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Semi-Sequel to Paragon Prince. |
| [Introduction]
It's been several decades since Sam Royal slew Echidna and restored peace to the world. Having passed on, his heirs have continued to rule the kingdom, bringing prosperity and a new golden age to the land. But as with all things in life, it cannot last forever. A new threat has awakened, and a new hero of humanity is needed. Who better to answer that call than Sam Royal's own blood? I would greatly appreciate it if anyone who wishes to join in the story would contact me. The more the merrier, as they say! Also, I suggest reading the first story, if you haven't already, as there are likely to be references to past events and characters from the original. Link here: https://www.writing.com/main/campfires/item_id/2284072-The-Paragon-Prince |
Chapter I: The New Menace The kingdom once ruled by the legendary hero known as Sam Royal had enjoyed decades of peace since the savior of humanity's passing. Currently, his eldest son King Gorman sits upon the throne, alongside his wife, Queen Talia. Together they have brought prosperity to the land, uniting its people of all races, human or otherwise. Of course, that's not to say there still aren't some groups that consider themselves superior to humans. But they are but a small fraction of the populace, thankfully. The current monarch's heir is a young princess known as Tiabon, or just Tia, as she prefers. She's also not like your average princess. She was raised riding horses, practicing archery and mastering whatever weapon she could from the time she could walk. Her parents didn't really understand why, but she insisted she learn all she could about combat, survival and the like. She claimed it was to honor her grandfather's memory, and even though they saw little point in it, her parents obliged her wish and hired the best trainers in the land. Despite her rugged and tomboyish nature, Tia was desired by many suitors the world over. Even though she had rejected all of them so far, one such suitor was sure he could make her his bride by sundown that day, only to be horribly crushed within ten minutes of meeting her. That would be Prince Wilhelm, heir to the throne of a neighboring kingdom who had hoped to forge an alliance by engaging their respective heirs. Wilhelm was pretty much your typical spoiled rich boy, and when Tia refused him, he was royally pissed, to say the least, no pun intended. "How dare she say no to me!?" He ranted as he strutted along the beach, having stopped there to try and clear his mind of the rage and humiliation. "She has no idea who-" He suddenly stopped as he saw something sticking out of the sand. It looked to be an ornate bottle, made of red and black glass. Curious, Wilhelm picked it up and pulled out the stopper. Immediately, black smoke billowed out from inside the bottle, taking a humanoid shape. Before him stood a large, imposing figure with coal black skin and glowing fiery red eyes. The figure stretched and cracked its neck loudly. "You have no idea how cramped it is in there." It said before bowing low. "Greetings, master. I am Malajinn, genie of the bottle. As gratitude for freeing me, I shall grant you any wish you desire." A genie! Wilhelm had heard stories of such beings, but didn't think they were real! But he'd also heard how genies were notoriously tricky and manipulative. "Any wish I desire, huh? Is there a limit to how many I can make?" "Oh, no, master. I was trapped in that bottle for a very long time. As such is my gratitude, I shall grant you any number of wishes until the day you die." "Really?! Hmmm..... In that case, my first wish is to be immortal, so that I may have you as my servant forever!" "As you wish, master." Wilhelm grinned wickedly. With an all powerful genie at his side, he could have Tia as his wife whether she liked it or not! He could absorb her kingdom into his! Hell, he could rule the entire world! But his fantasies were cut short, as the instant the genie snapped his gingers, Wilhelm's body burst into flames, and before long he was reduced to a pile of ash. Malajinn chuckled to himself. Mortals were so predictable. When the Prince wished to be immortal, that's exactly what he got, for all of two seconds. Too bad vampires burn up in the sunlight, or he would have gotten to enjoy his eternal life a lot longer. Now with his master dead and his obligation fulfilled, Malajinn was free to do as he pleased. "Now then, let's see how this world has changed in the last few millennia." |
| Thunk! An arrow impacted into the center of a wooden target. "Good one, Tia," said a voice. "My turn." Thunk! Another arrow impacted the center of a target next to the first. "That's a good one, Ming," said Tia. She looked at the tiger-like Rakshasa standing nearby. They had been friends for a long time. Ming was a Swiftpaws, one of those that had helped out her Grandfather, so long ago. "As it is, I think that we should aim for another reason - a prize." Ming grinned, her sharp teeth all visible. "Alright. I'm interested. What's the wager?" "If I win, I want you wearing one of those dresses, while you do one of those dances," said Tia. "Well, if you want me to do that, If I win, I want you to do something," said Ming. "What's that?" Tia asked. "I want to be able to taste you," the tigress said. "The whole you." "What? You mean like swallow me?" Tia asked. Ming nodded. "I've been curious about how you'd taste for a long time." She looked back at the targets. "Still, if you don't want to do that, I could figure out a different wager." |
| Tia had known Ming practically since the two of them were babies. She knew she could trust her, and she wouldn't do her harm. "Okay, you're on!" Ming grinned as she set up a new target, and fired her arrow into it dead center. "Looks like you're my snack tonight." She teased. "Don't be so sure." Tia replied before firing her shot, splitting Ming's arrow straight down the middle. The two friends smirked at each other as if to say "Now what?" "Just to be fair, how about we both get our prize?" Tia suggested. Ming nodded "Fine with me. I'll see you later tonight, then." The both of them went their separate ways for now, and Tia went to the stables to mount her favorite steed. She felt like taking a ride through the country. Her parents insisted she take bodyguards, despite her protests, but she relented for their sake. As she rode along the shore, she came across a man in rags and who looked to be skin and bones. "Please, miss...." He pleaded "Have mercy on a poor old wretch?" "Oh you poor man! You must be starving! Come with me, I'll take you to the palace. Nobody goes hungry in my kingdom." The beggar, who was of course the genie in disguise, though to himself as they rode back to the palace, "Oh, so it's her kingdom, is it? Not for long, my dear." |
| Among the guards escorting Princess Tiabon was a werewolf of the Snapjaw line, who had added the prior king in battle. As he looked at the stranger, he made a decision. They soon came to where the path split off in various directions. "North-West path today," he said. "North-East is faster," the princess said. "Faster and predictable, and we've used it a lot these past few days," the werewolf said. "I wouldn't be surprised if those watching for a chance to kidnap you have taken notice, and set up an ambush to do so." "I suppose you have a point, Garth," the princess said. "Also, depending on how hungry this wanderer is, the inn on this road has better food and rooms than the one on the North-East route anyways," said Garth. "I see," said Princess Tia. "Food might be useful to have first." Tia had finally caught on to why Garth decided to change the route. The one that ran the inn on this path could read minds. That, and the snake monsters that ran the place were rather loyal. |
| Upon arriving at the inn, Tia was greeted by the nagas that made up the staff of the establishment, each of them bowing as she dismounted her horse and led the beggar inside. "Your highness! You humble us with your presence in our quaint little inn. If we had known you were coming, we'd have prepared our finest food and drink for you!" "Please, there's no need for such fanfare!" Tia said, "However, I will take you up on your offer of food and drink for this poor soul. Found him wandering the shoreline, probably looking for fish to feed himself. Bring him whatever he asks for. I'll cover his bill." The beggar bowed and kissed Tia's hand. "You are most generous, your highness. I can't thank you enough for your kindness." Tia smiled back at the beggar. "Nonsense, I'm the future queen of this land. It is my duty to care for my subjects, no matter who they are. Now order whatever you like, you look as though you haven't eaten in weeks!" She didn't need to tell him twice. As he sat at a table, a server brought him a large mug of beer and some bread to start. Before long, he had several plates in front of him that held food only moments before. |
| As the wanderer ate, the owner of the place watched them. There was indeed something about this traveler. "His mind is blocked to me," he muttered. "Is he dangerous?" his son asked. "Yes," the owner said. "But the question is; To whom?" "What do you plan to do?" the son asked. "Ask him how his travels have been, if he's encountered any bandits or renegades, news of any cities he's been through," the innkeeper said. "Just the usual gossip that an innkeeper needs to know of, just in case someone plans to go the way this person came from." "So, what do you want me to do?" the son asked. "If this person proves to be an actual threat, and not merely a traveler that can handle themselves on the road, you must warn the princess and the rest of the royal family," the innkeeper said. "Such is our duty." Some hours later, Tia was watching as Ming put on her dancing dress. "Alright," she said. "Your part of the deal." Ming chuckled. "I can't wait for yours. My belly hungers for you." "My fun first, then yours," said Tia. |
| It was then a young albino Naga by the name of Riker brought both Tia and Ming more to drink. Only, to slightly blush at seeing Princess Tia as he held feeling for her, only to dismiss them due to his position as a server of the Inn. "He-Hey Tia, Ming. Brought you t-two your refills and snacks." |
| (Just a quick note, Wolfkingdom, Tia and Ming are back at the palace at this point, not the inn. We could say Riker is a servant at the palace instead.) "Thank you, Riker. That will be all." Riker quickly slithered back the way he had come, trying to hide the blush on his face. Tia sat back in a lounge chair and motioned for Ming to begin the show. Meanwhile, back at the inn, the stranger that Tia had brought finally finished his meal. Malaijnn didn't really need to eat, but he liked to indulge himself when he could. If nothing else, humans have certainly improved their cooking skills since my imprisonment, he thought. The innkeeper's son came up to the table. "I trust everything was satisfactory?" The beggar nodded. "Oh yes, everything was delicious. Tell me, is there anything I can do to repay the hosts for such a splendid meal?" The boy replied, "Don't worry, the princess said she'd pay the bill." "Even so, I think it is only proper that I do something to return your kindness. Is there nothing you wish for? Nothing at all that you want?" The boy thought it over for a moment. "Well, there is one thing. My father owns this place, you see.But he doesn't give me very much responsibility with helping around the inn. I wish for the opportunity ti prove I can run this place too, show him I can handle it." "And I'm sure you shall get that chance." The stranger said with an odd, knowing smirk, before standing up and going to leave. "Before I go, which way is the palace? I wish to thank the princess for her kindness personally." The boy gave him directions to the palace, and the stranger left, smiling to himself. Come tomorrow, the innkeeper would be dead from a heart attack in his sleep, and his son would have the opportunity he craved. The chance to prove himself a capable owner of the inn. As to whether he would succeed, well, that was up to him. |
| As the innkeeper slithered through the inn, his left elbow shot out in pain, and hit several items. As he rubbed the joint, the naga looked at what he'd hit - a small berry bush, split down the middle, the crack coated in charcoal, making it look burnt, and some chopsticks had fallen, standing upright, stuck in the floorboards. However, there was also a golden coin nearby, with several strands of cat hair stuck to it by something sticky. "I see," he said. The Sight was a Blessing, and a Curse. The innkeeper's son slithered into the room. "Is something the matter father? I heard a noise." The innkeeper looked at his son. "A lightning storm is heading our way. It will cause a fire, burning the inn." "What do you want me to do?" the young naga asked. "Awake the rest of the staff, and the guests, tell them all to pack their things, and they are to head South," the innkeeper said. "That is the safest path away from the storm." "I noticed that you didn't mention us in there," the young naga said. The innkeeper got out some items. "Once you have done as you are told, I will be using magic to send you directly to the palace. Warn them, especially the Princess, of the storm - it will be a bad one." "What about you, father?" the young naga asked. "There's something you're not telling me." "Yes," the innkeeper said. "I have Seen my Fate, and I will not fight it. I will not live to see the sun rise." "Father!" the young naga exclaimed in shock. "Son, a kingdom is like an inn," said the innkeeper. "Without people, both are nothing. Your duty to them is important - Warn our Guests, and Warn the Kingdom." The young naga slithered away. Soon, the guests and other employees were heading South, and the Innkeeper had sent his son to the palace by magic. "My turn." The innkeeper muttered a spell, and soon, he appeared before Malaijnn, with a tea set. Malaijnn looked at him. "Interesting. A party trick though." "For you, perhaps, but for me, it's almost my last trick," the innkeeper said. "Please, have some tea with me. It would be rude for you to refuse." Malaijnn chuckled. "So, you figured out what I am," he said, sitting across from the naga. "It's too late for you though." "For me, yes," said the innkeeper said, as he offered a cup of tea. "But, until then, you are my Guest, and I am your Host. To leave now would bring bad luck to you. Tea?" Malaijnn accepted the cup, and sipped it. "Mmm, delicious. Almost a shame to kill you. It won't stop me though, and you cannot prevent me from destroying the kingdom." "Kingdoms are like inns," the innkeeper said. "They can be rebuilt when destroyed, so long as one is willing to put in the work, brick by brick, stone by stone, board by board, nail by nail, one step at a time." |
| At the palace, Riker was busy going around the outer walls delivering food and drink to the guards posted in designated area's for the night watch. Yet, as he walked, he soon spots a strange ring on the floor and picked it up to be inspected. "Gold band, the gem is a ruby by the looks of it..." It was then he heard a strange voice in his head. '~Finder of my ring, wear it to free me, so I may serve as your guide~' "GAH!" Dropping the ring, he quickly moved back. "Wh-Who said that?! Was that you Ming?! You know I hate your tricks!" It was then his tail rubbed the gem by accident, causing the area to fill with a pink lavender mist as a figure arose from the ring as a young female grey bat dressed as a belly dancer from the times of the Arabian knights. "Fear not, for this is no trick, my master." |
| Back with Tia and Ming, the princess sat back and enjoyed the show as Ming performed her dance, gracefully moving all across the chamber like flowing water. When she finished, Tia applauded as Ming took a bow. "Beautiful!" Tia said, "Better than the most graceful of ballerinas." "Thank you, highness," Ming said with a grin. "Now, it's time for my prize." But before she could claim said prize, there was a knock at the door. "Princess?" came the voice of one of the guards, "There's a visitor at the front gates for you. Something about them wanting to thank you for what you did for them this afternoon?" Tia chuckled. "It must be that beggar from the inn. Tell him I'll be right there." She turned to Ming, who had a look of mild disappointment on her face. "Don't worry, I'll be right back, then you can see how I taste for as long as you wish." Ming smiled. "I'll hold you to that." Meanwhile, the innkeeper stood as his omen had come true. Lightning hadstruck the inn, which was currently ablaze. Rather than be angry or sad, he had a look of calm across his face. He knew his son would rebuild the inn and that he had inadvertently caused his demise. But he did not place any blame upon his son. He supposed he himself was partly responsible, for not allowing his son more freedom in the business. But it mattered little now. What was done was done, and nothing could stop it. He felt it coming on now. The heart attack that would claim his life. As he did, he could hear a low tune being whistled in the air and steadily growing louder. As he collapsed to the ground, he saw a figure emerging from the shadows on the edge of the burning inn. It was a white werewolf in a black cloak. Instead of fear, the innkeeper felt a sense of peace as his vision grew dark. The wolf knelt beside him and said, "It's alright. It will be over shortly." Then he was gone. Tia met the beggar outside the castle walls. "Your highness. So glad you could see me." Tia smiled, "You didn't have to do this, you know. I told you, I'm happy to help my subjects." "Neither did you have to buy my meal, but you did anyway." He looked over in the direction of the palace. "Quite a sight, isn't it? Must be wonderful to live there." Tia sighed. "It is, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. Perhaps a little too much." The beggar looked intrigued. "Are you saying you don't like being royalty?" "Maybe a little bit. I mean, sure, it's a luxurious life, but so many rules for everything. Not to mention everybody relying on you to solve their problems. Between you and me, sometimes I wish my family and I were just regular people." At this, an evil smile spread across the beggar's face. "Wish granted." Before she could comprehend what was happening, everything went black for Tia. When she awoke, she was lying on a straw bed, dressed in commoner's clothes. "Tia." Called her mother, "Time to get up! We need to go into the market today, so hurry up and get ready!" "Coming, mother." Just another normal day on her family's farm. As it had been her whole life. |
| There was a wrongness in the air. Ming could feel it, as she patrolled through the marketplace. Thieves, or at least human ones, generally avoided areas that monsters were hired to protect. It was a good place for humans, at least those smart enough to follow the rules. They tended not to be seen as food, at least, those that followed the rules. However, the tigress felt a wrongness in the air. She couldn't place her claws on it though. Then, she saw her. It was a young woman, a farmer by the looks. Ming felt something, but what, she didn't know. It was as if she knew the woman, and not as just a face in the crowd. Ming wanted to know how she knew her. Talking to her in a normal manner was out of the question. Still, there were ways. She walked up to the farm girl and grabbed her by the shoulders. The woman turned her head, saw her, and was about to say something when Ming pulled out a gold coin - easily a week's pay for the average commoner. It had the farm girl's attention "If you want this, and more, I will be in the alley over there in ten minutes," Ming said, pointing to a shadowy area, that hid what folks did back there. "I need someone to scratch some itches, so to speak, and something tells me that you are the sort that can help me with them." The farm girl's eyes then looked at her, and there seemed to be a state of confusion, as if she knew her, but didn't know how. "As I said," said Ming, before the farm girl could say anything. "Alley in ten minutes, to help me scratch some itches, if you want this money." She then resumed her patrol. |
| Around the same time, Ruler was tending to a stall dressed as a blacksmith, selling tools and crates. Only, he had a ring on his left index that glowed a calm red as a voice was soon heard in his mind. 'Hm, seems a wish was made... Master, do you feel different?' Looking around, Riker soon took notice of a tiger woman speaking to a farm girl. Yet, he seemed to feel as if he knew them. "I think so, but what happened?" |
| Tia was wary of the tigeress's offer. She knew better than to trust the word of a monster in this world, but at the same time, she was also intrigued. The Rakasha hadn't specified exactly what "itches" she wanted scratched, but Tia could take a pretty good guess. Still, most wouldn't offer to pay humans for such a service and simply force them to do it instead. She figured the tiger must be serious if she was willing to pay, and waited in the alleyway as she had said. |
| Ming soon walked into the alley, and saw the human, waiting. "Follow," she said. She kept walking. The human, carefully, followed. Soon, they were around a corner, where there was, among other things, a tub with warm water, a mattress, towels, personal cleaning supplies, stools, and a bench. "Got to appreciate Zeffier's thoughtfulness for those looking for some personal back-alley services," Ming said, placing a few coins into a container. "That skunk has things set up for anyone." She began to remove her outfit, watching in a mirror as the human looked at her. She watched the human's eyes. They seemed to react as if knowing her. "You'd better take your clothes off. That way, if someone sees something, they'll see the usual expected things." "I know those stripes," the farmer said, as she began to remove her clothes. "I also know your face, and not as a person in the crowd. How?" "I do not know," Ming said, as she dropped her outfit. She recognized the human's body. "What's your name?" "Tia," the farmer said, dropping her own outfit. "I'm just a farmer." "Ever see me at a Public Bathhouse, or even at a river?" Ming asked, turning to look at the human. "Not that I can recall," said Tia. "And yet, you feel very familiar." "I have that very same feeling," said Ming. "I'm Ming by the way." "So, what now?" Tia asked. Ming sat on a stool, and lifted her right foot. "You can rub my feet." "Rub your feet?" Tia asked. "I've been walking around the marketplace all day, and my feet are tired from it, so a good massage would do them some good, and in return, I'll do your shoulders," said Ming. "You look like you could use one anyways." Tia looked at the tigress's feet. "I might be able to do your feet, but folks might wonder why you'd be doing my shoulders." Ming grinned. "You let me worry about that," she said. "After all, you'll be sitting on the bench just in front, your back to me." Tia nodded, nervously. She then sat on the bench. Ming placed her leg on Tia's lap, and the human got to work, rubbing her feet. The tigress leaned forward and whispered, "If I danced for you, would you let me taste you, the whole you?" "You've already danced for - wait, what?" Tia began to speak, only to stop, and looked at Ming. "Why did you say that? Why did I say what I did?" "Because it felt right," said Ming. "My heart knows you, and yours knows me, even if our minds do not remember." "Must of been a past life or something," said Tia. "Or something," said Ming. "Do you feel as if you can trust me with your life?" Tia nodded. Ming smiled. "That's a good start," she said. "I don't know what we were, but, if you're willing, I wouldn't mind finding out what we were, or what we could be." |
| Around sunset, Riker was back in his forge, counting up his earnings from selling his wares. It was then a young anthromorphic echidna girl dressed in pink arabian clothing walked up behind him before setting a cup of water infront of him. "Drink up master, need to stay hydrated." Sighing, Riker turned to her, only to relax again. "You never did tell me your name, or how how I even became your master. Mind explaining?" Giggling, the echidna girl soon bowed to him. "My apologize. My name is Echina. Many years ago, I was sealed within the ruby ring you now wear master. How you acquired it though, I cannot say..." Looking to him, she smiled. "As the master of my ring, you have a unlimited amount of wishes. But, I cannot grant for the dead to be returned, for others to fall in love with you, or kill another genie." Thinking, Riker soon thought about something she said. "Wait, aren't genies suppose to grant only three wishes?" Giggling, Echina soon spoofed from her spot, only to return into existence, now sitting in his lap. "That rule are ment for the genies residing in a lamp, which limits there power to three wishes per master. But, as I reside within a ring, my power shall last till you wish me away~." Blushing, Riker soon began to want to drink that cup of water she brought him. |
| Meanwhile, the palace, and the kingdomas a whole, was occupied by someone else entirely. MAlajinn sat upon the throne, ruling over the land and his new subjects with an iron fist. HE was not like your typical, garden-variety genie. He was a true genie, having never been bound to an item originally, up until his imprisonment. Which meant that for centuries, he roamed free doing whatever he damn well pleased! None of these petty rules that bound lesser genies; if a mortal displeased him, he could do whatever he felt was a fitting punishment for them. Perhaps he would turn them into an insect of some sort. Or maybe teleport them to the bottom of the ocean. The possibilities were endless, as was his creativity. Right now, he was thinking of that princess who had essentially given him this job by unwittingly trading her life as royalty for that of a peasant. He chuckled to himself. She honestly seemed like a decent young lady, and wasn't bad looking either. Perhaps he should have made her part of his harem instead... |
| There was a strange whistle, one that sent a chill down Malajinn's spine. He turned, and found, sitting at the head of his dining table, was a white wolf in a black robe. "You're lucky you didn't take that route," the wolf said. "She would have killed you. The line of Sam Royal doesn't give up very easily. Retreat from a lost battle, perhaps, but, they find a way." "How did you get here?" Malajinn asked. "I haven't killed anyone here in this timeline, Death." Death chuckled, as he sliced off a portion of eel. He then ate it, enjoying the flavor. "Caught, and killed, by the palace eel pond," he said. "Same with the rest of the meat." He then pointed at other palace-raised creatures that were on the table. "I'm there for every death, even that of fish and livestock." Malahinn grunted in annoyance. "Guess I forgot about that little quirk of yours." "All life is precious," said Death. "I just try to give them some comfort in those final moments." "So, what are you going to do? Kill me?" Malajinn asked. Death grinned. "No, but I will be there in that moment," he said. "I have the memories of multiple timelines. I spent decades with Sam Royal, and I will say this - he would have killed you without breaking a sweat." He picked up a glass of wine, and sipped it. "Mmm, good batch." He looked back at Malajinn. "She may not remember being a Princess, but, as I know from experience - you can drop a diamond into a pile of fresh dung, but a good washing will clean it right up." At that moment, Tia was in the tub, getting washed by Ming. "I'm sort of surprised that you want me to take a bath before you swallow me," the farmer said. "I don't much like the taste of dirt and dung," the tigress said. "Still, on the plus side, if you change your mind before I swallow you, no one will know exactly what we did." "But, other than I massaging your feet, and you my shoulders, we haven't done anything," said Tia. "Yes, and anyone with a nose that saw us enter would wonder what we did, unless you've taken a bath," said Ming. "You take a bath, they won't wonder why you don't smell more strongly of me." "Oh, okay," said Tia. "But, since we just met, and I don't like forcing others to do things needlessly, I won't shove your face into my sex, or ass, unless you are into that sort of thing and want me to," said Ming. "Same thing with swallowing you - if you say no when the bath is done, I'll simply just give you a big hug, help get you dried off, and dressed. That would transfer enough of my scent to you that folks will know that we did something, but won't ask what." "Alright," said Tia. "By the way, you are rather beautiful under that dust," said Ming. |
| Looking into Tia's eyes, Ming began to feels lost in them. Leaning close to her, Ming began to smile. "Tell me, what's your last name? I would love to know the full name of who I shall be enjoy tasting~" Blushing from how close Ming was, Tia began to furiously blush from seeing Ming's beauty up close. "My last name, it's Royal." |
| That's when it all came rushing back to Ming, how they had known each other since childhood, trained together, road horses together, all of it. "I remember!" She exclaimed, startling Tia. "It's all clear now! You were the princess, and I was your best friend! Our families had worked together to guard the kingdom for generations! We trained endlessly together in combat and archery, everything we might need should another threat arise!" "What are you talking about?" Tia asked, beyond confused. "I was never a princess. My family has always been commoners." "But you're not! I don't know how, but something must have happened to alter all reality, erasing your royal lineage! Your grandfather, what was his name?" "He was called Sam, but I never knew him. He died before I was born." "Then your grandfather was Sam Royal, the legendary hero?" "No. He was a farmer, as all my family have been." "Maybe in this reality, but in the correct one, he was the savior of the kingdom and of humanity. He slew a terrible threat to your kind's very existence, and you have his blood in your veins at this very moment!" Tia couldn't believe what Ming was saying."How do you know any of this is true? Where's your proof?" Ming hesitated, trying to think of a way to get Tia to understand. Then she figured, if telling her full name restored Ming's memory, maybe the same would work on Tia. "My name is Ming Swiftpaws. Ring any bells?" |
| Ming watched as Tia's eyes widen, as if in shock. "Ming?" The human asked. She looked around. "What happened? Last thing I remember before all this was that I had another visitor, and then -" She gestured. "This happened." She looked back at Ming, and hugged her. "I'm glad we're back together." Ming wrapped her arms around the human. "As am I." They looked into each other's eyes. Tia looked down, noticing that she was naked, and wet. "So, what now?" Ming grinned. "As I recall, we were about to do the second aspect of our wager - I get to taste you, the whole you." Tia chuckled nervously. "Right." Ming chuckle, the tigress looking her treat over. "Now, there's two questions to be answered before anything else - Feet-first or head-first, and Belly-up or Belly-down?" |
| Back at Rikers forge, he was busy working on a new blade design that he always wanted to try. "CLANG" Standing over hot metal that he folded two hundred times, he was busy hammering away to form the shape he desired. One fit for a warrior if they wish to purchase one day. "CLANG" Upon inspection, he used tongs to pick his blade up before quenching it in oil, being careful of the fire that burst forth from it upon impact. "Almost ready." Upon bringing it out and cleaning it, he smiled as he knew his work will soon be worth it. Yet, a thought of a idea came to him. "Echina, is it possible for you to enchant items?" Giggling, said genie floated around. "Of course I can, all you would need is to wish it. Yet, I must ask, why do all this work, when I could just magic your idea into reality?" Chuckling, Riker set the blade on the table to finnish cooling. "I do this work so I know my efforts can help others. Wishing it may make it easier, yes..." Turning to Echona, Riker only smiled. "But doing the work myself makes me truly happy when I see customers buy my goods, and see them return for more." |
| Tia decided she may as well let Ming have her the traditional way, head first and belly down. Ming gently gasped her friend by the shoulders and enveloped Tia's head with her mouth, her tongue savoring Tia's flavor as she slowly forced more of her best friend's body into her throat. After a short while, Ming sat against the alleyway wall, a satisfied smile on her face as her belly had more than quadrupled in size. "Everything okay in there?" She asked. "I'm alright." Came Tia's voice. "So how was I?" "Delicious!" Ming said, "We should do this more often when we get the chance. In the meantime, mind giving me a rub while you're in there?" Ming began to purr as Tia rubbed her belly from the inside. "So, how long do you plan on keeping me in here?" Tia asked after a few minutes. "As I recall, you promised I could taste you as long as I wished. So it might be a while." Was Ming's reply. Ming took deep breaths for the duration of Tia's stay inside her belly, so she had a supply of fresh air. "After this is over, what do we do next?" Ming asked, "Well, finding out how all reality was altered for us would be a good start." Tia said. |
| "You mentioned another guest besides myself," said Ming. "Do you know who it was?" "I don't remember," said Tia. "Hmm, that is annoying," said Ming. That was when something crawled over the tigress's tail. She looked, and her eyes narrowed in anger. "Stinking rat!" She grabbed and threw a dagger, pinning the creature to the dirt, killing it instantly. "What happened?" Tia asked. "Stupid rat ran over my tail," said Ming. "It's dead though. Fit to be some other creature's dinner." "You should be careful," said Tia. "Grandfather used to say that some being would visit him whenever someone, or something, was just about to die, and not just when he had to fight monsters." "What do you mean by that?" Ming asked. "Well...." That was when an eerie whistle was heard, sending a chill down the tigress's spine. She looked, and saw a black-hooded white wolf holding up a translucent version of the rat. "Hello," the wolf said. "Mind letting Tia out? I've been wanting to talk to her for a while." Ming grabbed her sword. "I won't let you take her!" The wolf chuckled. "She's fine, as are you," he said. "It's neither of your times, yet. Besides, I know of whom you are after, and whom can be trusted to assist you." "Why would you help us?" Ming asked. "I'm what you might call a friend of the family," the wolf said. "I'm Death. Now, let her out." Ming gulped. "Tia?" "He's the being I mentioned," said Tia. Ming walked over to the mattress, and began the process of bringing Tia up. Soon enough, the human was outside of the tigress, covered in stomach bile. With some help from Ming, she got into the tub, and began washing, Ming assisting her. Both were watching the white wolf. Death sat on the bench with a chuckle. "Been a while since I've seen you, Tia, or at least paid you more than a strictly professional visit." "I saw you when my grandfather died," said Tia. "Mother said that I was imagining things." Death chuckled. "I'm not usually welcome at a funeral. Still, even I had to pay my respects to his mortal remains, even though, technically, he and I tend to chat about the things he did." A slight grin came to the wolf's lips. "What sort of things?" Tia asked. "Was there a woman involved?" "To be honest, there was a number of them, and, in all seriousness, his quest was far more complicated than merely hunting down and slaying Echidna," said Death. "Time travel was involved. He'd been flung far into the future. Well, he inspired people - human and monster alike. It took years, decades even. He made plenty of allies, even befriending those who originally saw him as an enemy. The aided him in that final battle, knowing that his victory would cost them their lives, if he managed to make it back to the past. However, he did so, and now, because of him, they will have a chance, chance to live free, with humans not being seen as pets, livestock, or wild game, and thus not on the menu as often. Or, rather, that's how it should have been." "So, what happened?" Ming asked. "Malajinn happened," said Death. He looked at Tia. "You made a wish while talking to them - that you and your family were just regular people. This is the result of that wish. It might not seem as bad as what Echidna had done, but that's because he's being smart about it. He knows that if he makes too many enemies in too short a time, he'll have trouble. After all, hit the right triggers, and folks will remember, just as you have done." "So, what do we do?" Tia asked. "Seek out those you knew, and help them to remember," said Death. He stood up, and looked at Ming. "By the way, while swallowing air can potentially prolong her stay, I wouldn't recommend having her in your stomach for more than thirty minutes at a time, and never when tired, hungry, or injured - trust me on that, especially on the last one." "Personal experience?" Ming asked. Death nodded. "I'm there for every death," he said. "I'll be seeing you two later." He then began to walk away, fading as he did so, making that eerie whistle. |
| Shivering, Ming grasped her right arm, trying to calm her nerves as her fur stood up all over. "Tia, remind me not to piss him off..." Chuckling, Tia only scratched her cheek. "Yeah, not a good idea to mess with Death himself... Hehehe..." |
| After getting Tia redressed, the pair stepped out of the alley. "So, how exactly do we find people we knew before?" Ming asked, and Tia shrugged. "Look around for familiar faces, I guess." "Do you see anybody in the crowd?" Tia looked around, seeing humans and monsters of all kinds, but none she recognized. Until she spotted a naga blacksmith across the way, busily hammering at a piece of metal. "Hmmm, there's something about that blacksmith. I can't place it, but I feel as though I know him." "Well then, let's go introduce ourselves." Back at the palace, Malajinn was thinking about what Death had said before. The line of Sam Royal always finds a way. But surely, with the princess's memories of her former life erased, how could she pose a threat to him? Even if she did remember, he was an all-powerful genie, and she was a mere human. How could she possibly even harm, let alone actually slay him? He pushed the thought from his mind. He was being paranoid. No mortal could pose a threat to the likes of him, no matter how skilled they may be. Right now, he would enjoy ruling the kingdom of the former princess. Maybe consider expanding his dominion to other lands while he was at it... |
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