with Nyandra on Pernam ― just not with Ceevah, here in my realm. It's not like I want some children ... yet. Are children a plus or minus?
She stiffens, of course; but then she also softens her grasp, lets her body lay limp. Her first kiss? It seems so. She's not a natural at it, but some things happen anyway when mouths meet; so her shy nature is true, the real her. It's cute, in a way, making me ... more horny. Regardless of what goes on with other worlds and the boon on me ... I can have some romance, without fear of ... being used.
Also, we rolled over almost into the garden next to the other shack; so I roll us back the other way ― but not without something of me ... sticking out. Ceevah bumps against me with a force, and our bodies meet-
"-ee-!" she squeals, stiffening in surprise. She pants, her eyes rolling back, dripping tears too; the raw whimper of pain subsides.
-v, v, virgin? I just-
"-m, master-" she breaths, with a sly grin. "More!"
-that's got me hot! Let's go!
Only a pause to pull away and yank down my boxers, we resume the effort.
... taking a minute here, guys-
I'm almost to a finishing point, we're moving with each other so strong now ... yet I'm hearing something else. Something is not right. My eyes dart left and right, to confirm a suspicion ― where I see behind the stone of this portal node-
-that's a goblin!
I pull off Ceevah, the raw force of it spewing my seed unfortunately upon her, more than I had at any one time before. But I'm facing a green little guy, also ... touching himself, and spilling his own junk, as well. He cackles at the similarities of us, while Ceevah lay there still in the state of ecstasy.
... aah, this goblin's some random spawn then; I should have paid more attention to the date and time. It's now onto a third day, mid morning; I'd have to get back to the other world soon but wanted a moment longer with Ceevah. But now ... hmm logistics ― I won't let Ceevah get hurt, but extracting a blade, I face the little guy.
He cackles softly, then speaks. "... master?"
My blade tip lowers, toward the grass. "You yield?"
"Yes, master. If you will accept me here-"
"... Master came ... so much!"
... so that's fairly well the beginning of my first two minions; it's nice to recall how they became mine. I hadn't known to assign Ceevah as the majordomo first ― but somehow the realm system picked her as the default one, when the realm next needed one for one decision. Since she was also the first summon in my realm, and since Gimu was then a random spawn ... I would have had to manually override to set him instead of her but that's not what I want either.
So the following few months of the winter passes slowly; I didn't have huge hero tasks ― except showing up to various affairs ... or dodging affairs. In fact ― Nyandra was right in the middle of proposing ... something, to get me free of Nika's grasp ― the queen again calls a meeting ― I'm again sent to hunt the demon lands. Even I've thought, they should know where the demons are, all this time; it shouldn't depend on me 'finding them'. It's a form of 'busy work', keeping Nyandra and I ... apart.
"Whoa ― will you look at this!"
Ten kilometers back from here is where we first saw it. Topping a rise in the land, we saw over the wide valley ― this demon lord's city, with its castle rising majestically in the air ― such a pretty sight. I must say, no we all can only say, now with us as close as two kilometers, the demon lord's construction teams had done well. Their engineers surely rival what the catkin can do ― I'm only sad it's taken three more months to get to this point. If only I could have left catkin lands, without Nika coming along-
-half of my adventuring team companions are catkin. For humans, it's me and Nika and one other guy; for the dogkin, it's two stern camp guards; and then Guild Master Terlin and four other catkin adventurers. This group's half male and female though-
Nika looks peeved. "Arthur ― promise me you won't go any closer? Remember what I said; they're tricky and deceptive and not to be trusted. Say we can go back now, you've found their city, so you can report to the feral-"
A subtle growl from a side shows, the catkin don't exactly like her either; but they'll give her leeway if she doesn't provoke them. Which she might be doing, as she speaks.
"I'm not gonna promise that!" is my retort to interrupt the cats' growl forming. She pouts; but it's the truth. "After all this time, we're so close ... so if I can sneak in even closer, to watch them-"
"-Arthur no! Don't! What if they capture you, what if they pull you into their sick orgies and then-"
-gee, that's a head scratcher. She never indicates this being her fear, before? So, if we're so close ― either it's a made up ruse, or some inner logic for which humans fear being mates for demons ― and I don't even know any more. I think Nika's gone off the deep end-
"... aah you worry too much then. I won't do anything I don't want to do anyway; and I bet the demon people won't even mind our presence. I believe we have been noticed already; so this is just ... seeing for ourselves what kind of people they are, and can be. If they can build all this, I bet they can talk diplomacy too. Nika go home if you're so worried; this is my mission ... not yours."
"I concur," Terlin stands tall against the shorter Nika. "It's supposed to be Arthur's mission, with the rest of us as support. Since it's been so long from the last time our people met them ― in battle or otherwise ― this time is only for setting the bounds between us. Nika, what are you doing here? Tell me ... or shut up and do as he says ― go home."
She glares, then turns to step back toward our informal hidden camp. She won't go home, she won't come with, she can't keep me from going, she can't even force me to go; which means ... I've got to pick our options.
"So ... me, Terlin, and ... two others. Four of us will sneak in softly, nearer to the demon city's gates. We stick together, unless we have a chance to divert and then regroup. ETA for returning here is ... let's see, it's high noon so then ... in four hours?"
I see subtle nods. Terlin points out two in the group. "Kammi, Danyah, me, and Arthur. Check. Synchronize our watches ... now-"
The walk in the last kilometer is slow ― it's a large city, looming larger as we approach. We've got travel cloaks wrapping our heads, like we've seen other 'demon locals' do. It's good to fit in, if possible. 'When in Rome-'
But now ... we're here. Actually, standing with the rising city walls in front of us, a mere twenty meters off. The walls themselves rise to about fifteen meters, with precise crenelations and parapets and all the finery of walls manned with their demon soldiers. The city gate is more fifty meters south along this wall; we did divert to the north as we walked in from the west, to regroup and ... plan.
"Hey. Think we can scale this wall, without detection?" Kammi dares to ask. She would ― she'd want to sneak in like a thief ― but no it won't work.
"Um let's leave that option for later- Shh! Someone's coming!"
Indeed, from the gate fifty meters south, we see now a lone demon woman, dressed in fine attire, turn ... this way? She's coming straight to us? No change in her path? Well, f-
"-we've been detected, I knew it!" Danyah squealed. "I don't wanna die! We should head back!"
"Quiet!" Terlin overrode her mewling. "Arthur, what to do-"
"... we wait. Who knows, it could be nothing-"
"Idontwannadie-" came one more sob.
In a minute, the finely dressed professional woman met us, looked all of us up and down, then ... spoke. "Greetings, outsiders. My leader has expressed gratitude for your being so bold as to approach, without malice. For this reward granted to you will be a proper meeting, inside the castle. Will you come, follow me? You shall not be harmed, honored guests; a meal is being prepared to honor your presence as well-"
I glance through the rest of my team ― we're all properly shocked, of course. The offer is ... just go straight inside, get the nickel tour of the place? Eat a few fine foods, then talk some business?
The shocking reality ― we were totally being observed, the whole time ― meaning, my words back near the camp was ... for the best. I didn't know for sure; but some of the demon peoples we saw on the road ... seemed to sense something strange from us. It's a sense one could get of ... we blend in, but poorly, but to them it's a laughable attempt in the first place, when we could just be honest. I let my hood fall back now, to show my full face view to the woman ... and slowly two others of my team do as well. Danyah isn't feeling so safe yet.
And ... her offer. An actual proper request, to follow this ... demon lady, majordomo, slash maid ― follow her inside and submit ourselves to whatever comes next. Some part of me worries, what Nika says is right; but other parts, the more sane and logic parts, infer I'm as safe here now in demon lands as if I were home.
... I mean ... after coming all this way ... who in their right mind could say no to this invite!
"Yes. We will come ... um Danyah, you're free to return with the others, if you fear for your safety-"
"-she will not be harmed. Our leader has ordered it ― none of you guests shall need fear anything ... unless you bring malice. Please, come-"
"-I'm going back!"
"... suit yourself. Oh and ... that human female, in the bushes behind you-"
... Nika! What the heck is she doing ... and how did I not see her to this point-
It's a quick walk inside for all five of us to the city gate where she has a proper cart wait in reserve. We hop in slowly, then the woman takes the leads and signals the twin beasts to start off at a fair pace. She's calm but quiet as a tour guide, not calling out features of the city except when asked. In a short enough time, we're standing on the literal steps of the demon lord's castle, being motioned forward by the cool dear, who brought us this far-
Inside the wide doors, down a long hall, up a flight of stairs, inside a parlor ― and then wait. Wait. And, wait. Then-
"Hello, guests. I am the one you have come to meet. Call me Tesarina ... queen of the demon civilization you might have heard mention of existing."
... this demon is, in fact, not a man in charge, but a woman. A demon woman of red and orange tiger skin patterns, clearly with long elaborate hair, twin horns either side of her head, and well defined 'chest to waist to hips' curves. But very much as feminine as any female. She isn't wearing any 'regal attire' or 'robe of state' like I suspect we should be seeing; instead she's dressed more casual, even like I might have, on Earth. Some plain shirt, a casual skirt to the knees, a common brown belt on the waist ― miss businesswoman is frowning at her mistress; strange choice of attire, it seems.
I feel this memory shift slightly; I let it go forward in time to where this meal finishes. Terlin, Kammi, and I have all eaten well; Nika stares at her plate and only picks at it, like she doesn't trust what's given. But as I'm to the point of recall where the demon queen is ready to talk more proper about the matters between us ... I tune in now-
"Tesarina-"
"Call me Tess, dear," the queen flirts, causing a fluster of shock coming from Nika. The queen only chuckles to pass it off. "But you were saying, Arthur dear?"
"... hmm yes. I am wondering, what your stance is for ... coexistence. For the demon race and catkin race, and ... others."
Straight to the point, I am. Tess seems to wish not to say, directly; but my face is calm as well.
"... well, but why not enjoy the nice things, one more day and night? Why press this business, so soon?"
"Because. It's the main point the queen of the matriarchy who summoned me will wish to know. I would feel free to stay and chat more, and in the future would even like to return for further conversation, if such is possible here. Because I am trying specifically to unite, not to divide. And if we can see eye to eye-"
Tess holds up a single hand to stop me; yet she looks straight to Nika, to analyze her on some level even I can not do. It's a tense moment; until she at last says-
"-coexist ... is a good goal to have ... but Arthur. The catkin people do not 'coexist', with others, so well. I'm sorry; but I cannot commit my people to unite with yours ... any of yours. But relax! For now, we're alright then."
Seriously? Whatever the issue is, it's because the catkin did this to themselves? Or is the matter something in the nature of humans versus catkin, in specific? I have seen the way not just Nika but the other humans who have been in my presence react to the catkin, and catkin with humans. Like oil and water ... with a match thrown in too-
Nika though ― she's loving it. I think she even feels vindicated, in her own mind. She is going to be unbearable, on the way home-
A mental shift for the second time, leads me to later the same evening ― the demon queen has also let us take suites, each one of us four guests (Nika too) to have our own rooms. But then early the next morning, the queen sent her assistant for me, alone. I am led into ... the queen's chambers.
The businesslike lady, this same assistant from last night, has led me to this door. But before opening it, she turns to face me ― a glance somewhere between raw acid in the mouth and sheer disgust. If I did something wrong ... she should say, right? We should not start the day, on the wrong foot?
"My mistress will see you now ... without the presence of the others. Do not displease my queen, now."
A face laced with intent, she shoves the heavy doors open ... and then motions me on.
Around a corner wall ... it's ... Tess' bedroom? She's on her bed, naked ― baring all. I can't not see this; but I'm saving a mental note of how she's ... open.
"Good morning, dear," she smiles smoothly, laced with as much lusty meaning as her assistant had of ire. "You would not resist an affair with me, I think ― would you? From what I have seen ... even from afar, while you and your team come closer ... I did see how your females seem to cling to you, and climb all over you. Let's be direct ― I see some effect on you, which is unnatural, placed in you. I can neither diminish or remove it, and neither do I know who put it there. But from all I have seen of you ... and others ... I believe you would like for it to be gone. I am sorry, I cannot perform this for you."
I sigh. She hit the issue right on the head. And if she can see this, then she can see more of my status than I thought she'd be able to see. I'm like an open book to her, even if she swears she cannot alter this one trait.
"... well ... thanks for telling me. I did know of it, but not the severity of it until it became too late."
"Arthur. Before we hit it ... what's wrong with your human female?"
"She's not mine!"
"Even so; she has ... dangerous secrets-"
"... dangerous?"
"Dangerous, for you-"
