CdGW82Rh

1The evenings seem to last forever in this part of the world, the sun slides endlessly along the horizon. The golden hue causing the yellow canola to glow in undulating waves to the four horizons. But, even if the sun stays to play, little granddaughters still have to go to bed. 
2
3The admonition seems to fall on deaf ears as your favourite, and only, granddaughter stacks her blocks into what can only described as a grand castle while her raggedy-lamia doll stares blankly on.  
4
5Crouching down, you grab and deposit a small plastic  flag on the top of a spire. The action elicits a small whine from the small girl, “Granpa! You can’t put the flag up until the princess is in the castle and the castle isn’t done!” 
6
7“You have to go to bed pumpkin, I promised your mom that I’d have you in bed at nine and if I don’t do it your grandma is going to beat me with her tail.” 
8
9“You know it!” Floats a feminine voice from the kitchen, eliciting a small giggle from the girl. 
10
11“I promise your castle will be here when you wake up tomorrow.” You smile while holding your arms out to pick her up. Her long body uncoils as you scoop her up while the tip of tail finds and locks to the tail of her doll, dangling it just above the floor. “Promise?” she asks wrapping her arms around your neck as you start trudging up the stairs to the bedroom. “I promise pumpkin, and if anyone did get through me, they’d never get though grandma, right?” The girl nodding her head in relief as you tuck her under the covers with her doll beside her. 
12
13As you turn to leave, she grabs your hand, “Can you tell me a story to help me sleep?” 
14
15“I can do that, do you want me to read you a book?” 
16
17“Can you tell me how you met grandma instead?” 
18
19“I’m not sure I should tell you since it’s not really a story for innocent little lamia girls.” You explain as you sit down on the bed beside her, back against the wall. 
20
21“Oh, Please please please!” she exclaims, wrapping her arms around your waist. 
22
23“Ok, ok, just don’t tell your mom I told you this” you whisper conspiratorially at the small girl. “So, a long time ago, in a city far far away...”
24____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
25
26The shrill howl of the pager rips through the peace of your apartment as you scramble out of bed, body moving before you’re even awake. 
27
28>Dunkirk Fire Services, where is the location of your emergency?
29>Um, hi, uh, I’d like to report a fire. It’s really bad lots of smoke.
30
31Underwear, socks, pants.
32
33>Can you tell me the location? 
34>It’s 2202 west 3rd avenue. Oh god.  
35
36Shirt, shoes, keys
37
38>Can you tell me what kind of building it is? Is it a house? 
39>No, it’s an apartment building, ohgodthere’sstillpeopleinthereohgodIcanseetheminthewindow
40
41Radio, running for the car
42
43>Can you tell me how many people are in the building?
44>Idon’tknowmaybeoneortwo, pleasehelpthem, ohgodjeezusthere’sflamefromthebasement
45
46Foot to the floor, weaving though morning traffic, early morning sun in your eyes. 
47
48The radio crackles, it sounds like we might have enough bodies for the trucks this time. It’s tough to find enough volunteers who actually show up. As you slide into the firehall’s parking lot you note that the Chief’s truck is already gone but your Captain, Dave, is here. Bolting for your turnout gear he’s already halfway suited up. 
49
50Over the whine of overhead doors and cranking engines he’s already yelling at you.
51
52“Anon, nice of you to show up! Having trouble unwrapping yourself from that indian girl?” 
53
54“No sir, she lost interest after finding out that I’m working half time pushing a broom” you reply without breaking stride. 
55
56“Shit son. You’re back seat of the pumper with Megan.” He’s running for the pumper himself. 
57
58
59As the truck howls it’s way to the scene, you can hear the chatter of the Chief on the radio relaying what he’s seeing to the Captains. Basement is fully involved, smoke showing on all floors, multiple people unaccounted for, dispatch is already calling second and third alarm.
60
61You and Megan are already putting on your tanks when Dave starts giving out positions, “Anon! You and Megan are Search 1, pull a 1 3/4 and wait for ventilation, I want you in there before the attack goes in!” 
62
63“Yes sir!” Megan and you yell back though your masks.
64
65As the truck brakes to a stop in front of the inferno you both starting piling out, grabbing hose and tools before bolting for the open door of the former apartment building. As you wait for the other crews, you notice that Megan is looking around, “What’s up?” You yell over the chaos around you. 
66
67“You hear someone yelling for help?” She yells into your ear. Nope, nothing, you shake your head in response. 
68
69The smoke is starting to thin, ventilation costs time and you don’t have it. Neither do the trapped people. Dave comes on the radio, “Search 1, you’re up!” A quick blast of water into the smoke and Megan and you crouch into the inky black. 
70
71The heat is eating it’s way through your mask causing sweat to run into your eyes. You’ve been through half the building and you haven’t found anyone. Except Megan keeps yelling that she can hear someone on this floor. Room after room and nothing. It seems that there isn’t anyone on this floor, but the last room is closed and locked. Forcing the frame, you step into a small room that’s noticeably cooler but still full of smoke. A female form is flat on the floor, not moving. It looks like she has a red blanket wrapped around her lower half, but didn’t make it out before succumbing to the smoke. Passing the tools to Megan you check her vitals and roll her over and prop her up against your knee. Arms under her armpits and wrists locked you try to lift her up... and nothing. You positively cannot lift this girl.
72
73Panic is starting to set in. The heat locked outside the room is covering the ceiling space with the thick, black smoke through the open door. The unconscious girl refuses to budge, and within minutes you’re exhausted. Megan walks up to you, “Let me try” she says. Relinquishing your hold, she wraps her arms around the girl and effortlessly lifts the form, dragging it back towards the door. That damn blanket won’t let go and you reach down to pull it off but your hand meets solid rather than soft. It’s not quite smooth and you realise with a start that it’s entirely scale. The girl is half snake and she’s at least 20 ft long. Your fore-brain decides to ignore this realisation while you get out of this hell. Grabbing the tools and hose you head for the door. 
74
75Megan drags the snake girl down the hall at a fast trot as flames ripple through the smoke. It’s tipping over to flashover as you spray water over Megan’s head into the smoke to cool it down, but it doesn’t seem like it’s having much effect. Megan is first out still dragging the snake girl and you’re right behind them, smoking slightly in the cool morning air. 
76
77Dave spots you and runs over as you peel your helmet and mask off, gulping down fresh air. 
78
79“How is it?” He asks while unlatching your tank off it’s harness. 
80
81“Main floor is clear, but it’s weird we can’t seem to control the temperature while we’re in there.” You reply in between gasps. 
82
83“Tell me about it, we’re pulling the attack crews out. No one has seen anything like this. The Chief ordered us to go defensive. Who’d you drag out?” 
84
85You point at the snake girl motionless on the ground, three EMS staffers kneeling around her. “That. Megan dragged her out by herself, I couldn’t budge her at all. That body’s gotta be over a thousand pounds.”
86
87Dave glances sideways at you and starts walking toward Megan, you deciding to follow. 
88
89“Megan!” he barks, “You ok? What the hell was that?” 
90
91She stares at him confused for a few seconds, “What do you mean? I’m fine!” 
92
93A voice directed towards you stops the conversation, the EMS guys are going to load the snake girl into the ambulance and need a hand. Dave orders Megan to see rehab and change her tank while you both grunt and heave the monstrous woman into the bus. 
94
95“Where are you going to take her?” you ask one of the medics. 
96
97“General, I guess. Or a priest.” comes the reply as he jumps into the cab.  You turn back to Dave and look him in the eye, “What the living fuck?” He glances at the retreating ambulance and over to Megan sitting on the back of the pumper chugging water, “It ain’t over yet either. Lets kill this fucking fire.” 
98____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
99
100Your turnout gear smells like shit from the smoke and sweat as you ride back to the hall, working your way through a bottle of water. It’s been six hours of hell, your ass is sucking slough water, but Megan can’t seem to sit still. She’s staring absentmindedly out the window kissing her water bottle and ringing the lid with her tongue. Dave hasn’t said a word other than to give orders since we dragged that snake girl out. 
101
102Putting the truck back in service is always a chore but Megan seems to have boundless energy and you get it done in half the usual time. After peeling off your gear, you wander down to the gear stands on your way to the kitchen to get a snack and you can hear Megan muttering to herself about not being able to crack her back. Not thinking much of it, you’re rooting through the fridge while Dave fills out his reports when a shriek fills the hall. Dave and you shoot a glance at each other and run for the bay. 
103
104Megan is on the floor, crouched over her knees with her head under her arms. Two tremendous bat like wings sprout from her back through her ripped shirt and spread down the length of the bay, seeming to dwarf the truck. Dave doesn’t hesitate as he kneels at her side and wraps her in her in his arms. She starts sobbing as she embraces him. You notice that her eyes are turning black while the iris’ are turning a vibrant shade of red.  Nope. Fuck this shit. You’re out. You throw up your hands in surrender before turning and running out of the hall. 
105
106You need a drink, bad. Sure, it’s only noon, but your mind is reeling. The car seems to drive itself, stopping at the pub down the road from your apartment. While being a bit of dive, the lady behind the bar is both pretty and witty and right now you need that to distract you. Except she’s not there, some punk has taken her place. “Afternoon, what can I get ya?” he asks. You squint at him while dragging a stool out and taking a seat. “Whisky” 
107
108You look slowly around, the few regulars this early are running a card game. Your drink arrives and you down it as he sets it in front of you. “Another, triple.” You mutter at him, handing the glass back. 
109
110Pretty soon your half a dozen in and your brain decides that now is a great time to start reliving the events of the day. You drag your fingers through your hair as if ripping at your scalp will dislodge the images. The little voice starts in your head, “Your battle buddy is turning into a demon monster thing, you left Dave alone with her. He’s dead now, you know. Maybe she is too. You left them to die. And you call yourself a firefighter, eh? Real fucking honourable you piece of shit. She’s gonna come for you, you know. You saw her, she can fly, who the fuck knows what else she can do. Better have an other drink, maybe it won’t hurt so much when you get ripped in two like Dave.” 
111
112You gesture at the barkeep for another, while the voice continues, “What is wrong with that babyfaced fuck? Some fucking wannabe hipster. Fuck. What a fucking faggot. I bet he is one. Some fucking hipster faggot who shouldn’t even be here. Like you. Ready to die yet coward?”  
113
114You drain your drink and gesture for another. “It’s not your fault, really. Demons aren’t really part of this world, they shouldn’t be here.” 
115
116You squint at the refilled glass. “Oh, you’re right of course, evil does exist. You’ve seen it, we don’t need them to help out. Remember that little girl last year? Sure you do. The one where her mom raped her with a screwdriver? She begged you to take her away. You know the police did nothing. You walked away from her. You are a fucking failure. Your crew is dead and you should be too, boyo. You should die you fuck, it’s easier. You need to rid the world of you. It’s easy. Maybe you should offer yourself up to that demon snake woman. She started all of this, she is the one who infected Megan. Maybe you can still stop this, eh? At least, the snake will kill you. Go see her.” 
117
118The triple stares you, beckoning silently. Fuck it. One last drink. Slouching against the bar you raise your glass to the rest of patrons, “Good bye you fucks, wish me luck” and up end the glass. Best whiskey you’ve ever tasted, god damn that’s good. 
119
120Fishing your wallet out of your pants you slap it on the bar. “You’re a fucking faggot, but you can have this. There’s some money in there” you slur at the stunned barman. Everyone is staring at you as you stumble out the door. 
121
122“Hey, you gonna be alr...” the kid calls out after you. The door slams shut cutting him off as you stumble down the street. “I will be alright very soon” you mumble at the sidewalk. It’s pretty far to the hospital, the alcohol sets your feet into motion and dulls the pain. The last triple sets in and you don’t remember most of the hike, save for the sounds of cars and traffic lights.
123
124---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125
126Pretty soon you’re swaying gently before the gleaming glass and steel structure. At last, your end. 
127
128You’re smiling as you stagger through the doors and up to receptionist. “Good afternoon, I’m looking for the demon snake woman.” The receptionist leans toward you, “How do you know about that?” she hisses. Looks like you came to the right place. “I’m one of the firefighters that got her out of her burning apartment this morning,  I wanted to make sure that she’s recovering.” You congratulate yourself, the best lies are mostly the truth. “We’re trying to keep it low key but they’ve moved her up to the second floor under heavy security. Stairs are over there” she quietly replies, gesturing to the stairs opposite the desk. “Talk to the nurse when you get there.” One of the perks of being a firefighter is that everyone trusts you. Sucks to be them.
129
130Nodding at the woman, you do your best to walk in an upright fashion to the stairs, but it’s still taking two hands. By the time you get to the second floor, you have no idea how you’re going to bluff your way past this, you’re obviously drunk. 
131
132The nurse behind the desk notices you come up, but seems to be fixated on hiding behind her computer screen. You notice that her face seems to be slightly blue, but she’s probably just not feeling well. It’s for the best if you don’t bother her and figure out where snake tits is at. Glancing to the right, you note the beds crowded in the hall, staffers walking briskly. Left, empty except for two well armed cops at the end. 
133
134Ever hear the joke about how you can tell an emergency scene is safe? It’s called the yellow stripe test, if the stripe is vertical, it’s safe. If the stripe is horizontal it’s not safe. Both lines are vertical. Maybe the snake is not in the killing mood? Pulling yourself straight, you turn left and try to walk in a straight line towards the guards. At least one looks kinda familiar, “Mr. Colin, haven't seen you since that accident on 43rd, how’ve you been?” He squints slightly at you before his eyes light in recognition. “Anon. I’ve been pretty good, it’s been busy the last few days. It’s nice to have guard duty for a shift.” 
135
136“Keeping things out or in?” You perkily reply. 
137
138“Out. I assume you want to ask some questions?” 
139
140“I do in fact. She was the only one in the building at the time, so we’re looking for any information that would point toward the cause.” You point at the closed door. “I’ll make it quick.” 
141
142“Alright. She’s awake and has been taking meals, she’s built out of tough stuff considering what she got dragged out of.” 
143
144You nod and mumble your thanks as you open the door, slipping inside and closing it quietly behind you. The room is pretty dark except for a reading light beside the bed. And on, or rather filling, the bed is the snake demon herself. Her red, scaly tail drapes over the bed and onto the floor, but the blankets are wrapped around the rest of her as she eyes you intently. Golden eyes so bright that they’re nearly yellow. She’s holding her blanket over her rather generous chest while the other arm props her human portion up. Her thin forked tongue flicks once at you as you approach. 
145
146“You are not a healer or soldier, you smell like fire, alcohol, and desperation.” she declares flatly in a voice that fills the corners of the room. 
147
148Turning around, you grab the back of the only chair in the room, drag it up beside the bed, and sit down. 
149
150“No, I’m not. I was on the team that rescued you from your burning apartment this morning” you start.
151
152She nods for you to continue. 
153
154“Two of my friends are dead. One was my Captain and the other was a junior firefighter that I was responsible for. She changed into a monster with red eyes and wings, and she likely ripped my Captain  to pieces. I survived by running away like a coward and abandoned them. Since this all started with you and the fire this morning, I was hoping that you could do an exchange. Can you reverse the changes in her in exchange for my soul?” 
155
156The snake’s eyes soften as the story pours out of you. “I’m sorry hero, but you have mistaken me for a vastly different creature than what I am. What you require is the magic of the Demon Lord herself, and I have no such magic.” 
157
158“Aren’t you a demon? Didn’t you change her in the first place?” 
159
160“Far from it. I am not a Demon, I am a Lamia. And I did not change your squire.” 
161
162“Fuck. If you can’t save her, can you at least kill me so that it’s fair?” A hint of desperation leaking into your voice. 
163
164She shifts to lean over the edge of the bed at you and places her hand on your cheek, “It is a crime to kill a man in my world, it would be outright treachery to kill a hero. For someone like me, as a servant of the Demon Lord, my life would be instantly forfeit.” 
165
166You crumple into your seat, slipping away from her hand. Your resolve melting into the alcohol pouring through your veins. Fuck, it wasn’t supposed to go like this. “But I’m not a hero.” 
167
168Her hand finds the top of your head, her fingers dig slightly into your hair, “You risked your life to rescue me from a failed portal and begged for your squire. Even if you think that you are unworthy, it makes you a hero to me.” Her fingers tighten slightly into your scalp, “But I don’t think I’m seeing the real one, I see a farce from the spirits you’ve been drinking. Do not be afraid, things are not as you make them to be. May the power of my master grant you sleep.” 
169
170Her words are the last thing you remember as you slip into darkness. 
171____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
172
173Consciousness comes slowly. You’re dimly aware of voices but the words are slurred together. The pieces of the past day fall slowly into place as does the realisation that you’re really fucking hungover. However, you’re horizontal and it’s soft. As your mind reaches out, the conversation becomes far more clear. The dignified tones of the lamia, and a very tired sounding man. 
174
175“...with the present situation, we cannot guarantee your safety even if you are a servant of the demon lord. With the changes to the female population, we are short staffed and cannot spare personnel to escort or provide security. As it stands, I cannot even spare a guard for your room, but I hope you will stay put for the time being.” 
176
177“I understand your situation deputy minister. I trust that you’ll be able verify my title and authority once your representatives have contacted the castle. You have my sincere apologies that my introduction and proof of authority were lost to the fire yesterday.” 
178
179“No worries, I’m sure it’ll be sorted out soon. If you don’t mind the question, what’s with the young guy?” 
180
181You feel slender, feminine fingers stroke through your hair. “He is one of yours. He had a most peculiar story though, he claimed that his squire had monsterised and killed his captain. He showed up last night, quite drunk, and begged me to changed her back. I put him to sleep, and I’ll tell him everything when he wakes up.” 
182
183“I didn’t hear that any of my guys were killed. If it’s true, it could create an incident. It’s been pretty peaceful, only because there hasn’t been any violence. Everyone is wound up tighter then a drum. I’ll look into it right away.” 
184
185Since they’re talking about your situation, it’s time to get up. As you open your eyes, you are greeted by a large breast wrapped in a white sheet. A hard nipple tenting through just enough to let you know it’s there. Propping yourself up on an elbow, you rub your eyes and blearily look around. The chair is where you left it last night, but the lamia has dragged you onto the bed beside her. A loop of her tail draped over your legs pinning you down. At the foot of the bed stands a tall, thin man, in a grey suit, his tie loose. 
186
187The conversation between them dwindled as you woke up, but the man looks over to you, “Good morning, I’m John Storm, the deputy minister of public safety.”   
188
189“Anon. I’m a volunteer at station three on the south end.” 
190
191John nods in recognition, “You guys pulled a hell of a rescue of Ms. Aniia” gesturing at the lamia beside you.
192
193“Thanks, we had a good crew.” 
194
195“Deputy minister,” Aniia interrupts, “you mentioned that you had no one to spare in escorting me. Would you allow Anon to escort me until you can spare further personnel?” 
196
197John turns to you, “Willing to do that Anon?” 
198
199You nod dumbly. “I..guess?”
200
201“Alright, we’ll list you on incident so you get paid until further notice. I’ll tell your chief you’re working for me, and keep all your receipts so we can reimburse you. Oh, and since this effectively a diplomatic detail I want you armed and carry a medical kit as well. If something happens, call me.” he says passing you his card. 
202
203“Yes sir.” 
204
205“Thank you deputy minister” Aniia bows slightly, a small smile showing on her lips. 
206
207“Alright, I’m going back to the office. Please don’t cause any incidents.” His eyes flick at Aniia before he turns and leaves the room, letting the door close behind him. 
208
209Aniia turns to you, putting her hand on your chest. She’s staring at your lips as a smile spreads across her face revealing a row of glossy, pointed teeth. Seeming to catch herself, she swallows, “Anon, I’d like to finish our conversation that we started last night. I can explain what happened to your squire, but I need to know if you actually saw her kill your captain.” 
210
211“No. No, I didn’t. She was crying and holding on to Dave.” You shake your head, the hangover beating itself against your skull as you do so. 
212
213Another smile spreads across Aniia’s face. “Then I have good news. Your captain will be very much alive. A little sore this morning, I suppose, but your squire will be taking very good care of him.” 
214
215You’re staring blankly at the lamia as she continues, “Your squire has gone through a spell called monsterization. By what you’ve told me, she has become either a succubus or a demon. Her personality will have changed to become more aggressive to a man she wants, if the man reciprocates, her loyalty to him will be unbreakable. A union formed between monster and man is the ultimate form of love, since it’s my lord’s desire that men find the love that’s been denied them by inferior human women.” 
216
217“That doesn’t explain you being here..” you begin.
218
219“I’m a low level court magician to the the current demon lord. My assignment is to monitor the spell and make contact with the local governments. The lich who operates the portals opened mine up inside the building where you found me. My magic is not suitable for accidents like that, so I’m very fortunate that you were able to rescue me. Your deputy minister told me that another portal opened and the centaur medics that came through are guiding his emissary to the court.” 
220
221“Don’t worry, I’ll fill in more of the details for you as we go, but I wanted to give you a token of my gratitude...”  she leans in, locking her soft lips to yours, the weight of her body pressing down through her kiss. Her tongue dances along your lips forcing them open and wrapping it’s unnatural, forked length around yours. You wrap your free arm around her bare back, the sheet slowly falling away from her lithe body. Her tongue stroking yours as she slowly breaks the kiss and pulls away. She wraps the sheet back around herself, taking care to barely cover her hardened nipples, never taking her eyes from yours. “I will pay you back for saving me, even if my master will not. I will give you anything” she whispers. 
222
223“Hold on now, I’m kinda in a lot of pain and some serious shit went down yesterday. That kiss was far more than enough reward” you reply with a moan, the hangover making it’s presence felt. “I guess since I’m your guide and bodyguard I should arrange for some painkillers, clothes for you...” 
224
225“...and some breakfast, I’m starving.” she mentions, cutting off your train of thought. “At somewhere different, if we could. I really appreciate the food that they supply here but it’s not that great honestly.” 
226
227“Alright, I’ll get on it.” As you slide out from under her. 
228
229The corridor is pretty empty as you slip out of the room, Mr. Colin and partner are gone and its just the odd nurse drifting from room to room. The nurse’s station has a single occupant, a diminutive woman sitting on the chair eagerly pecking at the keyboard.
230
231Clrearing your throat, she slowly turns her attention from the engrossing task to you. “Good morning! Can I help you?” 
232
233“Can you tell me where I can find the charity office? I need to find some women's clothes. Oh, and can I get a couple of general painkillers?” 
234
235The nurse squints at you before her expression changes to one of surprise. “I hope you weren't meaning to to leave me alone in the room, Anon” a voice right behind your shoulder breaks your attention and you snap around to face Aniia making a pouty face before she breaks into a giggle. She’s got her white sheet wrapped around her shoulders, reaching down to the floor and laying along her tail.  The effect is not unlike a wedding dress and the look would be more stunning if your head didn’t hurt. 
236
237She leans around you to the nurse “Might you have any spare clothes that might fit me?” 
238
239“Ah, yes, we do. The charity room is on the main floor behind reception. But I can help you with these though.” comes the reply as she sets a small bottle on the desk. You grab a couple of pills and wash them down with your spit. 
240
241You thank the nurse and turn to Aniia, “Alright, lets get going.” as the elevator dings and a flunky pushing cart exists down the hall while staring at your charge. “Let’s take this, stairs can fuck off right now.” 
242
243It only dawns on you that the elevator might have been a bad idea as Aniia starts to curl herself into the car, layer upon layer pinning you against the wall with her tremendous bulk. The tip of her tail nearly gets pinched as the door slides closed. “You didn’t think this through did you?” she asks with a bemused expression. 
244
245“Not one of my finer moments” you gasp, trying to slide up the wall without stepping her coils. The ride is mercifully short as the door soon slides open and Aniia’s tail flops out on the floor as she pushes her coils out. 
246
247Activity on the floor grinds to a halt as Aniia extracts herself, both patients and staff seemingly mesmerised by the sight. A few whispers can be heard, but not all sound friendly. It’s a slow dawning realisation to the seriousness of your situation as both of you cross the floor toward the charity office, silent  eyes following you. 
248
249The lamia enters the packed room, a couple loops of tail keeping you company as you wait in the corridor. Though a few patients continue to stare at Aniia, life returns to the floor as you turn to your phone to plan your next steps. 
250
251Your car and wallet are still at the bar, and if the reaction of people on the floor was any indication you should be carrying a weapon before you head out for breakfast. The girl won’t fit in the car anyway, so it can sit for the time being, but you’ll need your wallet. Time to phone your new boss. 
252____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
253
254“Anon, I must confess that human women are a little smaller then I expected. I’m having difficulties finding anything that both fits and not hideous.” the lamia laments from the room behind you. 
255
256“If you can find something, we can get better clothes once we get out of here. The deputy minister got his secretary to drive his old van over for us to use, so we have a way to get around for the time being.” 
257
258“That was quite generous, remind me to thank him when we see him again. Alright, I think this should be enough.” 
259
260She’s dressed in a short denim skirt and a grey hoody, a surprisingly modest outfit in contrast to the lewd impression she had given earlier. Noticing your examination, she leans over and places a hand under your arm, “Don’t worry Anon, we’ll get more enjoyable clothing after breakfast.”  
261
262“Sorry, Ms Aniia. You look very nice, you caught me off guard, that’s all.” you bumble your way through your excuses. 
263
264The corner of Aniia’s lips curls up, “Lead us to our carriage Anon, I’m getting hungry.” 
265
266John’s secretary told you that she had parked the van under the “E” sign in the parking lot. The only issue being that the van is question isn’t exactly what you would call ‘low-key’. 
267
268You’re staring at a black, late ‘70’s Ford van. Lovingly restored complete with an enormous, and extremely detailed, mural of a valkyrie riding a polar bear.  Aniia stops cold, staring at the mural. 
269
270“A...Anon, I didn’t know that the exploits of the valkyries were so well known in this world. Especially their actions in the winter war of the angelics.” she says turning to you, never taking her eyes off the mural. 
271
272“I’ve never heard of the winter war, but it was popular years ago to paint murals of fantasy women on vans. I suppose it was cool at the time...” your voice drifting off as you fish for the keys.
273
274Popping the back doors open, you get an eyeful of dark blue shag on every surface of the empty interior. “Well, isn’t this nice! This is much nicer then the wagons back home, it’s almost fit for the lord herself!” a very pleased sounding lamia exclaimed as she slid slides into the van, settling into the passenger seat up front. 
275
276A flick of the keys from your own seat and you headed out of the parking lot into the light morning traffic. 
277
278The distance to the bar seemed to grow between last night and this morning, a fact that you ruefully noted to your passenger. She turns to you with a slight smile, “I trust there will be no more of that Anon. A hero full of spirits is capable of any despicable act. I will not have a man in my charge act to besmirch my lord or his own.” You turn to argue, but it’s painfully obvious that she’s right, considering your new assignment. 
279
280The bar’s parking lot is empty save your car and a delivery truck backed up to the bar’s back door. As you pull up, you are greeted by the sight of a tall, red skinned woman stepping out of the back of the truck with a keg under each arm. Her white crop-top and jean cut-offs revealing a chiselled physique that belonged on the cover of a body building rag. 
281
282“Oh! An Oni so soon!” Aniia is already half way out her door before the van stops, her tail whipping behind as she hurriedly undulates toward the woman. Stepping out of the van, Aniia is already circling the stunned woman, poking and excitedly asking questions without waiting for answers. “How long ago did you convert? How old are you? How much have you had to drink in the last day?” 
283
284The Oni, who you recognise as the usual bartender, is looking more irritated as the questions flow. “Please stop... Who the fuck are you ...I said stop damn it!” She spits at the excited lamia, setting a keg down and putting an arm out to intercept the dervish. Who’s face promptly collides with the bartender’s fist. “Owwww...” whines the deflated lamia, holding the side of her face. The oni barkeep looks over Aniia at you, “I recognise your face, you must be Anon, eh? Looking for your wallet?” 
285
286“Uh, yeah. I left it here last night in a fit of stupidity.” You reply. 
287
288“Oh, I heard about that all right. You scared the temp kid pretty good, he phoned me up in a panic.” The oni looking down at the subdued lamia still rubbing her face. “I paid your tab from it and it’s on the bar. This one and I are gonna have a talk.”
289____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
290
291It’s been nice to sit in the sun, but the two girls have been at it for half an hour. Aniia has gotten the oni to demonstrate her flexibility, strength, and mental acuity. Expectedly, the results seemed to match her new build, though dead lifting the front of the van was more than a little impressive. 
292
293It’s also the first time you’ve seen magic. It looks familiar, like you see portrayed in fantasy. Aniia draws a circular pattern in a particular sequence and then activates it by talking through an incantation. In the cases you’ve witnessed, she’s used it to test the bartender’s hand-eye coordination, throwing cardboard boxes at MLB pitcher speeds only to be knocked out of the air by a red fist or foot. 
294
295You find yourself glued to the action, wondering if the barkeep will let one slip through as the frequency of the attacks increase to a fever pitch. But all too soon the testing seems to be over as Aniia embraces the hulking woman and whispering something in her ear that causes the oni to turn a deeper shade of red. Aniia sees you notice and winks back as she releases the woman. 
296
297“Anon, are you... ready?” 
298
299________________________________________________________________________________
300
301Parking the van in the alley behind the apartment building, you instruct Aniia to wait for you. Under no circumstances is she to wander off without you. She nods silently as you climb out. 
302
303Your apartment is already hot from the sun as you quickly change. No time for a shower, that’s gonna have to be later. Bedroom closet has the rest of what you need. John mentioned that tensions were high and considering Aniia’s claimed status, you’d better be ready for some serious happenings. Being poor isn’t helping right now. An old TT33 and a VZ.58 get pulled out and checked. Bug bag gets dumped over and stripped. Water, a couple stripped mre’s, radios, blowout kit, bino’s, and mags for both all get repacked. Half a loadout is meagre insurance. Pistol goes on the hip, rifle and bag get slung. The legal status of this is questionable, but since demon lords and magic apparently exist and you just got deputised...
304
305Laughter from the alley gets your attention as you lock the door behind you. The tittering stops as you round the corner of the building to meet the gaze of both Aniia and a prepubescent girl. The former lounging with her arms draped out the passenger window, and the girl sitting on the handle of a massive scythe that’s buried half way into the pavement. 
306
307“Anon, I’d like you to meet someone. This is General Pooki, she’s the master of the Demon Lord’s expeditionary army and one the six generals under the Lord’s husband, The Master General.” She gestures at the girl. “Her army is working with the court to provide security and intelligence to the magicians and the newly converted while the spell is underway.” 
308
309While Aniia talks, you have a chance to examine the girl. Two large goat horns curl up and back from the top of her head. Long floppy goat ears sweep down, hidden in her hair. Paws instead of hands and cloven hooves instead of feet. Calling her clothing immodest would imply an attempt at modesty. 
310
311Your curiosity is starting to get the better of you. “Nice to meet you Pooki, what kinda monster are you?” 
312
313The goat tilts toward Aniia, “You’re right, he’s cute” Turning back to you, “Mr Anon, your obvious inexperience shows. You left your charge alone, and did not secure the scene upon your return even though you knew she wasn’t alone. However, you are about to get a chance to redeem yourself.” 
314
315She climbs off her scythe and effortlessly pulls it free of the ground. “Load your weapon, the paladins are here.” She swings her scythe over her shoulders and starts walking down the alley toward four armed men. 
316
317Aniia slides out of the van while you ditch the backpack and stuff magazines into your pockets. She follows you up the side of the side of the alley as you load the rifle and come up behind Pooki. 
318
319She’s standing in the middle of the alley, without thought of cover against the arms of the four men. They’re screaming at her to put the scythe down, there’s something about “demon whore” as well. You come up behind her, rifle pointed over her head at the group. 
320
321The diminutive baphomet is silent, staring down the barrels of the four Lynx levelled at her. The firepower pointed at your group speaks volumes.  You are out gunned in really tight quarters with no cover that will stop a 50 cal. Within this chaotic situation, you recognise Aniia whispering something behind you. 
322
323A faintest shimmer grew out of the ground in front of the baph before disappearing, unnoticed by the paladins. As Aniia kept whispering, she began to draw a pattern on your back, finishing the incantation by placing her hand on your back and kissing the base of your neck. The effects were instantly apparent, the world becoming clear and the weight of your weapon disappearing. You could hear every breath and heart beat, the writing on the paladin’s morale patches became crisp, the trajectories of both your weapon and the Lynx became intuitive, but the elephant in the room was the baph standing below you. The air rippled around her, flowing into her and out into her scythe. Her skin shimmered along her shoulders as patterns like the one Aniia drew formed and stacked themselves dozens deep along her back. 
324
325“Aniia, what am I seeing on Pooki?” you whisper, your cheek locked to the stock of the VZ. 
326
327You feel the girl snuggle up to your back as she whispers into your ear “She’s not going to bother breaking them, there’s incantation to reduce them to raw mana, and I’m seeing at least one sequence that’s gremlin origin. They must have gotten under her  skin pretty far.” 
328
329At that moment Pooki raised a finger and a whole lot of things happened all at once. The ground in front of the baph where Aniia cast her first incantation ripped upward as the spell was broken outward. The Lynx that the paladins held exploded into their component pieces in their hands; screws, pins and shards of metal ripping into arms, chests, and faces. You flinched involuntarily just as the screaming started and opened your eyes to see a fine red mist rain down where four men previously stood. 
330
331Frozen in place you stare down at the baphomet as she turns around to face you, your rifle still pointing over her head. “Such a waste, but I wouldn’t have been able to take them back anyway. We can’t have their way of thinking spread, especially at a crucial point in the operation.” A smug smile splits her face,  “Poor boy, seeing magic like used like that for the first time? Get used to it. It won’t be your last if there’s more of those fanatics around.”  She starts walking back towards the van. “Oh good, the girls from intelligence are here.” 
332Beside the van stand two tall women dressed in green, one with jet black hair, the other white, broad horns spreading from the sides of their heads and fluffy curly tails protrude out their backsides. They bow slightly at Pooky as she addresses them. “Collect a sample of their armour and arms for the gremlins. The weapons still have a disassembly spell on them. I want a report by tonight.” 
333
334The two bow deeper and pass by us. While neither seem to pay the slightest attention, the impression that you just got thoroughly inspected is unnerving. 
335
336“Those poor girls, three expeditions and still no husband. May the lord protect the man they find...” Pooky shakes her head. 
337
338“General, I assume it is safe for me to continue?” Aniia asks as she picks the magic on your back apart. Pooky turns and smiles, “It was never unsafe girl. However, I need to track down the rest of those paladins, so I’ll leave you to your work.” 
339
340“Thank you for the help, Pooky” Aniia bows slightly as Pooky vanishes with a slight ‘pop’. 
341
342
343
344Thutmose’s Diner is a classic hole-in-the-wall run by an Egyptian guy who escaped the political purges. A huge flag dominates one wall, while a pictures of Madonna and the Child dominate the other. Breakfast and beer available all day. It’s a quiet, out of the way place. 
345
346Which is exactly why the door chimes as you step in followed by a hungry lamia. “Morning Thut!” you call toward the brightly lit kitchen. “Anon, is that you?” an old man calls back. 
347
348Stacking a couple of chairs out of the way to make room for Aniia you plop down across from her to wait for the old man to make an appearance. 
349
350“I must be seeing things in my old age because I’m seeing an incredibly beautiful woman sitting across from you Anon.” Thut mentions as he hobbles up and plants glasses of water in front of us. Aniia’s glass pauses only for a second as he notices her neatly piled coils. 
351
352“Now, what would you like to have? Ladies first Anon!” He interrupts you as you start to open your mouth. Aniia smiles slightly at you and proceeds to order two dozen eggs all hardboiled. Your own breakfast and bacon and eggs pales in comparison. 
353
354“Are you really going to eat all those eggs?” 
355
356“Yes” she smiles smugly back, “All the eggs” 
357
358Her food is nearly gone when Thutmose crouched down beside the table. “Young lady, I was an officer in my homeland’s army for twenty years before the revolution. I barely escaped with my wife, we came here and started over. In my seventy years I’ve never asked for anything. But I need help, my wife has turned purple and has grown a body like yours. She won’t see me and has locked herself in the apartment. If you have any advice, please help us.” 
359
360“Show me” she orders. Wordlessly, Thut lead you through the kitchen and up a dim, cramped stairwell to a door on the second floor. Trying the locked door he shrugs, “She ran me out last night and locked herself in. I couldn’t phone the police and I was at my wits end when you walked in.” 
361
362“What’s her name?” Aniia asked as she leaned past Thut to knock on the door. 
363
364“Anat” he replied. 
365
366“Thut, aren’t both your names a little...?” you glance at the older man. 
367
368“Ha! Yes, it was an arraigned marriage too. I’m convinced that the gods put us together.” 
369
370Aniia is pounding on the door at this point. A weak voice is coming from the other side begging us to leave followed by the sound of splintering wood. 
371
372“Anon, the door please” 
373
374Two hits with your shoulder and the door gives way, with Aniia close behind. The apartment is trashed, broken furniture is everywhere, pictures askew. An immense purple lamia is coiled around the remains of a dining chair balling her eyes out. Her wailing deepens as she catches sight of her husband. 
375
376Aniia slides slowly toward the other, trying to avoid as the writhing body of the larger woman. 
377
378“Anat, my name is Aniia, I’m here to help you.” 
379
380“Please no, I don’t know, please.” she wails, as her tail lashes out slamming into Aniia’s side, eliciting a hiss of pain from her and a reflexive step from you. “Anon wait.” 
381
382Lifting herself nearly off the floor, the smaller girl leaps across the room and tackles the purple lamia, winding her body around Anat’s, pinning her to the floor. The woman is screaming her lungs out in between broken sentences about being barren, a weak wife, and how this is a curse from the gods because of it. Annia’s gesture at Thutmose causes the elderly man to cautiously step over to his wife and wrap his arms around her head as she begs for forgiveness. His repeated assurances that she is still his wife and the curses be damned slowly reduce her crying to slow sobs and then the quiet of sleep. 
383
384“Thutmose, your wife has turned into something very rare and precious, she has become an Apophis. Her conversion is not complete, probably because of the development of her magical abilities. She will have further physical changes before this is over, it will be up to you to be there for her in the meantime. When she wakes up, she is going to be very hungry, both for food and your love. I know another Apophis, and I’ll send a message to her.” Annia whispers softly. “Anon, could you get the bedding, and we’ll make sure she’s warm before we go.”
385
386The bed is quickly stripped and Aniia carefully unwinds herself as you wrap the bedding around the grape coloured snake. Both of you slip quietly toward the door, when Thut hisses at you “Anon! Thank you, may god bless you.” Annia turns back to Thutmose with a shit eating grin, “It is only just.” 
387
388The street is still quiet as Aniia slips into the van’s passenger seat as you flip the open sign over and lock the door on your way out. 
389__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
390
391Since your charge got promised better clothes, it’s time to get it done. The malls on the south side might not be the best idea since converted girls seem to be still rare. Apparently the spell doesn’t fall equally. So the van is pointed toward the older parts of town to find a shop that might cater to Aniia’s “fuller” figure. Speaking of which, it’s getting harder to keep your eyes to yourself. Even under a hoody and skirt, her world class hip game is a constant reminder. 
392
393A certain shop catches the eye, and the van slides into a spot in front. Oddly the mannequins look strikingly similar in build to Aniia. “Welcome miss.” A soft voice drifts from the back counter, “might I suggest the rack to your left, you’ll find something you like I’m sure.” Aniia giggles in response. Lingerie, a classic. The voice appears at your elbow, “Of course, if you want something less bold, we have skirts and shirts further down the rack.” The sudden change of location is off-putting, and in glancing down, the source is even more disturbing. A diminutive girl who didn’t overtly appear changed but for the straight black hair crowning a set of black eyes set with glowing electric blue iris’ that seemed to look right through whatever she looked at. 
394
395She held her finger to her lips to shush any response as Aniia happily hummed through the skimpy outfits. At that moment she turned while holding up a see through baby-doll in front of herself and froze, staring at the clerk. The girl smiled back, “He’s picturing what it’d look like on you, and is quite enjoying the image, but would prefer it in red that matches your scales.” A huge grin appeared on Aniia as she launched herself at the clerk who was already bracing herself. Swept up in the lamia’s coils the two gestured and laughed like old friends, but in silence. 
396
397Yelling from the street diverts your attention and when you turn back, you find two lamias instead of one. The clerk has formed herself into a snake and but has retained her colouring. Somewhat pale skin, jet black hair and scales, and those blue eyes. Both are tittering in silence as they match their undulations down the rows toward the more normal clothing. 
398
399
400The clerk and Aniia both don’t seem to care for modesty as they change right in the middle of the store, the clerk modelling and Aniia trying on different styles for herself. 
401
402The scene is really hard to ignore with Aniia’s unnatural figure and the jet black twin perfectly matching her. You managed to get a couple eyefuls while the clerk helped Aniia peel various outfits off, but have resolutely managed to not openly stare. Apparently much to the clerk’s chagrin, she must be a mind reader since you keep hearing her voice in your head, tempting you to look over your shoulder. You make a note not to fuck with her since she plays dirty in more ways than one, and get a derisive sniff projected into your head in response. 
403
404Apparently, women will always be women, even across worlds and species when presented with an open chequebook and a clothing store. Four armloads containing a little of everything get deposited on the counter, and the barcode scanner is starting to sound like eurobeat. 
405
406A little piece of your soul dies as you slice your card through the reader while the clerk, who has reverted back to a human-like form, bags Aniia’s spoils. Mid-four figures is a lot of money for a grunt, and you hope that your boss pays promptly. 
407
408The shadows are starting to get a bit longer as you sit with Aniia overlooking the river on it’s slow journey to bisect the city. Her long tongue is expertly intercepting the drips from her icecream cone when your phone rings. John’s tone is abrupt as he informs you that there is a certain “Pooky” sitting in his office, and that circumstances around all monsters is deteriorating due to certain militias. 
409
410“Did Pooky call them paladins?” You ask, leaning into the phone. 
411
412“Yes. They’ve already attacked three converted girls, a kobold is in the ICU but they were driven off by a cheschire and jabberwoccy, who both sustained injuries as well. It’s the government’s position that these militia are terrorists, but I want to know what the monster lord’s position is on them.” 
413
414You flick the phone onto speaker and set it on the dash. “Deputy Minister Storm,” Aniia’s tone and body language turn serious “I’ve overheard your earlier report, I assume the General is with you?” 
415
416“I’m here Aniia” replies Pooky
417
418“I don’t know what Pooky’s comments have been so far, but the Lord’s position has been a restrained hand. Since our goal is the unification of monsters and humans, the destruction of paladins does not serve our goals. Unfortunately, we are not always presented with a peaceful resolution and hard choices must be made.” 
419
420“I see. I’ll be blunt, I’m not happy having an foreign military in my province, operating outside of our laws. We intend on dealing with this ourselves.” 
421
422“I can respect that Deputy Minister, however, I’d recommend cooperation for the time being. We have tremendous experience with paladins as well as completely different force capabilities that include magic.” 
423
424“Anon, Pooky has informed me that you’ve seen this magic in use, what do you think of it?” 
425
426“I don’t think that I’m really qualified to give an opinion. If I had to make a snap decision right this instant, the magic I’ve seen would be extremely useful.” 
427
428The phone falls silent for a minute. “Thanks for the input, I’ll take it under consideration.” 
429
430Aniia is quiet as you hang up the phone, her cone all but forgotten as it drips onto her hand. The van starting up breaks her revere, and she continues working through her treat with a little less gusto than earlier. 
431
432“I think getting off the streets might be a good idea for now.” you casually mention “Is there somewhere you’d like to stay?” 
433
434“Yes. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to stay with you.” she nods “I want to stay with someone I know.” 
435
436“I don’t think it’ll be too much trouble, to be honest.” you reply, scratching your head 
437__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
438
439Trying to back the van into your spot for a quick get-away is getting embarrassing, but at least Aniia is oblivious to your difficulties as her focus is a pair of young, black feathered harpies trying to climb the tree in the front yard as they screech and yell at each other. 
440
441“Oh wow! Look at the giant snake lady!” the two stop their playing to excitedly point at Aniia. “Do you think she’s friendly?” 
442
443“Of course I’m friendly!” she yells as she slithers across the parking lot. “I’m Aniia, what are your names?” 
444
445The older of the two perks up, “I’m April! And this is my sister May!” she gestures that the smaller girl trying to hide behind her elder now that she’s being talked about. 
446
447Although she’s doing her best to crouch down to the harpy’s level, she still towers over the girls. April’s curiosity finally gets the better of her as she runs around and over Aniia flapping furiously. “Wow! You’re so big and red! We woke up with wings this morning! Did you get big and red this morning too?” 
448
449Aniia’s laughing at the little harpy as she twists and turns to watch the girl’s antics. “Nope! I was born this way.” 
450
451Aprils eyes widen, “Woah! You were born this big?” 
452
453“Oh no! I came from an egg about this big.” Aniia gestured with her arms to show a size of a large watermelon. “I grew big by eating lots of food.” 
454
455May, who’d been shyly staring at Aniia piped up, “Did you hava eat vegables?” 
456
457“I didn’t like them either...” Aniia replied as she reared up, flexing her lithe arms “but the ones I did eat made me big and strong! If you eat yours, you’ll be a big strong Tengu. Strong enough to fly around the world!” 
458
459May is still mesmerised by the sight as April bounces up to them “What’s a tingoo? Is that what you are?” 
460
461“No, no! I’m a Lamia, but you two are Tengu, you are kind of like a crow.” 
462
463April ponders this for a moment “But, aren’t ravens bigger and smarter? I’m kinda like a raven!” 
464
465“Is mom a ingoo too?” May looks worried 
466
467“Hi April! Hi May! How are the two silliest girls I know?” You call out as you wander up to the group. 
468
469Their eyes light up in recognition “Unka Anon!!” A screeching swarm of wings and talons bears down on you. “Good lord, you have wings! When did you get those?” 
470
471“When I got up! I woke up with wiiings! They’re awesome!!”  April’s now wrapped around one leg with May clinging to the other “I goe wings doo! Same as mum! Mums wings are super big!” 
472
473“Has Aniia told you what you are yet?” 
474
475“We’re tingoos! I hope mom is one too! ...who’s anna?” April’s starting to look confused. 
476
477Pointing to Aniia, who is a few feet away smirking “That very pretty lady right there.” April’s head nearly turns completely backwards as she follows your finger. 
478
479“Oh! The big red lady!” She turns back to you squinting slightly “Is she your girlfriend?” May’s looking at you with a huge grin. These girls are going to rapidly start rumours. 
480
481“So, uh, where’s your mom anyway?” You grin down at April who’s still squinting back. 
482
483“She didn’t have to work today, so she let us play in the yard!” 
484
485“How about you guys keep playing in the yard and I’m going to take Aniia up to my place. We’re both pretty tired.” 
486
487“Ok!” the two chirp in unison before charging off toward the tree. 
488
489Re-shouldering your gear and and Aniia’s bags, the two of you head inside. “Those two are the greatest kids ever. They could singlehandedly make me want kids.” You chuckle. Aniia casts a sly grin at you, “You would make a wonderful father.” 
490
491The apartment is still hot even with the blinds closed as Aniia’s bags get shrugged off and she slithers into the tiny one bedroom apartment. She makes herself at home after checking the place out to her satisfaction. “It’s a bit small, but it is cosy Anon.”  Small might be an understatement. She can lounge on the couch and still hook her bags in the entrance. It’s a feature she puts to good use to retrieve her new clothes to sort and fold while you take a run through the house in an attempt to clean. 
492
493“If you want to have a shower or bath...” drifting off in the middle of your sentence, realising the physical constraints with getting her in the tub. Aniia’s got a wicked smile spreading. “Oh ho ho! You just realised that I’ll need help to get clean? Is this a full service establishment?” 
494
495“That wasn’t my intent! I just don’t know how we can get you a shower, since the tub is a bit small.” 
496
497“Don’t worry about that, I have an idea.” she pats you lightly on the head with the tip of her tail. “So, tell me, what are you going to feed this young lady on our first date?” 
498
499Pressure’s on now. Sweating like a schoolboy in the same room as his crush, your mind races for ideas. 
500
501“I happen to have just gone shopping. I’m going to make you my speciality roast chicken!” You proudly proclaim.   
502
503The sun’s long gone now as you slide the balcony doors open and let the cool evening air billow the curtains as the preparations for dinner are completed. Aniia seems lost in thought as her tail keeps getting in the way of your feet. The first time, her tail tried wrapping itself around your ankle and dragging you away, but a glance at Aniia revealed her lack of attention. Seems like cat and lamia tails are similar, they seem to operate independently of the host creature to cause as much trouble as possible. 
504She’s starting to look pretty serious. “Anon. Can I ask you your thoughts on some matters?” Business lamia is back again. 
505
506While the rest of dinner simmers, she proceeds to walk though the events of the day, asking for your observations, opinions, and a lot of ‘what ifs’. She’s extremely thorough with questions about whether you knew of others who were prepared like you were and open to working with monsters. Those questions were hard to answer, along with those about religions. It was easy to see where that line of questioning was going, but it was still puzzling in a way. The Paladins seemingly didn’t exist before yesterday, and for them to appear so well armed, organised, and motivated within such a short time boggled the mind. A point that Aniia made note of. 
507
508As the oven popped off, Aniia switched gears turning the line of questioning more personal. “So, in the day we’ve been working together you haven’t mentioned a girlfriend, and you’re obviously not married. What’s the story behind that?” she asks, undulating off the couch and pulling out a chair at the table. 
509
510“Not much to tell, to be honest. I’m not the best educated, the fire service isn’t compatible with most jobs, so I pick up temporary or part time work to make the rent. Girls want a guy who brings home fat checks and isn’t running off to a call in the middle of a date.” 
511
512Aniia is chuckling “Seriously? Every monster I know would murder her friends for a guy like that to even glance at her. You make it sound like you’re not even looking!” 
513
514“Oh man, I have tried. But it’s true, chicks show some interest since I’m a ‘hot firefighter’ and then when they find out that they will always be second fiddle to the service and that it doesn’t pay, they fuck off. With women converting to monsters the pool is going to shrink even further, it’s pretty bleak to be honest.” you shrug while setting the table. 
515
516“Oh? You think that monsters aren’t dateable?” She huffs 
517
518“I didn’t say that. Every monster I’ve seen is crazy hot, but there’s always the issues of culture as well as the fact that these are human woman who have been converted. They are gonna be pretty messed up.” 
519
520“I won’t deny that some might have trouble until the conversion is complete. But what is the point of a couple? Isn’t it to compliment each other? We are simply providing an alternative to human women. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at one store, you might have better luck at the competition.” 
521
522Her smirk shows that she’s won and the rest of the meal is spent telling each other stories of adventure.
523
524___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
525
526A crash from the tengu family’s apartment below you interrupts your laughing. Incoherent screaming from a woman follows, pinning you to your seat as it eats into your mind. A man is yelling over top of the woman’s pleadings. A dull thump and an another scream. Aniia is staring at her plate but her coils are tightening around her chair. 
527
528The girl’s mother has had problems with her ex before, but this is a first. The police wont get here before the damage is done and it might be time to put the search skills to good use. Getting up, you tell Aniia to stay put no matter what happens. 
529
530The electrical room for the building is on the ground floor and the door surrenders without too much effort. The breaker snaps off with a pull, plunging the building into darkness. Although some people are born into the dark, you unfortunately only adopted it. Dragging your hand leads you down the walls to the open door of the tengu’s apartment just in time to hear the crunch of delicate bones followed by a gurgle. It’s pretty dark as you slip into the apartment but the fucker won’t stop and continues his grizzly work. The tengu’s supper is starting to burn and the it’s taking all your will power not to cough. The same can’t be said for the man he takes full breaths of the thick, black carbon.  He finally gives up and staggers aimlessly, choking on the smoke as you desperately sweep the floor on hands and knees. 
531
532At last your hand wraps around an ankle just as the man staggers into another room. Finding the woman’s other leg, you drag her back into the hall. Smoke detectors can be slow to react, and the alarm system chooses this moment to cut loose, deafening you with one hundred decibels of teeth rattling fury. In the light of the strobes and emergency lights you can piece a picture of the tengu in front of you. At least what’s left of her. Both wings are broken, right side showing bone, feathers everywhere. Her nose is smashed, multiple lacerations to the forehead and cheeks, one eye won’t open while the other stares at the ceiling. Her jaw is broken and missing teeth, and a hole in her chest is gurgling as she pants for breath. She’s totally non-responsive and her blood and urine is starting to soak into knees of your pants. 
533
534“Mommy?” One of her daughters calls from the apartment behind you. 
535
536“NO! Don’t look!” You yell back at her in between wails of the alarm.  A scramble and a ‘pop’ is the response. 
537
538Phones and blood don’t mix as you try to find your way up the woman’s shirt to find the chest wound. It doesn’t matter if the 911 operator can’t hear you as you try to yell at them over the alarm, someone will find you. You just hope that you can keep the air out of her chest and the blood in while they get here. 
539
540The building is in an uproar as your neighbours flee the smoke now billowing out of the tengu’s apartment. Most are running stupidly to the exits but the tengu’s plight catches the eye of a demon-woman who appears in your peripheral vision as her hands and tail find other wounds to hold shut. 
541
542“Did her ex do this?” she asks, her voice cutting through the alarm like butter. You can only nod in response.
543___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
544
545It seems like it takes far too long for emergency services to arrive as both of you feel the life of the tengu ebb slowly away beneath your hands. When they do show, it takes all four of you to stabilise and load the woman, your demon neighbour leaving with the ambulance. 
546
547Police have cordoned off the area for half a block around the building after the alarm is silenced. Your own return into the building is cut off when you’re approached by two fetching monstrous women. The first is a primped and formal maid with hair and a tail of feathers. The second is a maid made of goo. Black and purple goo with yellow eyes and a creepy smile that extends to her ears.   
548
549The goo maid reaches out and touches her hand to you yours and a voice made up of a dozen women’s voices talking at once fills your mind. “Good evening. Aniia has asked that we assist you. Please follow me.” 
550
551Leaving the feathered maid at the front door, you follow the creature toward the tengu’s apartment. She stops at the door and touches your hand again.  “Go back and enjoy your dinner master, I’ll clean up the mess here.”  You explain that there is two young girls still in that hell that you need to get out. “No master, there is only that man.”
552
553After sliding gracefully into the apartment, she glances back at you, smile gone, as she closes the door. Something really bad is going to happen in that former home, and curiosity is waging a pitched battle with self-preservation. In that moment that the man yells, his voice high pitched with fear. It’s going to fuck you up more, imagining what is happening just from the sounds but someone needs to know how it ends. He’s screaming in abject terror now, begging. It’s soon over and silence again reins as the maid opens the door. Her smile spreading again as she sees you. 
554
555She’s unnervingly close as a soft finger touches skin, “I hope you are satisfied Master. The Mistress would be quite unhappy if you were unable to continue your duties after witnessing more.” 
556
557After a few tense seconds of staring at each other, she turns away as you do and closes the door again behind her. With no further sound coming from the apartment, you head back up the stairs to your place  to find the door locked. As you reach to knock, the lock snaps and Aniia’s tail whips out to gently touch itself to your lips before gesturing you inside. The table’s been pushed against the wall clearing the centre of the room, scorch marks in the shape of spells cover the floor. Annia’s back on the couch, arms wrapped around two small balls of black feathers. Slumping into a dining chair, you stare at the girls as they sleep the horror off. 
558
559A short time later Aniia’s tail moves again to admit both maids. The feathered maid moves to collect the two girls, expertly sweeping them up without waking either. The two maids then bow to both of you and exit without making a sound, leaving both of you alone again. 
560
561“Are they going to be alright?” you croak out.
562
563“I don’t know. Lord’s Care does the best they can, but sometimes the effects are too much... Will their mother live?” 
564
565“If I did a good job she might. It’ll take years to fix it all.” Old habits are starting to go to work, compartmentalising what you’ve seen, “I guess it’s time to have a shower. I liked the woman, but not enough to enjoy blood play with her!” 
566
567Aniia similes sadly back as you wander off to the bathroom “Are you going to be ok?” 
568
569“Always am!” You smile back. 
570__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
571
572The morning traffic wakes you from sleep to find Aniia leaned against the couch wrapped in the duvet and a glowing magic circle on your chest. The jiggling of the couch startles her awake, rubbing the sleep from her eyes she slowly turns and starts breaking the spell. As she does so, the fog on your mind lifts. 
573
574“You’re awake now? That’s good. Did you sleep well?” 
575
576After answering in the affirmative, you ask what the spell was for. She paused a hair too long, as if deciding whether to answer. “It was a spell to calm your mind, you... didn’t sleep well.” Your’re about to ask what that means when she gets up and wanders off to the bathroom in a very obvious conversation breaker. 
577
578She’s been in the bathroom for a while. Hell, it’s your second cup of coffee, and she still isn’t out. Tapping lightly on the door, you find it pushes open to reveal a lightly snoring lamia looped all over the floor. Poor girl must have been awake all night for that spell she cast on you. Last you saw of her after cleaning up supper last night was her coiling herself into your very small bedroom. What on earth happened for her to stay awake all night to force you to sleep? 
579
580Since it’s impossible for you to move her, you decide to wrap her in the duvet and wander down the hall to find that demon neighbour who helped you last night to find out how momma tengu is doing. The apartment belongs to a scrawny guy named Tim and the demon must, surprisingly, be his girlfriend. It’s surprising since everyone was pretty sure that he “played for the other team”. A knock on the door is answered by the demon herself, and holy damn does she look familiar. 
581
582“Oh hi Anon! Come on in. Want a refill on the coffee?” she asks. She seems to know who you are, but it’s not mutual. 
583
584“Sure, but I don’t want to disturb Tim if he’s still asleep.” you reply, and get a smug sideways glance in return. 
585
586“Oh come on man, I know I’ve got a hot bod now, but you should be able to recognise me.” she giggles. 
587
588Holy shit it’s Tim, and he’s now a she. With horns, tail, and tiny wings. “Oh shit Tim, is that really you?” you mange to recover. “The one and the same.” she smiles back excitedly. 
589
590Considering that she was always following you to the gym trying to get big, this was a pretty drastic opposite direction. Might be impolite to ask but it was your understanding that the monsterization spell only worked on women. This implied things about Tim.
591
592“It’s amazing! I woke up yesterday with a fully operational pussy, but my tits are still pretty flat.” she babbled, pulling out her short crop-top. Guess that answers that question. “So, are you here to try this new pussy out? It’s works reeeealy good!” she’s already undoing the button on her shorts. 
593
594“NO! No thanks, that’s fine, I’m good thanks!” you hurriedly stumble out a reply. “I was just wondering how Star is doing.”
595With the slightest sulk, Tim does up her shorts. “I was told she’s going to be fine, she’s got the girls to hold her down. She was downgraded from the ICU this morning.”
596
597Guess monsters really are built out of tougher stuff. “That’s good news. Actually, that’s great news!” 
598
599“It really is!” her grin got a bit more predatory “So who’s the snake lady? Did you mount her? You’re walking this morning, did she go easy on you?” 
600
601“Tim...” you stare dumbfounded at the demon “What?” 
602
603“Oh for Pete’s sake Anon, did you take the skin-boat to tuna town? Perhaps take her for a ride on the wild baloney pony? Get ketchup on the hotdog? Take the log to the beaver?” 
604
605“Holy shit Tim, I get it. And no, she’s a friend so no fucking!” 
606
607“But would you? 
608
609“She’s a snake, I have no idea if we even can!” 
610
611“You didn’t answer my question Anon” she leans back with her arms folded
612
613“Yes, damn it! She’s smart, attentive, good conversation, a reliable friend, and crazy hot. I’d rail every hole in her body for the rest of my life!” 
614
615Tim raises both her eyebrows in surprise at the outburst as you swallow another gulp of coffee. 
616
617“But I can’t. If I go there, I’d want to keep her and I have no idea if that’s possible.”
618
619“Why not Anon?”
620
621What the hell is she, a toddler asking why until the end of time? “I can’t tell you Tim. I just don’t know if it’s possible and I sure as hell know that I can’t right now. There’s a huge ‘gulf’ between us, like a class divide.”
622
623Tim simply stares at you for a beat before responding “Alright Anon. I think you’re wrong though. I think that class divide is all your own making.” 
624
625Of course it’s made up, it’s not like you can tell her what Aniia is. Sure, you might stand a chance, it might even be pretty good. But you’re both caught up in the conversion and it’s getting a bit hairy. There’s bigger fish than getting your dick wet or even a girlfriend. 
626
627“Sure, it might be. But right now, there’s no time for casual sex or girlfriends right now. You saw what happened last night.” 
628
629Tim scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Anon, trust me. There is always time to get your chocolate starfish blown in.” 
630
631The absurdity of the Tim’s statement hits you and you dissolve into laughter. “Holy shit Tim, I needed that.” as you wipe tears away. 
632Tim smiles back “Any time buddy. Now get out if you’re not gonna pound this pussy, I need to get off.” 
633
634You’re still laughing as she slams the door shut behind you, literally ripping her clothing off with the other hand while she does so. 
635
636Returning to your apartment, you find Aniia still curled up on the bathroom floor. She’s gonna catch a cold if she keeps sleeping here, you’d assume anyway. The reality is that you still don’t know a damn thing about Lamias. In any case, bathroom floors are not for sleeping. 
637
638Touching her shoulder, you try to wake her and get a mumbled “Oh yes, I’d love a cup cake”. Trying again, you get a slight writhe from her lower half and a “I looove the cream filled ones”. Third time’s the charm and she flutters awake. 
639
640“Hey, time to crawl into bed.” you prod at her. 
641
642She follows you slowly into the bedroom, her higher functions still asleep. Poor girl, it’s obviously been a long night for her. As you turn to go, her tail wraps around your ankle with a firm grip. You have to hobble along on one foot as she starts dragging you to the bed. She seems fast asleep as you’re dragged into her arms. “You smell of succ’s. No succs.” she mumbles. Her body starts coiling itself around you, immobilising you in her embrace. “Mine. All mine.” 
643__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
644
645
646The little lamia girl leaned slumped against your hip is fast asleep, her doll wrapped in her arms. Her tail gently tapping against the underside of the covers. Leaning over to plant a kiss on her forehead, you start the the process of extracting yourself from the bed. 
647
648The quiet escape from her room is nearly complete when you’re intercepted by a shadow who presses her lips agaisnt yours. 
649“So, my wonderful husband, how about you come to bed and remind me how the rest of the story goes.” the shadow whispers.