Monster Two - Want

Name:Heart of Dorkness Author:
Monster Two - Want

Monster Two - Want

I walked carefully along the edge of the wall, one hand out and trailing against the rough brickwork to help keep my balance.

I didnt feel dizzy, but I did feel weak. My legs were heavy, as if something were clinging to them, and staying upright was tiring.

Moving ahead, I paused by a window cut into the wall. A huge thing, with glass from hip-height all the way up where the window ended at an arch. Leaning against the base, I looked out of the castle and onto the wider world beyond.

The view from this window was no different than the view from the others I had looked out of. A world of dark rocks under a grey sky. A purple haze floated bare metres off the ground in swirling patches that rotted away any weeds that dared poke out from the ground.

Sometimes the ground dipped, or a large crack ran across it. These were always filled with black tar. The surface would sometimes bubble and a creature of black skin and white bone would crawl out of the muck.

I had to squint to make out any of the smaller details. Still, I could tell that the world outside was dangerous.

Two moons hung above, one of them pearly and white and cracked, with a chunk of it missing and a ring of stone hovering around it. The other, smaller, was pitch black and only visible as a circle of missing stars.

I supposed that it was almost pretty, in a way. Just like my new name.

Valeria.

I wondered if it meant anything.

Do you know? I asked as I half-turned.

Milpis, the Long Librarian, eyed me carefully, the huge centipede-like monster wrapped around the edges of the corridor to fit its entire body in. It... he, I supposed, because he looked like a boy monster, didnt seem to mind me leaving my room to walk about and explore.

About my name, I mean, I explained. Youre a librarian, right? You should know.

It means brave.

I spun and faced the end of the corridor.

The Goddess of Darkness was walking my way. Her entire body swaying gently with every step, and despite her statuesque height, she seemed almost small compared to the creatures flanking her.

I squinted at one of the monsters.

[Falanen - The Breaker of Men - Greater Servant of the Dark God]

Scourge of Burning Fists

That was a fitting name for someone with fists as big around as I was tall. He was a nice looking fellow, with veiny, pebbled skin, and a whole bunch of cute spikes across his shoulders and back. Hello, I said both to the monsters and to the Dark Goddess.

Hello child, the Goddess said. Youre up and about then?

I felt like that was a pretty big question for someone who had skipped breakfast.

You said you have a bunch of strong people working for you already, right? I asked.

She nodded.

That made sense. She was a goddess, so she had strong friends. Also, I bet she was really strong too. Probably. I didnt really have much of a frame of reference, but she lived in a big huge castle and had handsome monsters serving her, so I figured it was a safe assumption to make.

So, she didnt need someone strong. What did she need?

Did I want to become someone that she needed?

I looked up to her. Will you kick me out if I dont want to serve you?

The god blinked, then her lips quirked just a little. No. Its rare to have company. Though I must warn you, brave little child, that your appearance alone will make you an enemy of mankind.

Oh, I said. That wasnt nice. That was very not-nice. I nodded. I could fix that. Then Ill change peoples minds.

[Congratulations!]

[Through your actions you have unlocked the potential to obtain the following classes:

Prophet of Chaos

Oh, I got a new class thing! Prophet of chaos. Is that a good one?

Luciana reached down and, very carefully, patted me on the head. No, I dont think thats one you want to take, child. Though it certainly has potential. I wonder, how much of that was you considering my words and how much was you allowing yourself to be distracted?

I felt my cheeks warming up. Right, I was supposed to be thinking. I even let my thinking face fall. Still... Wasnt that an answer, though?

You truly think that you will be able to change peoples opinions? she asked. Knowing as little as you do?

Uh, maybe? If I try really hard?

The Dark Goddess expression was neutral, but there was a glint in her eyes. I think she liked my answer. Follow me. I think I shall set aside my question for now. We shall return to it once you have the context and knowledge to truly understand what is at stake.

Okay? I asked.

She started walking, and I ran to catch up to her. She didnt look like she was going fast, but she had really long legs.

Then she started to climb the stairs, and it was all I could do not to huff and puff the whole way up. I still felt heavy and weak, but Luciana had said that I should follow her, so I did.

I hoped that she would lead me somewhere nice!

***