#AND there was a possibility that he would've brought in a HUSKY as well as the huge great pyrenees

[maxbytes]

i will kill my brother btw

[sirenscrawlings]

The Truths of Things

[Owlcatober 2024 - Prompt 1: Teatime - @owlcatober]

Words: 736; Characters: Camellia Gwerm

She had never much cared for tea.

As much a staple of the nobility as it was, she should, by all accounts, have loved it—at least, as a symbol of status. It had distinctions between its differences in quality much as class itself did—upper to lower, noble to peasant—and boasted of pedigree and rarity much the same. It, supposedly, had subtleties in its aromas and tastes that told truths down to the very nature of its soil and seed and pampered care, of the nuance that only the most sophisticated of palates could discern; in a way, like telling the difference between something real and of a pretender—of something or someone truly noble, blood as blue as fresh tartare, or of someone merely hiding behind a gilded mask.

Perhaps that was the reason. It could very well have been the flavor: too delicate for her sharpened tongue, too earthy like the dirt her porcelain fingers refused to be soiled by, too floral; a reminder of the namesake she'd long despised. It could have been any of these excuses, but they, ultimately, did not matter. What did, was that she had never had a taste for it to begin with, and, in her mind, it was because she had not been born with it. She never could have been. A gilded mask, no matter how fine, no matter how opulent and wealthy and rich, was only ever in the end a lie.

Camellia Gwerm hated tea.

And the man beneath her reeked of it.

It was all the excuse she'd needed when he'd approached her, all dazzling smile above his shining armor, itself decorated with wrought flowers and leaves. Desperation and relief had radiated from him upon spotting her, all alone in that quiet corner of Drezen she'd come to find solace in, much like the wretched stench of tea that suffused his very presence and threatened to wrinkle her nose. She'd needed no other reason to settle for him, and getting him alone had been a trivial matter as always for even as nobles were nobles, men were men.

He'd said his name for naught use to her at all and when she'd given him her own, a demure giggle, and an innocent question asking about the design of his armor, his fate had been sealed.

Men, would always be, men.

It didn't matter if they came from some long pedigree of merchants who'd made their wealth off of vaunted teas from far off Casmaron—"Lovely at this time of year at our sah-ray", which she'd gathered to mean some sort of villa. It didn't matter if they were so wealthy and wanted for naught that it seemed they could very well bathe in the swill. Men were men, it was only a simple task of getting them talking about themselves for long enough that they would soon find themselves on their backs, chest straddled by her supple thighs, and idiotic, naive grins on their faces.

Her nose finally did wrinkle, then. The mustiness of the old, forgotten basement only seemed to make his stench worse, and the thought of a bath—preciously rare, hot, clean water—soiled and tainted with leaves filled her with disgust. Dried. Musky. Old leaves from the dirt. That's what tea really was, and every noble, every so-called 'refined palate,' was merely lying to themselves in mutual harmony about it.

And just as tea was merely leaves, so too was this man merely meat.

She would've breathed a sigh of relief as that wretched floral stench gave way immediately to the dominance of fear and blood, but her exhilaration, as always, triumphed over all else. How swiftly she'd pulled the stiletto from her boot, and how even swifter still she'd brought it forth and down that he hadn't had time to scream. Only now as the life and light left his eyes did they become colored by shock and then terror in realization—twas a delight she always savored with glee. And, only then, did he possibly see in his final moments what was her true sultry smile, and hear her true husky, ravenous laugh.

Camellia Gwerm hated tea.

She hated pretending even more.

The gilded mask fell away. Tea was leaves, but meat was meat, blood was blood, and she was Camellia Gwerm, whose tongue had not been made to savor the taste of anything delicate.

[talesofsonicasura]

Wonderful Hunter

Chapter 1: Awakening

Life was very odd when it came to the future. Sometimes souls are brought together in the most extreme circumstances...in a bang. Warning: Description of graphic injuries and swearing! Rating Estimate: Teen

I never wanted to be a hunter. Ever since I was little, there was a desire in me to perform. Dance on the stage to my own melody, to bring awe and in wonder for others to witness. A dream that I never had a chance to grab.

To perform in little free time, what wasn't taken by vigorous unwanted training. Nearly every piece of money made to buy materials with the purpose of crafting costumes was placed for ointment to mend any injury or ailment. A toy soldier who wished to no longer have a winding key.

Who would've thought that day where the key had broken was the day I died?

"What the hell did you do?!" The soft whir of electricity echoed through the void in a massive blur of distortion. Voices clear for all to hear but so jumbled that a possible identification of even a gender was impossible. Under all that chaos was a quiet heartbeat. "The machine is overloading! Everyone evacuate immediately!"

That soft whir grew into a high pitched whine as a formed cacophony alongside the harsh thuds from thousands of stomping feet. "___?! No, come back it's too dangerous! Leave that mongrel behind!" Growls of pain and concern from some unknown animal blend together with the crackle of electricity.

An explosion of bright white and velvet purple burst throughout the void with that heartbeat going silent and a small voice hidden amongst it all. Despite the darkness filling the abyss, sensations of phantom pain, muffled voices full of concern, and hands across the skin, that one voice overrides them all.

"We had a good run, pal. Misfits always stick together, ____."

Bright red eyes opened with a harsh start, their owner fully aware of the unfamiliar dimly lit room around them. These confused ruby orbs belonged to a young man around his mid 20s, and almost nude except for the black boxer briefs. Wild cherry blossom pink hair that ends halfway down the man's back, soft peach tan skin, 6'8 tall body sculpted with lithe but powerful muscle and covered in various scars.

Some of these healed wounds were mild such as scratches, bite marks, punctures but there were extreme ones from burns whether it be acid, electric or fire, 2 in deep lacerations to even a large bite mark on the jugular of his neck. Part of the man's body such as his chest and arms were covered in fresh gauze bandages paired with a crude makeshift splint on the right arm.

Raising an eyebrow, the young man removed the bandages whilst breaking the splint with a harsh pull before he took in his surroundings. The room seemed to belong to someone with a rich background from the decor alone. Pastel blue walls lined with beautiful expertly painted portraits, furnished dark oak dressers, a large vanity, double king sized bed complete with silk sheets, pillows, and hard oak frame, large oak wardrobe and three separate doors.

If anything, this made the man feel very out of place. He did catch what looked to be a pair of clothes folded by a table near him, a note on top of the stack. The pinkette delicately got out of the large bed and walked over to the table. 'Dear guest, sorry if I had to leave you a bit underdressed but your wounds needed to be addressed. Hope these would suit you until your wounds finally finish healing. The discussion about the armor would be a later dealing. Sincerely, Maestro of Wonderworld Theatre, Balan."

The man couldn't help the snort or raised eyebrow from the rhyme scheme of the note. His caretaker had left a plain white shirt and long black pants, the material being silk from spiders by the feel of it. Placing the clothes on, he noticed it was a perfect fit suspiciously as it wasn't too tight or loose.

Upon leaving the room, the young man fully understood where he was. It seemed to be a theatre, well, if a theatre was mixed with the dimensional size of a small mansion and aesthetics of a castle. The grand small staircases, rafters above a tall ceiling, fancy torches hanging through a few corridors and the various posters of different shows being some evidence.

As the pinkette walked down the halls, he couldn't ignore the feeling that he was either being watched or led somewhere. The corridors felt wrong, almost if the walls were alive and shuffling each other. He also can't forget the sensation of invisible eyes on his lone form. Whatever the case, the sound of someone talking or to be precise, two people grew louder.

"You are not touching my guest, Lance. Even if the man is odd, I will still hold a defensive stance./ That human isn't normal. Something you would easily notice if you drop being formal. Injuries on his flesh were those that can kill any human. You aren't blind to that weapon and armor made from materials that aren't of man."

Both voices were definitely male in tone and their owners' clearly arguing. The first voice was deep and had a texture similar to smooth chocolate, a type of sweetness paired with charisma. The second voice was softer just as it was light in pitch, however there was hidden animosity to the calm yet alluring tone, a siren luring their delusional prey.

All of it was coming behind a slightly opened door, perfect to peek through or eavesdrop. Quietly the pinkette tiptoed over to the oak frame, ruby eyes looking into the room on the other side. This particular door led to what appeared to be a bar from the kegs put on the side of the bar stand and the various liquor bottles stacked on the shelves behind it.

Sitting at a table adjacent to each other were two humanoids, both being significantly different from the other. The only traits these two oddities shared were their tall 10 maybe 11 ft tall forms, peculiarly thin waists, tendril-like hair, performer attire, spindly arms and spindly legs. Other than that, they could be considered Yin and Yang or opposites.

The one on the left had soft jellyfish-like pastel green hair similar to dreadlocks, pitch black skin, a large perpetual toothy smile, and amber yellow eyes that peered through his hat. A sparkling white hat bearing a red ribbon which acted like a mask for those odd eyes, red cravat, long sleeved short white coat with gold elegant rims, a black tuxedo vest, short red cape alongside fancy white gloves, long glittering white pants that were ruby red past the thigh with gold rims on the bottom, and white pointed shoes.

His opposed companion looked more human except for some glaring details. Deathly pale skin highlight by soft dark violet, long elven ears, blue eyes bearing slit pupils that dwelled in yellow iris, sharp clawed fingers, and long black tendrils with elegant markings in various colors such as green, pink, blue and yellow that sprung from the man's back but was also his hair.

A pitch black bodysuit with gold rims, torn long sleeved short violet cloak bearing elegant gold embroidery for a top, white mask shaped pauldrons on his bony hips and gold toed shoes made for nasty kicks. Wine glasses sat between these two eldritch like entities.

"Dragging others into darkness might be your role, but this one isn't taking a more grizzly toll. He is also greatly injured and like you said could've been dead if I didn't help instead." Spoke the top hatted male, that deep velvet voice belonging to him. It also meant that the darker counterpart had to be Lance from what the pinkette heard outside.

The young man scanned the room, ruby eyes looking for anything familiar to him. His focus immediately sharpened on the glint of darkish violet poking from a large wooden crate, belonging stripped off the pinkette. Carefully and quietly, the man opened the door then slipped inside.

He stuck close to the floor and moved about as the two slender giants were focused on their conversation. It was almost comical how the young man traveled on his hands and feet like a predatory cat, stealthily approaching the target without a sound.

The pinkette was about to reach for the box when the unexpected happened. The door he went through had slammed itself shut with a loud thud, both giants immediately pulled out of their conversation and watched as the chairs parted away from each other. An act that put the stunned human on full display, a deer in the headlights or hand in the cookie jar situation.

No one moved as it was a silent staredown, neither were expecting the chairs or door to come to life like that. It was the man who immediately broke out of his stupor first, the pinkette sidekicking the crate. The box shook as an object was flung out of it by the harsh force, a gun.

It was a double barrel shotgun that was an inky sinister violet in color, the barrels were that same violet but lightened to a red color by the end, the handle of the gun mimicked a dark violet scabbard bearing tannish gold spiral patterns on the side, bone like caparace similar to a segmented blade lined the bottom of the gun barrel and held the trigger within a bone like cage.

With very fluid movements, the pinkette grabbed the descending gun from the air by the handle and spun it until he was holding the trigger whilst the barrel was aimed at the two taller entities. Sapphire and amber could see the subtle cautious fear hidden in those steeled ruby orbs.

"Who the hell are you? And where am I?" The pinkette's voice was slightly rugged, fire within the husky baritone, and a bit of a growl in the pitch. You could hear how deadly serious the human male was at the moment from his voice alone. Lance and his unnamed companion carefully put their hands in the air, sudden movements would only spook the pinkette further.

"There is nothing to fear, you are completely safe here! Please put the gun down, such an item used in a theatre is a huge frown!" Even that giant smile remained despite the slight twitches that showed the top hatted male's nervousness, well, that plus the beads of sweat and now dot sized pupils.

Lance merely raised an eyebrow at the weapon. "You do know it is rude to destroy those bandages you were given? Balan had some difficulty but his will to help you was focused and driven." Those words made the pinkette lower his weapon but not drop it.

He contemplated the words then thought back to the note. Whatever conclusion that came to mind was enough for the smaller man to put the gun down on the table, something that eased the room's occupants. "That means you're Balan? Fucking hell. What the hell happened to me?" The pinkette questioned as he went to sit on the floor only for a chair to move in place instead.

An action that made the human jump back in shock, nearly kicking the chair. "Bloody hell! My day has already been Congalala shit so I really don't need all these magical shenanigans! Please tell me you have some liquor to spare." Balan and Lance could only look at each other completely aware of a very odd explanation.

Not even 5 minutes later, the pink haired man had down half a bottle of wine as he now sat with the taller odd men in the room. Massaging his head, the mortal man finally spoke up. "So I am in a magical sentient theatre that serves as a gateway to someone's heart. You two, mainly Balan, are tasked to use that magic to bring balance to anyone whose heart is out of place upon entering. Nearly godlike beings who performed this task for over 3000 years?"

The top hatted Maestro nodded his head in agreement while Lance took another swig of his wine glass. Both of them ignored the pinkette swearing under his breath, the guy was having a bad day so it was normal. Although none of them could deny that this particular person was anything normal at all.

"Alright. My name is Val'tah, Val'tah Choso and I'm a Monster Hunter." Val'tah quickly raised his hand up before Balan and Lance almost immediately shot out of their seats. "Whoa! Not that kind of hunter for Namielle's sake so don't have your knickers in a bunch. Do any of you have a pen and paper?"

Magically upon request, the mint green haired performer took out a pen and notepad from behind his cravat. Rolling his eyes, the hunter took the items and began to draw something on the paper. Val'tah then placed it on the table for both Maestros to see.

It was a sketch of what looked like a dragon made completely from stone. Stony humps that grew bits of moss protruding from the back, a tail that looked like large pebbles strung together, even flat wings to a wide meteor shaped body and narrowed rhinoceros-like face. "That is a Basarios, a Monster or species of monster."

Lance and Balan looked at the picture with curiosity. It definitely explained why the man had that sort of weapon or armor. "Hunters are sort of like mercenary peacekeepers. Whenever a monster starts a huge ruckus or someone has a job in monster infested territory, we get called to do it."

Taking a swig from the wine bottle, much to Balan's distaste, Val'tah continued. "We don't have to slay targets such as the Basarios if we want to. A Hunter has permission to capture and relocate any large monster to a better habitat, something that I usually do. Where I'm from, it's our duty to keep the balance of not only the ecosystem but between human and monster kind."

A hum of acknowledgment rumbled from Lance's throat, it was almost comical in a sense. Normal hunters have various goals in mind when it comes to hunting: glory or survival. This was the first time hearing about ones who bring balance amongst more dangerous fauna and humans. How very ironic.

"Very interesting, to imagine there is a world beyond the realm of our understanding. There is still a question, how did you end up in our sacred bastion?" Balan's question rang through Val'tah's head alongside a bit of pain. Memories flashing through the pinkette's mind as a look of solemn horror crossed his face.

"I'm remembering it now. I was assigned to an expedition to investigate some odd ruins located near Wyvern's End, a den of a very dangerous monster. Those ruins were actually a machine that accidentally turned on and… I think I was caught in an explosion. Dear Namielle, I think I died."

Silence washed over the room, it was so deafening that a pin drop could be considered a bomb going off. Balan's perpetual smile dropped into a neutral frown, horror crossing his eyes upon the hunter's visage earlier. Severe burns on the unprotected skin and his arm in a very unnatural angle...Wait.

Any other chance to say anything was stopped when a look of abstract terror and grief burned within Val'tah's eyes. "No…! Buena was with me. She must have got caught in the blast too! Where's Buena?!" The pinkette shot out of his chair, the piece of furniture hitting the floor with a loud thud.

Neither Lance or Balan could grab the hunter before he ran for the door, the hard oak opening into a gray expanse of rocky terrain than the actual hallway. Not that the change deterred the hunter as Val'tah ran in but surely took the two Maestros by surprise.

"The theatre opened its doors to a new world never seen before! Could this be the hunter's trauma born from his core or is it something more?" Balan was quick to pick out the growing intrigue within his darker counterpart's words. There was more going on with Val'tah but they couldn't figure it out without finding the man.

Both Maestros quickly ran through those doors to catch up with the hunter and his questionable head start. It appeared that the gray expanse was actually the part of a larger mountain, a steppe to be more accurate. Thick deciduous forests could be made out past some of the gray rocky cliffs other than the one the door led them there, vast yellow fields of grass and very rough uneven terrain laid alongside unknown fauna than just plants.

Or the terrifying large nest made from various sticks, broken logs, ivy, bones of different creatures; humans included, and large egg shell remains of whatever species made it. The only indication that this world was made by Val'tah's heart were the small floating islands and giant airborne accessories or props.

Ribbons woven through part of the forest, a showman's cane that hung by the cliff leading down to the grassy plain, masks hanging across the stone walls, and instruments disguised as plants or rocks playing beautiful music bearing a tribal origin by the beating drums, whistling flutes and sitar strings being strung.

"How very odd and peculiar. This place must be spawned from a memory very familiar. It will be harder to avoid any wrong, when the aura of this world is heavily strong." Balan spoke wearily, a feeling that they were being watched prickle the fuzz on his skin. There was also the strong sensation about splitting up being a very bad idea.

Using the cane to slide down to the forest below helped give both theatre dwellers a quick glimpse of the surrounding areas before they hit the ground. For a split second, Lance swore he saw something large moved through the trees. Whatever it was, it was too big to be Val'tah or any of his familiars.

Both Maestros landed on a reddish clay ridge, small ledges to an almost natural stone bridge connected the large ditch at the center, a small stream of water passing down the middle, various large mushrooms and beehives leaking honey from multiple branches. Or that they weren't exactly alone.

Grazing about the area were deer, their pelts were a dark green speckled by white dots that overlapped a soft peach underbelly, large grayish silver antlers for the males whilst the females had short black horns and azure eyes that stared at the duo. Some of the deer continued to munch on the flora while the others kept a wary gaze on Balan and Lance.

"Definitely inhabitants of Wonderworld but not quite. I think these deer were crafted by Val'tah's memories that hold powerful might." If these animals shared similar traits to their earthly counterparts, the Dark Maestro knew they were relatively harmless unless provoked.

Another thought then immediately crossed Balan's mind. "If these creatures are here, then we might have more to fear. These deer are prey…" Suddenly the various green pelted beasts rose their heads up, ears twitching as if they caught something the other two hadn't.

"Wouldn't a predator cause dismay?" The top hat wearing man really didn't like where things were going as the large herd began to scatter immediately when the sound of heavy thuds could be heard. One deer was running for the bridge, the thuds stopped and both Maestros only had time to blink when something large and purple snatched the scared fawn off the stone ground.

"Holy shit." Balan would've scolded Lance for foul language if they didn't have a bigger problem on their hands. The body of the snatched deer hung limply from the jaws of a giant purple monster. A 69 ft hulking dark violet draconic tiger, its body mostly covered in violet and yellow edged plates of caparace like armor bearing a ruby red underbelly, a short tigerine snout that held large sharp teeth and two large tusks at the ends of the mouth, giant jagged yellow horns that mimicked those on the helms of samurai which also covered long thin ears or the burning azure eyes.

Both front and back legs held four digit paws carrying razor sharp claws or what looked to be long yellow spikes on the forelegs, and the large reptilian tail that ended with a three pointed Spade spear. Balan and Lance watch the deer disappear into the beast's mouth, minced to pieces down its gullet and the feline smiled with blood tinted fangs.

Or that the draconic tiger let out a threatening roar right at the duo as bright blue fire burst from the edges of its mouth like a miasma. They barely had the chance to jump out of the way when the giant beast bounced at the two, sharp claws shredding through the dirt as if it were paper.

"This is a beast we'll have to fight or neither of us will come out alright!" Violence wasn't something Balan often indulged in but he knew there were times that he had no choice. Facing his hands forth, small spheres of yellow energy manifested on the maestro's fingertips before tossing them in the form of arrows.

With a wag of its tail, the draconic tiger brought forth burning blue will o' wisps and launched it back with a tail swipe. Both volleys of energy exploded into fireworks of their respective color, the armored beast leaping through the smoke with claws alight in blue fire.

Lance quickly dove under the beast while Balan flew over to the left side, the Dark Maestro flared out the tendrils on his back then slammed into the beast's unprotected belly alongside a vicious uppercut. The violet tiger felt the pain but took the opportunity to release a thin burst of glittering blue powder from its body before being launched into the air by Lance's attack.

Whatever the blue powder was irritated the raven haired male, the sensation being a mixture of itchy powder and bubbling hot grease. "Lance, look out!" Balan's shout made him look up at the airborne beast, the spade of its tail had opened into a trident as it swung the limb through the air.

The momentum being enough to correct the beast's position and trajectory so it could dive-bomb the Dark Maestro like a burning blue meteor. Neither of them expected for that particular powder to ignite upon contact as Balan watched his dark counterpart get flying by an azure explosion from his own body.

Creating a larger blast of yellow energy, the hat wearing man threw it at the violet tiger before heading over to his fallen ally. It let out a howl of annoyance upon the projectiles not only striking it's face but burst into a thick mustard smokescreen that made the feline gag.

Lance laid slanted by the tree he had hit, burn marks sprinkled over parts of his skin and clothing was singed too. "You okay, Lance?! This beast has more frightening power than just a ferocious stance!" Balan spoke, carefully helping his counterpart off the ground.

The movement made the elven male let out a mild hiss before shaking the greenette's hand off him. "As much as I like seeing you frown, this beast needs to be taken down. Balan, watch out for any powder from the skin of the hide, you'll lose more than just your pride."

Sharp claws of the draconic tiger swept away the hatted maestro's smokescreen. Bright blue fire burning burst the open jaws, the feline was absolutely pissed as even more azure fire spewed from the legs and tail or that the yellow ridges on the back and forelegs were now giant blades. It let out a furious roar forcing Balan and Lance to prepare for another attack.

That was until the entire world became silent, all of the instruments had oddly stopped playing. It was quiet until the sound of shamisen strings being plucked filled the still air with an orchestra of intimidating brass to follow in its wake. Sinister sounding melodies of violins and shinobue flutes were met with someone walking out from the brush.

It was Val'tah, a violet mask resembling the tiger donned on his face alongside dark violet coat with golden fur sleeves, dark violet hakama trousers decorated in elegant gold patterns reminiscent of fire and swords, two fake tails similar to the violet beast sewn on the back and without any shoes, only barefooted.

Balan and Lance stood speechless as the pinkette did something neither of them expected. The hunter had begun to dance in a style similar to those done by kabuki actors. His arms glided through the air, bits of glittering violet powder produced from the sleeves creating streaks in the air with an appearance mimicking purple misty fire.

Val'tah stomped his foot to the ground to spread out the mist like powder around him, the man spun into a short pirouette so he could stop in the Dragon Stance found in martial arts. It was like the hunter was manipulating magic to flow with his elegant and entrancing dance.

The sinister orchestra went perfectly with Val'tah's movements. Beating of hand drums, male chants with an ominous tone, shinobue flutes paired alongside the plucks of the shamisen and strung chords of the violin told a story on its own. A ritual performance of omens and cautionary tribulations.

Balan and Lance couldn't look away, neither could the beast who appeared to be calming down. The long yellow caparace blades lower themselves back into thin ridges, the trident tip of the tail collapses into its spade form and the eerie blue fire burning around the beast sputters out. Bright blue in its eyes dimming into a soft mellow teal.

Val'tah spun on the ball of his feet before transitioning into an aerial kick. The pinkette then used the momentum of the kick to position himself so he could bring down his arm in for a slash. He landed on the ground in a predatory stance, nails of his right hand dug into the soil, feet spread apart with knees bent for a crouch, left arm held out behind the man and the tiger mask facing the spectators.

The hunter then twirled himself into a backflip, all for the purpose of landing on his feet with his arms held and hands pressed together while the fingers were positioned to mimic fangs. Val'tah pulled his arms apart and let out a loud beastly roar with the final loud beats of the drum, the draconic tiger letting out its own roar in unison.

The pinkette took off his mask once the music returned to its more peaceful counterpart. "Glad I made it in time or Buena would've torn you to pieces. Luckily the Sonata of Omens can be played here or I would've been forced to do an acapella." Balan nearly choked upon the words Val'tah just said.

The giant hellish tiger that spews blue explosive fire was the hunter's friend?! Something Lance couldn't help but state the inquiry out loud. "You telling us the beast that nearly had us ravaged, is your companion that you ran off to scavenged?!"

Val'tah sheepishly scratched his head and let out a soft chuckle. The beast or Buena groomed their paws as if nothing happened. "She is a Magnamalo and they tend to be... tenacious predators. Buena is unique since she's friendlier than the regular 'malo, at least to me and any friend of mine."

Balan had a feeling there was more to this odd bond than just a story but… "At least your missing friend has been found, even if she treated us like a steak for a pound. Best to return back to the theatre, Lance got burnt bruises that need gauze by the meter." The top hatted Maestro then clapped his hands together as a giant door formed behind him.

It was big enough for the large Magnamalo to go through without any hindrance. Val'tah had a feeling there was going to be more magical convenience when it came to this odd theatre than just the taller duo living inside and a magical replica of the ritual clothing for the Sonata of Omens. Something to think about when he tries to figure out their situation.

And that's it! Yes this is a crossover between Balan Wonderworld and Monster Hunter but also my first Balan fic too! If you guys don't know, Balan Wonderworld is one of the games I've recently got and wholeheartedly. Sure it had problems but it was a delightful experience throughout my entire playthrough.

If you do decide to get the game, wait until it goes on sale. The full price isn't really suited considering the huge controversy involving it's development.

Our two star characters of this fic are an unlikely pair.

'The Hunter Who Wished To Dance' and owner of the mysterious 13th Door in Wonderworld: Val'tah Choso. A Monster Hunter who strived to become a performer but forsaken the goal partly for his ward, Buena.

Buena is a subspecies of Magnamalo called Will-O-Wisp Magnamalo. They expel blue fire often mistaken for spirit orbs and can engulf their body in an armor of azure fire for offensive defense. Only the Sonata of Omens, a mysterious ritualistic dance can calm a rampaging Magnamalo.

Until next time folks! I'll see you back in Wonderworld.

[d-noona]

MAKE OVER

Chapter 14: Tinashe

Jung Hoseok x Reader

Reader as Kang Hyeonji

SUMMARY: When Kang Hyeonji transformed herself into a striking redhead, the entire male population of Seoul stood up and took notice. But her make over was for Jung Hoseok’s benefit alone. He began to show interest in the new look but not in the way she wanted. Suddenly he was over-protective, perhaps a little jealous. It seemed that the idea of having a relationship with her couldn’t be further from his mind. The girl however wants more. So it was time for an ultimatum. If Hoseok didn’t want Hyeonji to lose her virginity to another admirer, he had no option but to make love to her himself.

Another talk less drive to Hoseok's home. More nerve racking tension.

And doubts. Terrible doubts.

What am I doing? Hyeonji agonized. This isn't me, I'm not a sex-monster. I know I'm not. So what am I doing letting Hoseok reduce me to nothing but a sexual challenge?

A member of Bangtan Sonyeondan was belting out a song, singing about love in their distinctive style.

Love! God, but she was beginning to hate that word. And the state. Being in love was totally self-destructive. Look what it had done to her mother. She'd loved her father who'd been a womanizer and wastrel. He'd brought her nothing but heartache and misery.

Now here she was, her mother's daughter, wasting her love on the wrong man. Maybe Hoseok wasn't a rotter or a wastrel but he had one major flaw. He didn't love her back. If he did, he wouldn't be doing this, would he? He'd be....

Hyeonji sucked in a startled breath as a possible defect in her reasoning broke through her mental ramblings. The question she'd just asked herself could have been the wrong question. What if she'd asked how Hoseok would be acting if he definitely didn't love her? If he disliked and disapproved of her new self as much as he said he did. For one thing he would not have come over today. He would have been only too happy to see the back of her. He certainly would have not raged at her then vowed to turn her into some kind of sex slave!

Hyeonji took a deep breath and tried not to get too carried away with this new theory to explain Hoseok's some what alien actions. It was always possible that she'd somehow captured his sexual interest in a way previously unknown to him, and he just could not handle his new feelings towards her. Clearly he was jealous of the idea of her with any other man.

Their arrival at Hoseok's place brought a swift end to this new and rather exciting train of thought. Still, Hyeonji vowed to stop being so obsessed with her own feelings and more observant about Hobi's. She appreciated, however, that cool reasoning was difficult when your nerve-endings were dancing and all you could think about suddenly was what Hoseok would do when they were alone in his loft.

He seemed tense himself, dropping his keys at the door then fumbling with the lock. He finally flung the door open and stalked inside. Hyeonji let out her long held breath then followed his wake. She was about to say something when a voice interrupted her, a low, husky female voice.

"Glad to see you finally came home, babe. I don't know about you, but this last month has been the longest in my life. So I didn't want to waste my time..."

Hyeonji could not see who had spoken. Hoseok stood in her line of sight. But she recognized the voice. Tinashe had a very distinctive delivery.

"For pity's sake Tinashe!" Hoseok exclaimed. "I have someone with me."

Hyeonji stepped out from behind Hoseok's suddenly frozen stance to see what had shocked him. Tinashe was draped in the bedroom doorway, stark naked. If ever Hyeonji had cause to feel inadequate, it was at that moment. She could not fault Tinashe's tall voluptuous body. Anywhere. The only remote flaw she could find was that Tinashe's nakedness confirmed what a jealous Hyeonji had always suspected - that Tinashe was not a natural blonde.

Still such small imperfection was little comfort in the face of such amazing figure. Tinashe slightly thrown by the unexpected presence of another woman. Her artfully raised arms dropped languidly to her sides and she rolled her eyes at Hoseok in mild exasperation. "Really, babe. This is the day we agreed to get together again. Had you forgotten? Maybe I left you alone for too long..."

She actually sashayed into the room, utterly unabashed of her nakedness. Her long blonde hair shifted in sensual disarray across her shoulders, her melon-like boobs undulating sensuously, bringing attention their lush size, plus their very pink, very pointed nipples. Hyeonji would not have put it past her to have painted the damned things, then iced them to their present stunning erect state.

"Why don't you tell this little sweetie to run along?" Tinashe said, waving a dismissive hand in Hyeonji's direction. "You really don't want to stay, do you, sweetie? Hoseok clearly has been a naughty boy in not telling you he already has a girlfriend." Hoseok glared his fury at her while Hyeonji gathered all her courage. "My name is Hyeonji, not sweetie," she said coolly. "And I'm afraid it's you who's going to be leaving, Tinashe, dear. Hoseok has indeed been naughty, but only in not calling you today and telling you it's over between you two. Right? Darling." And she linked arms with Hoseok, fluttering her eyelashes up at him as she gazed adoringly to his stunned face.

Tinashe at last looked annoyed. Her hands found her hips and she ppered at Hyeonji with narrowed eyes. "Hyeonji did you say?"

She took an aggressive step forward and looked Hyeonji up and down. "My God, it is!" She sneered. "It's the mouse from next door. I just didn't recognize her. I always knew you were a sly piece of shit. Did you think you had me fooled with your goody librarian routine? I saw the way you drooled over Hoseok when he wasn't watching. I knew you were jealous and you were just waiting on your chance to get your hooks in. Just good friends my ass."

Tinashe looked over at Hoseok "So tell me, what did she do babe? Confessed her long time love? Kissed your fucking feet? Promised undying devotion? No. I dont think that would've worked. You would run a mile away! You like your women assertive and independent, not simpering and clinging!" Tinashe gave Hyeonji another savage glance, then laughed. "Aaah. I get it. She played the make over game. Changed her hair and clothes. Worked on her fat ass."

"That's enough!" Hoseok ground out.

"Oh no, no, no...it's not," Tinashe returned, scornful and defiant. "It's not nearly enough. I'm going to have my say. I am not going to crawl out here with my tail between my legs! I am going to make you see that that bitch there is even more manipulative than I am!" She then turned to face Hyeonji, "tell me, what did you dangle him, hmmm princess? Your priceless virginity?"

When Hyeonji's face flamed, Tinashe triggered. "Oh, that IS priceless. And you fell for it Hoseok? I'm surprised. I thought you were more sophisticated than that. But I guess deep down all men are suckers for untouched vagina? The poor misera-"

Tinashe never got to finish her tirade of insults. She was too busy squawking when Hoseok threw her over his shoulder and marched her to the door. But she soon found her voice again, screaming a string of obscenities at Hoseok when he dumped her, in a none too flattering heap, in the hallway. Her clothes followed, then her purse-minus a key, an open-mouthed Hyeonji noticed.

"Goodbye Tinashe," he said coldly. "I would have liked to have done this decently. But decency would be wasted on you. I'm sure you won't have a hard time finding some sucker with low standards as yourself." And he slammed the door shut on her, shooting the lock across with a savage flick on his wrist. When he turned, he actuallt shuddered. "I cant believe I ever considered going back to that...creature!"

Hyeonji's estimation of Hoseok went up a thousand fold. Which meant it was now off the planet. "Well that was interesting. I must say she is...was...very beautiful.," she said. "And I dare say good in bed."

Hoseok grimaced. "I doubt anything about her is good except her acting. I would rather have five minutes in bed with you, Hyeonji, than a lifetime with her. You leave her for dead in every department. And you're just as beautiful."

Hyeonji's heart caught. "Not really Hobi," she murmured. "But it's nice of you to say so."

"No I mean it. You have a beauty which will last, because it comes from within. Not that I dont think youre very attractive," he said as he drew her into his arms. "You are. And very sexy too. In fact you're more sexy with your clothes on than Tinashe is stark naked. I see now that true sexiness comes from what a woman subtly offers a man. A willingness to give as well as receive. And trust. It wasn't so much of your virginity I found enchanting last night, but your trust. You trusted me with your body, and even your life. That blew me away. You blew me away. I couldn't sleep all night thinking of you., and wanting you again. What I said to you earlier, Hyeonji...I didn't really mean that. I would never do anything to hurt you. I was just going mad with wanting you. And I was in flat panic that you were going off and find someone else."

She cupped his handsome face and tried to still her racing heart. "You mean you're bot going to bow me to your will through fair means or foul? You're not going to try to turn me into some sex slave?"

Hoseok laughed "God, no. I don't know what got into me."

"Well, that's a shame," she said, smiling saucily into his very serious face. "I was kinda looking forward to it."

His brown eyes jerked wide, then narrowed. "I have an awful feeling you mean that."

"I do in a fashion..." Hyeonji replied, Hoseok quirked his head to the side "What kind of fashion?"

"I don't want you to hurt me, but I was looking forward to all those experiences you promised." She kissed him lightly on the lips "and be my master...." she kissed him again, not quite so lightly. "And my own personal devil..." her third kiss left him breathing heavily. "But most of all," she whispered huskily, "I was counting on you taking me to that mysterious level of surrender."

His expression had darkened during her provocative confession. She wasn't sure if she had shocked him to the core this time or not. He was certainly pretty still, but then a slow smile pulled at his nicely shaped mouth, and a wicked grin brightened his beautiful brown eyes.

"You do know what happens to little girls who play with fire, don't you? Hmmm...Baby girl?"

She gulped. Had she gone too far? She thought...

"Er..."

"Too late," he snapped, and scooped her up into his arms. "You cant throw down a challenge like that to a man like me, then try to back out." He began to stride towards the bedroom.

"But I...I..."

He halted in the doorway. "You what? Use your words baby girl, or forever hold your peace."

Hyeonji bit her bottom lip and Hoseok swept into the room, suddenly throwing her on his bed laughing devilishly. The boy meets evil.

Chapter 15

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