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thepenultimateword · 1 year ago

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Monstrous Part 2

Part 1

CW: Experimentation, injuries

Everything hurt. A thousand needles under the surface of Hero's skin, plunging deeper and deeper, into muscle, organs, bone.

She shrieked, surging against the many sets of hands pinning her to the gurney. Beakers and test tubes shattered; one of the monitors began to smoke. Hero caught a glimpse of hands over ears and the mess of blood and feathers blanketing the floor before being shoved back cheek first into the table.

"Where's my sedative?" shouted Dr. Penn. His familiar, harsh hands had Hero by the scruff of her neck, making her dizzy with the almost strangling pressure.

"I need stitches!" cried another voice.

"Shut up, Lancaster!" Penn barked. " You're the one at fault! Sedative then serum! How many times do I have to say it?"

"That thing attacked me!" Lancaster cried, voice as sharp as his blood on the otherwise sterile air.

A rush of rage surged through Hero's burning body, and she flapped her wings violently, breaking a few of her captors' hold.

"Will somebody bind those things down!" Penn said.

Another set of hands forced her wings into an expert fold, tearing loose a few feathers along the way, then wrapped the binding strap so tight it ached. "We should just cut the things off," the new scientist said. Dr. Sunfield. Hero shuddered involuntarily. The woman's threats were never empty.

"Yeah? And then how is she supposed to get around?" Penn snarled. "The bus? We all agreed on a mobility element."

Sunfield gave the restraints an unnecessary tug, causing Hero to shriek. "They weren't supposed to get so big. She looks like a blasted vulture."

"They're only going to get bigger. The rest of her too. Her growth plates are still showing on the x-rays."

Sunfield cursed. "This is a disaster."

"At least she's been useful data."

Something sharp and stinging plunged into Hero's neck, followed by a nauseating chill that washed from head to toe. The sedative at last. She wasn't sure whether to be scared or relieved. The pain would finally stop, but what else would they poke her with while she was under? The scientists loosened their grip, and she took advantage of that to swing her claws toward Penn's voice. Her limbs were already more sluggish than she'd realized. The doctor caught her wrist, giving her fingers a bone-cracking squeeze before stroking her limpening knuckles with his thumb. His other hand tucked her tangled hair behind her ears. "Besides, we were asked to give the city something to get rid of Supervillain, and that's what we did. She may be monstrous, but a monstrous masterpiece nonetheless."

"The city can't market monstrous. There's backlash from the citizens every day, and that cuts into our funding."

"Don't worry." Penn's voice seemed to slow and stretch, and he dropped Hero's arm with a dull thud. "The next ones will be heroes the city can trust."

Hero shot upright. A sharp pain shot through both temples, and the melty, slanted surroundings immediately slumped her back onto her elbows. She squeezed her eyes shut and waited for her head to stop feeling to heavy for her neck.

"Oh! You're awake," came a drawling masculine voice. It sounded roaring. "How do you feel?"

Hero winced. "Floaty." She dared crack her eyes and squinted around the room. Shelves and shelves of alcohol and jarred olives glistened in the weak orange light. A faint electric buzz resonating from the metal door on the wall adjacent hinted at a refrigerated room. She rose slower this time, hoisting her aching wings shut and swinging her legs over the side of the rickety cot.

"Wait, wait! Don't pop your stitches; they're still fresh!"

A figure leaped up from the ground at the cot's head, and Hero slowly recalled his tangled hair and lean stature.

"Where am I?" she demanded, more threat than question.

The man held out his hands, the one she’d clawed now wrapped in bandages. Once again, he didn’t seem particularly put off by her behavior.

"Backroom at Foghorn. It’s a bar. Particularly for upstanding citizens like myself. People are always crashing here when they get into scraps. They have more medical supplies than my place. Better pain medication. That's probably what's making you feel floaty."

“You kidnapped me,” Hero snarled.

The man shrugged, a motion almost like rolling his shoulders, like brushing her off and getting ready to stand his ground all in one. “I hate to argue with a lady who could probably turn me inside out, but you did pass out in the middle of the street. So any 'kidnapping' on my part was really nothing more than a rescue effort."

Hero gave the man a hard look. Rescue effort? She wasn't buying that. People didn't rescue things like her. Not without a ten-foot pole. And this guy didn't look like the trimmed poodles the labs or the agency usually sent to spy on her.

“What’s your motive?"

“No motive," the man said. "I was in the area.”

“You said we’ve met?”

The man grinned whipping a business card from the inside pocket of his shirt and rolling it over his knuckles and--with a bowing flourish-- into her hand. “Villain. You killed my old boss.”

She blinked at the unimpressive piece of cardstock, blank but for a nicely typed name and a phone number. His words sank in slowly.

Ah. A criminal. And one of Supervillain's mess. She'd taken out all the big players, so he must have been telling the truth about being in the background.

“You want revenge then?” she said. That made more sense. Watching her die in the street would have meant nothing to him. He had to save her and break her himself. Inflict the same pain she inflicted on--

“No, we threw a nice little party after you left." Villain plopped crisscross at her feet. He rested his cheek in his hand and stared casually up at her. "Honestly, the boss was suffocating, but what can you expect from someone with a chokehold on your life."

"You...wanted me to kill him?"

"You mean did we want rid of the giant gun at our heads?"

Hero bristled a little at the sarcasm. What did she know about villainous politics? She was just given a problem, and she got rid of it.

"With Supervillain it was black or white," Villain continued. "Ally or enemy. And you did not want to be an enemy. So ally it was. Pawn is closer to the truth. No, we can finally spread our wings--if you'll excuse the analogy--without being seen as competition."

He leaned in conspiratorially.

"If I may be so bold, I think I've had a little crush since the moment I saw you."

Hero slammed the cot against the wall with a metallic crash as she stood, looming darkly over Villain's bony curled-up frame.

"Shut up."

Villain's brow knit together. "Of course, I don't expect anything from that confession, I simply wanted to say the way you just ripped into him was fantastic. And your voice. That precision! You were--"

"Shut. Up."

This time Villain did flinch. Hero took some satisfaction from that. It was a little frightening when the tired and true defenses didn’t work.

“I can take a beating. They make jabs about me every day on television, and that's fine. But I will not be made fun of. I won't be the butt of your sick, simpering jokes. Or are you trying to manipulate me? You think you can flatter me, and I'll fall over myself to help you? I am not an idiot."

Villain opened his mouth, and Hero braced herself for more lies. Maybe her guard showed on her face because slowly he shut it again, fixing her in a steady hazelnut stare. Eventually, he tipped his chin at her. "I'll get some ice for that wing."

Hero turned her head over her shoulder. The aching wing had begun sliding back toward the floor. She attempted to lift it against her back again but a sharp electric pain stopped her short.

"Here." Villain touched her lightly on the shoulder, drawing her out of her wince. He held out a frozen pack of fries from the refrigerator room. “It’s not much, but better than nothing.”

Hero glared but snatched the pack from his hand. The cot creaked as she dropped back on the edge and slowly extended her wings to the dusty concrete. Her feathers pulled a little against the dried grime, and she had to strain to press the cold to the aching joint where wing connected to back, but it did help.

Villain's eyes still didn't stray away; they actually looked more focused glued to her wings. What was his deal?

"Your wings," he said slowly. "Does it bother you... I mean...would you like something to clean them with?"

Hero glanced at greasy, blackened ends, dredged with oil and refuse. She fought down a grimace. Yes, it bothered her. It was sticky and crusted and uncomfortable, but it wasn't the first time she'd dealt with this sort of discomfort. At least it wasn't blood.

"I'm used to it," Hero grumbled. "They're always hard to keep clean."

"Can't you get them wet?"

What was with all the questions? If he really had no motive, why didn't he leave already?

"Yes... But most showers aren't exactly big enough for a full wingspan. And public shower rooms are not an option when you look like this." She gestured at herself brusquely. "The labs have a sanitizing room when I really need it."

Villain nodded slowly.

“I had to do the stitches to save you," he said. "But I didn’t want to touch you any more than I had to without permission. But if it's bothering you, and if you don't mind... You can tell me if it's too uncomfortable but..." He pointed to the dirty wing. "May I?”

Hero's first impulse was to blow up again. To shout a resounding no and ask what his real intentions were. Maybe he really was a spy, just biding his time before he incapacitated her. It was certainly up Sunfield's ally to force the labs' hand at retiring her. But then again, he could have done that when she was knocked out.

“Whatever.” Hero turned to the side so the grimy wing drooped more fully on the floor.

Villain hopped to his feet a little too giddily. "Don't move, I'll be right back." He skirted past the storage shelves and pushed out into the business side of the building, a sliver of the loud chatter and clinking glasses slipping inside before the door swung shut again.

Hero closed her eyes for a moment and imagined the bustle going on just on the other side of that wall. It was probably the closest she had ever gotten to a place like this, at least, without crashing it. How would they react if she were to step out? Would they leave? Would they try to finish her off?

Another bit of cacophony escaped through the swinging door.

"Ooookay!" Villain called. He set a large bowl of soapy water and clean washcloth on the ground and settled down beside it. As he outstretched his hands, he hesitated. "You're sure? You're not going to claw me to death or anything like that?"

"I only claw criminals who cause me problems," Hero said. "So you're safe. For now."

"Goody," Villain grinned. He carefully dragged the wing into his lap, squeezed the excess water from the washcloth, and gently got to work on the worst patch or street gunk.

Hero looked straight ahead.

Warm water trickled between her feathers, triggering a shudder that set each one on end. She fought the urge to close her eyes against the gentle rake of his fingers. She hadn’t known someone could touch her without pulling or prodding.

"Ok?"

"Mm," Hero grunted with a short nod. This wasn't just a quick swipe of the rag; he was sifting through each and every feather. A cleaning like this, by hand, could take hours. Hero never signed up for that. She didn't have that time. But for now--she fought another shiver--it was fine.

“I wasn’t making fun of you earlier,” Villain said quietly, dunking the rag into the bowl again. “I’ll shut up about it if you want me to, but I hate there being a misunderstanding. I really do think you’re beautiful. Like an angel.”

“More like a demon," Hero scoffed. Maybe the doctors had been right all those years ago. She was a disaster. Nothing like the pretty heroes in the limelight these days. She was only good for slaughter, and she hadn’t even done that right tonight. The agency would be mad when they found out her target got away, and her injured in the process.

“I don’t think so." Villain lifted a chunk of feathers with the back of his hand and wiped gingerly at the undersides. "Maybe everyone is just too narrow. And you need the space to fly."

Hero snorted. "Wooow, clever that one. Take you long to think it up?"

"As a matter of fact, it came right off the top of my head. I’m full of clever thoughts. With Supervillain gone, I’m going to use them for myself. Soon enough, I won’t be able to get off your radar even if I try.”

“And you’re excited about that?” Hero finally looked back him. He looked far too pleased with himself. “You know if I’m the one after you it usually means death, right?”

"Well…it would be nice to see you. Maybe you’ll change your mind. Or maybe I’ll escape.”

Hero crooked a disbelieving smile. “Not likely.” She abruptly withdrew her wing, pulling the numbed joint in so it folded properly against her back. As she stood and took a couple steps a new wave of dizziness rocked the floor but she shook it away. “Well, wing’s feeling better. I’m leaving."

“What?” Villain scrambled to his feet. “You shouldn't be flying on a sprain. Besides, there're all sorts of creeps ‘round these parts when it’s dark. You should stay here at least til sun up.”

"Creepier than you?"

“Ow, you don’t want to hurt my feelings, do you?”

“I’m pretty sure I can handle it.” Hero took a few more dizzying steps toward the door, but Villain jumped in front of her, arms spread.

“You have fresh stitches; moving around to much will be a bloody mess. That means no fighting. I forbid it.”

Hero rolled her eyes. “Well if a complete stranger says so, I guess I better listen.” She tried to dodge around Villain, but he echoed her steps with only a quarter of the sway.

“You’re not an idiot. You know I’m right. You shouldn’t fight in your condition, and if you go outside it will end in a fight.”

Hero hesitated, and Villain took the opportunity to press on.

“I might have said we appreciated what you did, but not everyone likes you like I do. So just a few more hours. When it’s light, it’ll be clear to go.”

Hero stared into his determined eyes. Really, what was his deal? She didn't even know him, so why did he care so much? Especially when he should see her as an enemy. But...he was right. She didn't really know where she was, and flying on this wing did not seem like the greatest idea. And she'd had enough scrapping for one night. Plus, the room would not stop tilting.

"Fine." She stormed back to the cot and rolled onto her side, cramming her wings against the wall behind her. If what Villain said was true, she didn't trust turning her back to the door. "I'll wait until sun up. And then what?"

"I'll escort you."

"Suit yourself." Hero squeezed her eyes shut, effectively ending the conversation. After a moment, she heard the rustle of Villain settle back down at the head of the bed.

She only meant to close her eyes for a moment. Just until Villain stopped looking at her. But before she knew it, she was sinking into the dark folds of sleep.

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vixen525 · 1 year ago

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Monster or Hero?

A story I wrote back in 2013 about the monsters under the bed. Illustration coming later.

Warnings: Mentions of violence, fear, lost child, parental death, childhood disease/illness.

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Many don't realize how long humans are meant to live. There is so much range in the ages which various people take their last breaths that few, if any, suspect that there is a much smaller range to ages in which humans are supposed to reach. However, instead of reaching the natural age of passing, something alters it, creatures that steal the essence of person's life. Ancient creatures that when they feed, reduce the years in a person's span and leave damage in their wake that lead to many diseases that doctors can find no cause to. The worst part is few humans are even aware of the existence of these creatures, and there is no way to fight them or even ward them off. These creatures are known as Shaydes.

Shaydes are dark creatures, able to blend perfectly with shadows and slip through the tiniest cracks. They have a preference for feeding on children because over time, people can develop resistance to their feeding. The movements of Shaydes in the shadows can often be the trigger for a child's fear of the dark. But Shaydes aren't the only creature to sometimes show in the bedroom of a child, not the only thing they fear. There are also monsters.

While adults rarely believe it, the monsters in closets and under beds are real things, real creatures that enter the homes of humans and slip into the rooms of children. But these beings are very different from the Shaydes. Monsters, despite how frightening they can be, are in many ways guardians to humans. These powerful and frightening creatures are not there to harm humans like the Shaydes… They are predators to Shaydes, and in a sense, guardians to the humans.

They will go in hiding in the rooms of children, awaiting the approach of hungry Shaydes, then devouring them the moment they come near. Children with monsters tend to live longer than those without. But most children, and parents, fear and hate the monsters, believing them to be a threat. Monsters are frightening creatures, and with the Shaydes appearing to be no more than shadows, humans don't recognize the threat. There are even places in which people hunt or banish monsters, failing to realize that the creatures they attack protect them, and are relatively harmless to them.

Not all Shaydes are equal. There are some ancient Shaydes so strong that when they feed, they cause damage enough to cause immediate illness. If Shaydes of such strength continue to feed on a child, the child could die within months or years. What is worse is that few monsters will face such a strong Shayde, there is too high a risk of injury from one so strong. Fortunately, not all monsters are created equal either. Some are as ancient as those Shaydes, and can hunt them as easily as most monsters hunt the younger Shaydes. And for those who can, it is quite the feast, an uncommon but highly enjoyable treat.

Eliminating the elder Shayde soon enough can allow for the illness to reverse, so long as younger Shaydes drawn by the weakened, easy meal are kept at bay. But many of the monsters that hunt down elder Shaydes move on after eliminating their target, resting after the large feast and then moving on to find another such target. If other monsters don't move in, the result is unfortunate for the child.

Some monsters will remain with a weakened child like that until a new guardian for them can be found. Monsters who do protect those who were weakened often view those who would abandon them with disgust, seeing them as having forgotten their true nature as guardians, as protectors. Some even go so far as to call it a betrayal. They would never abandon such a child, never leave them to the insatiable appetite of Shaydes. They had pride in their duty as protectors, seeing it as giving them purpose, importance. After all, if all they did was devour prey and move on to the next target, they were no better than the wild animals of the forest.

Deimos was a monster who still had such pride. He always found a replacement when he moved on to another hunt. All that he saved from elder Shaydes would survive and recover. All would live to see their adulthood, and he still got his prized feasts.

Bright blue eyes focused on the house before him as he sat beneath the tree. He could smell the ancient Shayde hiding in the shadows, waiting for full dark. The sun had set not long ago, shadows spreading through the land as the last hints of its glow slipped below the horizon. As the moon rose, its light gave a silver shine to his dark violet-red fur. Nose twitched slightly and ears perked as he heard the Shayde stir from its daytime rest. A slow grin formed on his muzzle as he rose to his feet. Dinner was about to be served.

He crept forward, reaching the door of the house quickly. He paused with ears perked as he listened to movement inside, to assure he would not be seen. He walked slowly through the closed door, then turned down the hall, following the scent of the Shayde. While he could pass through the solid door, he could only pass through ‘gateways' in such a manner, not through plain walls or similar.

Within moments he reached the door of the child's room, and sense the movements of the Shayde inside. It had moved quickly… it was already on the child. Deimos snarled as he realized how quickly the creature had moved to harm the child. Without hesitation he lunged through the door, turning and pouncing at the creature, knocking it off the child and pinning it to the wall next to the bed.

A quick bite and the Shayde was nearly paralyzed, a fast acting and powerful venom injected. Venom that was specific to the Shaydes, harmless to other creatures. He pulled back, letting the thing collapse back onto the bed. Deimos leaned over and grabbed it, starting to swallow the shadowy creature, not bothering to tear it to pieces. Less messy to simply swallow it whole.

It occurred to him how it would look if a parent walked in on this, him leaned over the bed, seeming to bite at the covers. One could so easily mistake it as him about to eat the child. But the strange scene didn't last long. The Shayde was gone quickly, and the monster's own appetite was satiated. He turned his gaze to the child in the bed, eyes drifting over the machines hooked up to her. It was a sorry sight… but at least the girl was permitted to sleep in her own bed rather than being hooked up in a hospital. Hospitals were so much more difficult to sneak around.

He felt the faint movements of the Shayde as the venom wore off. He smirked slightly; it could struggle all it wanted, it wasn't going anywhere. Deimos form seemed to shrink as he slipped under the bed to rest a while. He'd leave before morning; he didn't want to lose track of the ever moving portal that lead to the realm his kind claimed as their own. It was a realm smaller than this one, mostly used as a place for monsters to sleep during daylight hours, and to meet with each other. The portals moved daily, and if one did not return to the portal before dawn, it could take a long time to locate it again.

Deimos let himself doze off for the moment, the dull hum of the machines acting as white noise to assist in relaxation. He wasn't worried about missing his chance to find the portal, and as he expected, instinct roused him from his sleep an hour before dawn. He silently slipped outside, then vanished into the forest as he sought out his portal home.

With a meal so large, Deimos slept completely through the next night, and it wasn't until the second day that he returned to that house. Already lesser Shaydes had been drawn to the child's home, already they were in the house awaiting full dark. Not a meal as fine as the ancient Shayde from two days prior, but a nice snack none the less. Once more when dark fell he slipped silently into the house, and once more he feasted on the creatures that harmed the child. Not as good of a meal, but with that ancient one he ate, he could go a while between meals if he chose.

Lacking the need for immediate rest, he returned to the outside first, going into the forest to find a clearing that moonlight shone through to rest there. Once more he dozed off with plans to wake before dawn. But unfortunately, this time his rest was not to go without interruption.

It was a while yet before dawn when movement woke him. Strange… animals rarely came near his kind, they too were intimidated by the way a monster looks. He sat up, ears perking as he looked around for the source of movement. And what he saw surprised him.

The girl whose room he left earlier in the evening was peeking out at him from behind a tree. He recognized her scent immediately, but had never really studied her appearance. Her sickly condition made her pale, and her auburn brown hair was messy from bed. He wasn't good at guessing the ages of humans, but she wasn't too young, well past being a toddler, but not quite a preteen yet. What surprised him most was that those green eyes focused on him, as well as her scent, held little fear. Most humans were terrified upon seeing one of his kind, panicked.

He wondered how she got so far from the house, and how she could have happened across his location. It wasn't along any obvious path, not in an area she would have likely explored before. The only real way she could have come to this area was if she followed him… But no child would follow a monster! It was rare even for an adult to try tracking them.

He stood slowly, turning towards the girl and sniffing slightly. The scent of fear was there, but quite faint. It was even possible the fear was of something other than him, such as being alone or the darkness of this forest.

Deciding to test and see if that hint of fear was of him or not, he took a couple steps towards her, head low and ears back. He smirked slightly, knowing the expression could be mistaken as a snarl, as baring teeth. His nose twitched again as he took in her scent. She hadn't backed away… and her scent hadn't filled with fear. Perhaps the tiniest bit more, but not significant. If she was afraid of him at all, it wasn't by much.

The smirk vanished as he relaxed his posture some, to make sure his approach wouldn't be taken as hostile. He walked slowly forward, watching her closely for any sign she would flee from him. Only once he was near enough to possibly reach out and touch her with talons did she finally take a step back from him.

He wasn't sure what to do now. She seemed curious, but also wouldn't get within reach of him. Why would this child be out here? How did she detach those machines without the sounds and alarms waking her parents? There was only one way he would find out any of this, and that was to ask. Few humans even knew a monster could speak their language, there was usually no reason to speak with them. But this time, there was little option; he needed to know what was going on.

"What brings you out here, child?" The monster's voice was like a low rumble of thunder, although softened slightly. He was trying to be careful of his tone, he knew the sound of his voice could frighten her even if he did not. Any child prone to be afraid of storms, of thunder, would likely spook at the sound of his voice if he wasn't cautious to speak softly.

When the girl didn't answer, he decided to try asking a different way, to see if he could get her to speak with him. "I'm not going to hurt you, child. I just want to know how it is you came out here so far from your home. How is it you left your home without your parents noticing you leaving? And why did you leave?"

He finally got a reaction from the girl, although she said nothing. She looked back towards the way she came, and when she returned her gaze to him, she shook her head slightly. From how close he was now, he could see the sad look in her eyes. What could be bothering her? He hesitantly took another step forward, and when she moved to step back, he raised a paw in a gesture to indicate he meant no harm. "Easy little one… I won't do anything to you."

She wrapped her arms around herself as she looked downward, gaze slightly to the side, "You… you got rid of the shadows… the ones that made me feel bad…"

Deimos was shocked at her observation. Not only had she seen him and not shouted or screamed, but she had actually figured out that the shadowy creatures were what made her ill! How very rare for a child to be so bright as to understand that, when even many adults failed to understand the situation. He hesitated briefly before answering her, "Yes… I got rid of the ‘shadows'… and they are what was making you sick. But you are not well yet, and you need to be resting."

The girl looked up at him briefly, but looked away again quickly. He frowned, looking towards the sky at the position of the moon, to better guess how long before the sun rose once more. He had a little time before he had to return to the portal's current location… "Little one… you should get your rest. How about I give you a ride back to your home?" What happened next startled him… the faint scent of fear significantly increased. He cocked his head with a frown, unable to understand what would cause that reaction. Perhaps wild animals? "You'll be safe with me… I promise."

He again stepped forward, smiling just slightly when she didn't back up this time. He reached up and gently used one claw to brush a hair back behind her ear. "Come, I'll give you a boost up so you can ride easier. You can grab a fistful of fur to hold on, it won't bother me." He brought his long tail around slowly, watching for any reaction of fear as he used the tail to place her on his back,

Once he had the girl on his back, he started to backtrack over his path. He felt her grip his fur as he had instructed, but he took it slow to assure she wouldn't lose her balance. He frequently checked the sky as he moved, keeping track of the time and looking for any sign that dawn was near and he might need to hurry.

It didn't take too long to reach the girl's house, although longer than he would have liked. The first thing he noticed was the girl gripping his fur tighter, and the scent of fear on her getting worse. Why would the sight of home make her frightened? It made no sense to him. He moved forward slowly, now noticing the silence. No tones from the machines used to help with the girl's frail state, no movement from ceiling fans, nor hum of a refrigerator or heater… He didn't like this… Was the girl shaking?

He paused, moving his tail to touch her gently. "I'm going to look inside… Do you want to stay out here?" He felt the movement of her head as she nodded, and heard the soft ‘mmhmm' of confirmation. He gently lifted her from his back and set her in a hammock in the yard. "Don't leave this spot… I'll be right back for you." He watched her nod again as she curled up, and returned his attention to the house.

He walked slowly inside, passing through the closed back door. Looking around, he noticed that there were no lights on anything, no sounds from anything. The electricity was out? Strange, but not enough to scare the girl like this. Passing through the kitchen, he decided to start by checking the foyer. Upon reaching it, he saw the front door wide open, the door frame splintered. Not a good sign… He turned his head and sniffed at the air in the hallway… blood? Some kind of charred smell? He was liking this less and less.

He followed the scent, reaching the living room quickly. It was then he saw the girl's father, lying motionless on the floor. Judging by the wound… the unfamiliar smell was gunpowder… and considering the absent spot where the large screen television had once been, the reason this happened was obvious. But there was still the girl's mother.

He turned and checked another downstairs room before finding his way up the stairs. He saw the old room that once belonged to the girl, before she had become ill. When the machines became necessary, they turned the downstairs office into a new bedroom so that it would be easier to get them in and set up. The child's room seemed undisturbed, but the blood scent came from the larger room, the parents' room. There he found her mother, in a corner beside the bed, having tried hiding when she heard the break in. She hadn't had time to try to go downstairs to reach her daughter… perhaps that's where the father was heading when he was caught.

Deimos turned to go back downstairs once more. No wonder the girl was fearful… but this looked to have been done some time ago, before his brief time in here. He had been focused solely on the hunt, on getting in and out silently unnoticed… But that left a question. Why was the girl unharmed?

He made his way to her room, looking inside it for a moment. A sign on her door indicated oxygen in use… Perhaps they hadn't wanted to risk starting a fire? He didn't think that was it. He looked around her room, sniffing a bit as he considered the situation. She had almost certainly followed him, despite how weak she was… Perhaps that was it. The Shaydes had left her so weak that she could hardly move until they stopped feeding… With her laying unmoving on the bed even when they entered the room, they thought that cutting the power that kept the machines on killed her. No point putting a bullet in a dead person.

He sighed. The girl was an orphan now. Her home targeted for the same reason she had been able to stay there while ill- money. He had seen no photos of other family members when he walked through the house… she might not have anyone now. He would have to wait and see. When the parents were supposed to leave for work tomorrow and the home nurse came to care for the girl while they were gone, he would be able to learn if she had family to go to. Money for a home and care wouldn't be the problem, but the girl wasn't old enough to look after herself.

He was a guardian, a protector. True, he protected them from Shaydes, not humans… but he still felt he could not just leave her. She was weak from the damage the Shaydes had done, and that weakness would make dealing with this harder. Not only that, but Shaydes would continue to target her because she was weakened, more vulnerable. Easier to feed on. And the girl now knew about him. Perhaps she saw him the first time he came, perhaps only just today. Either way, she knew he existed… and wasn't afraid.

He stepped outside and looked to the sky, noticing now the faint hint of light on the horizon. He'd spent too long inside… he'd never make the portal before it closed. And finding where the portal opened again would not be easy. He would be stranded in the human realm for an unknown time… likely a long time.

He was a guardian… and he was a monster. If he was going to be stranded here, he would live up to that ancient duty. The girl seemed to accept him as both monster and guardian… accept that while he looked threatening, he meant only well. He had to keep the Shaydes at bay anyway… and he couldn't return home. He would make her home his, and would extend his duty as guardian to be both day and night. Perhaps someday he would seek out the portals again… but for now, starting today, he would be her guardian, and only hers.

To selflessly help someone in their time of need is the definition of a hero… Could a monster be a hero?

#monster or hero #monster under the bed #monster #deimos #illness #disease #short story #fiction #short fiction #guardian #monster hero #fantasy #dark fantasy #my stuff #my stories #my writing

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theslasherslut · 5 months ago

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Fate's unchosen bride

Chapter 3: A Creature of Contradictions

Warning: sexual tension, pov in Evelyn

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My heart hammered a frantic tattoo against my ribs as he 1emerged from the oppressive darkness of the trees. The castle walls, once imposing and cold, had vanished, replaced by a breathtaking expanse of sun-dappled forest. But it wasn't the verdant beauty of the clearing that stole my breath.

Lamorak wasn't what I expected.

He towered over me like a storm-tossed oak, his broad shoulders filling out the dark leather breeches that strained against his powerful thighs. A loose tunic, adorned with faded symbols that spoke of a forgotten past, hung open, revealing the play of muscles beneath. Despite his size, he moved with a surprising grace, a predator's fluidity that sent shivers down my spine.

His face, partially obscured by an ornately carved obsidian mask, was a fascinating paradox. The mask, swirling with patterns that seemed to writhe in the sunlight, stopped above sharp cheekbones. Beneath it, a pair of razor-sharp fangs, both upper and lower, glinting menacingly, defied any notion of human beauty. Yet, framing his brow were horns, not the gnarled, twisted kind of a demon, but elegant spirals of polished ivory that gleamed with an otherworldly sheen. He was an intimidating creature, no doubt, but there was something else in his amethyst eyes, a flicker of vulnerability etched around them.

As I stepped into the clearing, the chatter of the villagers morphed into a stunned silence. Four hulking figures, clad in obsidian armor that mimicked Lamorak's mask, materialized from the trees flanking the clearing. Their expressions were unreadable, their obsidian visors reflecting the dappled sunlight like empty voids. They were silent guardians, their imposing presence leaving no doubt of their loyalty.

Lamorak, however, reached up with a surprisingly human gesture and brushed a handkerchief across his nose. A dry, hacking cough escaped his lips, momentarily breaking the tension.

"So," a deep, resonant voice rumbled across the clearing, more captivating than terrifying, "this is the sacrifice they've sent." His gaze drifted down to the crimson dress I wore, lingering for a moment, before returning to meet my eyes. "A bold choice," he commented, the amusement in his voice sending a strange jolt through me.

"Sacrifice?" I straightened my back, defiance battling with the tremor in my voice. "You misunderstand. I'm not here to be offered. I came to see what kind of beast I'm supposed to marry."

As he approached me, I felt an unfamiliar mixture of emotions surge through my veins – equal parts excitement and trepidation. My heart raced as he towered over me, looking down at my vulnerable state with a predatory gaze that sent shivers down my spine.

His fangs were visible when he parted his lips to speak, revealing the carnivorous nature lurking within him.

"A creature of many faces, am I?" he rumbled, his voice softer now. "Perhaps. But beast is only one of them."

As he continued to stare at me intently, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping up my spine. Despite his predatory demeanor, there was something undeniably magnetic about his presence that drew me in. The King's words from earlier resurfaced in my thoughts, reminding me of the significance of the crimson dress I wore.

With each passing moment, his scrutinizing gaze became increasingly intense, making it difficult for me to maintain any semblance of composure. There was no denying the magnetic pull he exuded, which both terrified and fascinated me.

"The color suits you, little one," he rumbled, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Though perhaps a bit unconventional for this occasion."

A flush rose to my cheeks as he complimented me on the vibrant color of my dress. It was clear that despite his predatory nature, he could also be tender when he chose to be. His gentle tone contrasted sharply with the terrifying reputation that preceded him, making me feel both vulnerable and strangely aroused by his attention.

As he continued to study me with those mesmerizing eyes, I couldn't help but notice the way they seemed to linger on my breasts and hips, giving off an air of possessiveness that made my heart race even faster.

"Unconventional?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Perhaps. But then again, so is marrying a…" My voice trailed off, searching for the right word, the right way to describe this magnificent, terrifying being before me.

Lamorak chuckled, his deep laughter filling the clearing. "Indeed," he rumbled, leaning closer to me and lowering his voice to a menacing whisper. "But marrying a bride chosen by lottery wasn't exactly on my list of priorities for today either."

He paused, taking another ragged breath before continuing, his voice laced with a hint of something dangerous. "There are other ways to find a suitable mate, after all." His words were ominous, implying a dark undercurrent beneath the surface of this unconventional ceremony. The crimson dress, the King's veiled words, and now this – they all pointed to a deeper meaning, a ritual steeped in a past I barely understood.

With the air thickening with anticipation, Lamorak leaned forward until our faces were only inches apart. His hot breath brushed against my ear as he whispered, "There are other ways to find a suitable mate, after all." He repeated, the intensity in his voice and the promise hidden behind his words made me feel both afraid and aroused, my body responding instinctively to the danger that surrounded us.

I could taste the faint scent of blood on his breath, evidence of his carnivorous nature. And yet, despite the darkness that permeated his every action and word, there was also an undeniable allure that drew me towards him like a moth to a flame. This wasn't the future I'd envisioned, not a marriage built on love or respect. This was a dance on the edge of a knife, a primal bargain struck between a desperate kingdom and a creature of legend.

A tremor ran through me, a mix of fear and a strange exhilaration. "And what exactly are those other ways?" I managed, my voice barely a whisper, yet laced with a newfound determination.

Lamorak's lips curved into a slow, predatory smile, the tips of his fangs glinting in the dappled sunlight. The answer, I realized with a jolt of terror and a strange thrill, hung heavy in the unspoken space between us. This wasn't a marriage of love or choice, but something far more primal, a bargain with a monster. And somewhere deep within me, the part that had defied the King and embraced this uncertain future, couldn't help but be intrigued.

Suddenly, a collective gasp tore through the previously hushed crowd. The villagers, who had been frozen in stunned silence, finally registered the intimacy of the moment. Lamorak, startled, straightened abruptly, the playful amusement momentarily flickering back into his eyes before being replaced by a flicker of annoyance.

"Seems we've provided the good citizens with a bit more entertainment than intended," he rumbled, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

My cheeks burned with a mixture of humiliation and defiance. This wasn't how I'd envisioned my first meeting with the legendary creature, not in the middle of a clearing with the entire village watching, their gasps echoing through the trees.

Lamorak, however, seemed to take it all in stride. He turned towards the villagers, his gaze sweeping over their awestruck faces. "Fear not," he boomed, his voice surprisingly gentle for such a large creature. "There is no need for alarm. Today's events were…unforeseen, but not unwelcome."

A murmur of shock rippled through the crowd. Lamorak raised a hand, silencing them instantly.

"The ceremony will be brief," he continued. "But suffice it to say, Evelyn and I will be departing shortly. I appreciate the…enthusiasm with which you've greeted us, but our time here is at an end."

His gaze returned to me, his amethyst eyes gleaming with an intensity that both terrified and exhilarated me. "Are you ready, Evelyn?" he rumbled, his voice a low caress.

The villagers held their breath, their eyes darting between me and the magnificent creature before them. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic counterpoint to the stunned silence. This was it. The point of no return. Yet, as I looked into Lamorak's eyes, a strange sense of calm washed over me.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I whispered, the words surprising even myself.

A slow smile spread across Lamorak's face, both terrifying and undeniably alluring. With a nod to the silent crowd, he extended a hand towards me. His touch, surprisingly gentle for such a large creature, sent a jolt of electricity through me.

Together, we turned away from the awestruck villagers, ready to face whatever this strange, exhilarating future held. Lamorak's monstrous reputation might precede him, but as I walked beside him, a strange sense of anticipation bubbled within me. This wasn't the future I'd planned, but as I stole a glance at the creature beside me, a monster some might call him, a thrill shot through me. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be so bad after all.

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clawz-loopz · 2 months ago

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They haven't even kissed yet. Somebody save them

#claw.art #my hero academia #mha #katsuki bakugou #dekubaku #dkbk #izuku midoriya #bakudeku #bkdk #deku is holding back i fear. hes like i want rush anything!!! i wont!!! but hes like. holding a monster back. he wants that cookie so effing #bad #and bakugou is like omg we're holdings hands. nosebleeds #deku is on step 123 and bakugou is on step 2. dont worry they'll get there eventually

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percabethcoded · 1 month ago

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THIS IS HILARIOUS 😂

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demigods-posts · 3 months ago

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currently obsessed with the idea of everyone viewing percy as a forced to never be messed with. for the sea is unpredictable and does not like to be restrained and all that jazz. except, frank and hazel. who only see him as just a little guy. a soldier left to his own devices out on the streets with nothing to comfort him but a panda pillow pet and a lingering memory of a girl he loves. he's just a little guy you guys.

#“somebody oughta get this child a fresh set of clothes and a hug.”#“somebody oughta get this child a warm pudding cup and a blue blanket.”#“somebody ought buy this child a new pillow pet to cuddle to sleep and protect him from nightmares.”#and the child in question is a six-foot seasoned war veteran who has saved the world twice before he was sixteen #percy jackon and the olympians #pjo text post #pjo #heroes of olympus #hoo text posts #hoo #percy jackson #frank zhang #hazel levesque #*percy crushing a monster to death using the water up ahead to mimic his hand movements*#*everyone watching in awe and horror*#frank: he just misses his mom and girlfriend you guys #hazel: yeah he's just a little guy

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hellenhighwater · 3 months ago

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Forbidden orange juice

#Narcissus is an overlooked tragedy i think #in that its not usually considered one #but narcissus was born beautiful and wanted by everyone #and he spurned all advances #generally without particular cruelty--mostly it seems he ignored or recoiled from those chasing him. and for that he was cursed #to love what would not love him back #to be doomed as soon as he knew himself #in a mythos with ravaging heroes and grotesque monsters narcissus is punished for being beautiful and solitary #and the moment he catches sight of his reflection in still water he is lost--gazing at himself #that which would not love him back.#wasting away until nothing but a gold flower remained #and that's what this is about #finding a stranger in your reflection #the self that does not love you #a curse for someone who was solitary #narcissus i hope the water was fathomless #i hope you found something worthwhile in yourself.

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counting-stars-gayly · 11 months ago

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MEDUSA WASN’T A MONSTER BECAUSE SHE HAD SNAKES FOR HAIR BUT BECAUSE SHE HURT PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T DESERVE IT LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOOO

#not everyone who looks like a hero is a hero and not everyone who looks like a monster is a monster!!!!!#they’re not just sticking to the core theme of the books; they’re ENHANCING the message!!!#percy jackson and the olympians #pjo #percy jackson disney+#disney percy jackson #disney pjo #rick riordan #medusa #percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians

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yakovski · 3 months ago

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You don't get it..... I wish you would get it.....

#monster hunter art #monster hunter meme #mhw #fatalis #mhw art #monster hunter #mh #shitpost #doodle #proof of a hero hits so hard #I bawl my eyes out #I fucking love monster hunter #My first ever monster hunter game I touched was MH Tri portable #if I remember correctly

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yandere-writer-momo · 9 months ago

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Part 2 🖤I made the demon king a black man. I don’t see many Yandere POC OCs 🖤

Yandere Head Canons:

Defying Destiny

Yandere Demon King x Isekai Saintess Reader x Yandere Hero (mentioned)

TW: imprisonment, kidnapping, stalking, uncomfortable themes, sexual themes, Somniaphilia, Dacryphilia, etc.

Part 1

You woke up wrapped in the silk sheets of snow unfamiliar bed. Your eyes wild and your heart raced in your chest like a startled animal. Where were you and where was Reinhardt?! Why were there candles everywhere in this dark bedroom? Was Reinhardt planning to… oh god you were terrified.

You felt a sob rack through you when reality set in. Had Reinhardt stolen you away to live out some sort of sick fantasy instead of going through with his quest to slay the demon king? No… Reinhardt wouldn’t bring you to such a luxurious home. But who on earth brought you here?

“I see you’re awake, my delicate flower.” Your head snapped to the doorway to see the silhouette of a large man. You felt your blood run cold and a shiver run down your spine by his presence. That raspy baritone voice belonged to a stranger.

You flinched when the man suddenly slapped his clawed hands on the end of the king sized bed. Your eyes met gold for the first time and you seeped your heart stopped in your chest from pure terror. There was no mistaking who your captor was… he was the demon king.

“What’s the matter, saintess?” He chuckled as he reached a taloned finger out to hook around a strand of your hair. “Cat got your tongue?”

You felt tears stream down your cheeks when he flashed his long fangs at you. He was bewitchingly beautiful with his burnt umber skin and golden eyes. There was no doubt he was a demon and that fact terrified you. What did he want from you? Was he… was he going to kill you?

The demon king sighed at your shivering form before he moved himself to sit beside you. His hand moved to hold yours. “It’s alright, darling. I’m not going to hurt you.”

You sniffled when he began to wipe away your tears. “W… what?”

“I’d never hurt my saintess.” The demon king gave you a toothy smile. “My beautiful, merciful saintess… my salvation.”

You gasped when he brought your right hand up to his lips to press a tender kiss to the back of it. “It’s so wonderful to finally have you here with me… you’ll be safe here.”

“I’m just a bit confused about all of this…” You felt so small under his intense gaze, like he was about to pounce on you at any second. “Who are you and why have you taken me?”

The demon lord chuckled as he rose up from the bed to stand at his full, intimidating height. His curved black horns nearly added another foot to his height which made he give you a smirk. “Why I am the Demon King but you can call me Amon.”

The demon king- no, Amon, bowed his head to you. “And I took you to save you.”

You were surprised to see a tray of freshly made food in front of you when Amon snapped his fingers. Your stomach growled at the delicious sight, but you were hesitant to accept… Amon quickly caught onto your hesitance and took a bite of the food for you. “Don’t worry, it’s real and completely edible. Only the best for my saintess.”

You shyly took a bite and smiled at the taste. It was lovely…

Amon smiled warmly at you, his golden eyes studied your satisfied smile in pure joy. He was so happy to please you!

Amon ran his talons through his long black hair with a smile. “I’ll take care of you from now on. You’re safe here.”

As the weeks melted into months, Amon kept his word. None of his demon nor monster henchmen were mean towards you, unlike the hero’s party. Sure Amon was never far from you, but his company was much preferred over Reinhardt’s. Amon would bring you meals and made sure you had fresh clothes. He pampered you like a beloved pet.

Though it was never officially stated, you were Amon’s lover. And thus, you treated as such by his subjects. They’d wait for you on hand and foot. You received various expensive clothing and jewelry, they were eager to make you smile. It was such a stark contrast compared to your treatment prior…

You often gazed out your window at the volcanic city below. It was fascinating just how different monsters and demons lived from humans… so why did the humans want to destroy them so much?

You jumped when Amon entered the room to wrap his muscular arms around your waist, his nose pressed onto your shoulder. A few of his box braids tickled your skin. “I missed you so much… I just wish the humans would leave us alone. I grow tired of the hero and his party. They’re so much weaker without your barriers and healing. To think they never treated you well. What a bunch of losers.”

You turned to gaze at Amon in interest. “What is it that they’re after? Why do the humans hate your people so much?”

Amon gave you the softest of smiles, a bit of his fangs peaked out from under his lip. “Our magic stones. Monsters and demons produce enough magic stones to fuel humanity for eons… they’re worth a lot of money to humans.”

Amon pressed a tender kiss to your shoulder, his gold eyes stared expectantly up at you. “You’re the only human to ever question their greed and motives. You don’t wish to be bound to a destiny thrust upon you by the world.”

Amon bent down on one knee and pressed his lips over your palms and fingers. “Join me. Together we can defy our destiny. You don’t have to be a Saintess forced to marry the hero and I won’t have to be a page in the history books.”

You felt a blush on your cheeks when he tilted his handsome face at you. “Let’s watch the world burn together.”

And now you had a choice to make. To fulfill the destiny predetermined for you or to defy your destiny.

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