Cropgore
An underground nest came into view. It was surrounded with multiple eggs, with a greenish goo dripping from them. The eggs were in thousands and completely covered the walls.
In the far left of the area was a throne made of sticks and bones of several animals. It was stuck together by that green goo. If one took a closer look, they would see the chair sizzling as if it was being cooked. There were also several tunnels that lead to different sections.
At several areas of the nest, certain creatures could be seen carrying out various tasks. They had large mass as big as an elephant, and jointed appendages resembling that of cockroaches. They stood on their fore hind limbs. They had large compound eyes that gave the illusion of seeing all directions at once.
While some tended to miniature versions of themselves, gently feeding the young, others scurried about, transporting food and supplies with remarkable coordination.
At the ceiling of the cave, there was a large hole where those creatures would exit and enter the nest, going about their business.
BUZZZZ!!!!
The atmosphere in the nest changed. All the creatures in it immediately stiffened and stopped what they were doing. They all arranged themselves in perfect rows, forming a path.
They knew something was coming—something they could not oppose, something they had to respect and adore.
BUZZZZ!!
The sound of wings flapping echoed through the nest as the shadow of a silhouette filled the space.
BOOM!!
A hand gripped the entrance of the hole, muscles tightening as it proceeded to make its way through.
The figure entering the hole was unlike the others. It looked... human in some sense. It had feminine-shaped features and long hair. Its skin was covered in smooth, nearly invisible scales. One must squint one's eyes so tight before they could see it. The only thing that made it look not quite human were its compound eyes and the wings stretching out from its back.
The creature walked through the path that was created, all the way up to the throne at the far left of the chamber. But it didn't sit on it. It stood beside it. It just stood there, as if waiting.
"@#$%^&*!~|¬§±•°∆" — a coarse and inaudible series of sounds came from its mouth.
RUMBLE! RUMBLE!!
Immediately, the ground began to shake and tremble. Something was coming. Something large, something dangerous, something monstrous, something... Unknown.
GASP!!!
Inno's eyes flashed open. He looked around, trying to regain his bearings. He was tied to a chair, which looked to be made of a special type of wood. Breaking it wouldn't be possible.
Shing!
Shing!
The sound of metals clashing against each other rang out from wherever he was.
His eyes met the back of a feminine figure in dark clothing.
"Um... Where am I?" Inno asked, a little baffled. They just normally beat him to a pulp, walk beyond that, then leave him lying on the floor. They never abducted him to a place before.
She froze. The sound of metal scraping stopped.
"You, my friend, are in what I call Death Palace," the woman said without turning around.
"This is where I bring people to ensure they... cooperate," she continued.
"Death Palace? Hmph! Now I remember that voice," Inno scoffed.
The smile on the woman's face grew larger.
"How many years has it been? 6? 8? How do you feel getting accustomed to the lives of these villagers?"
"..." She didn't reply.
Shing!
Shing!
Shing!
She continued sharpening her blades. Tears dropped onto them, immediately vaporizing.
"I love what you've done to the place. You made it more... eerie, I suppose. I guess I'm your first visitor you've had in a while," Inno said, trying to find out her motive.
"Weakness. Let's not beat around the bush," she said, still sharpening the blade.
"The Village Head gave you a proposition..." she continued.
"Yeah. Something about killing Cropgores or some sh*t like that. He said he would stop the Hunting Time, but I didn't buy into his plan. I haven't formally declined him yet, but I plan to," Inno said, recalling his discussion with the Village Head. He doubted the Village Head meant good for him and guessed there would be some strings attached.
"How about you agree? Won't it be for the best? Both sides will gain something as long as they each keep their end of the bargain. And trust me, we will," she said, raising her head slightly.
"..." Inno went quiet, trying to evaluate if that was the best route. He liked the sound of ending his seemingly endless cycle of pain—but at what cost? He wasn't sure, but something told him he was in for a tough ride if he accepted.
"If you decline... well, I don't think I need to remind you what happened to you the last time you were here," she said, her voice dripping with dread and malice.
A shiver went up Inno's spine as he recalled his experience here the last time.
"What's in it for you anyway? It's not like you care about the villagers, and those Cropgores are probably not a threat to you anyway," Inno raised an eyebrow.
Shing!
SHING!
SHING!
SHING!
The sound of the metals clashing became louder.
"Let's just say I have a score to settle with them—and a debt I need to pay." She bowed her head. It moved ever so slightly that it gave the illusion of her laughing.
"You and your vengeful spirit," Inno scoffed lightly.
GYAH-HA-HA-HA!
HEEE-HEE-HEE!
KEH-HEH-HEH...
The tears from her eyes fell like waterworks as her smile grew larger while she laughed uncontrollably and erratically.
"It's been eight years, and you still haven't changed...
Florisha."