Ch.3: The Maharlika Meets Red

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—Ron's POV—

Me and Kali are in the snowy mountains, investigating the origin of the loud roar we heard yesterday. Whatever it is, it will become troublesome in the future so it's better to remove it now than later.

We searched for the creature for hours and found no sign of it anywhere. We ended our search and were about to return home when we heard a roar.

"RRROOOAAARRR!!"

Me and Kali quickly went over to the source of the roar. We reached a ledge and looked down curiously, what we saw surprised me. A hundred and fifty feet below us was a huge lion with horns on its head, a scorpion's tail, and many bone spikes all over its body. It was a Manticore and it wasn't alone. In front of the creature was a large female humanoid creature, a woman, covered in red from head to toe, wearing two horns on her head and a tunic with a fur cloak over her shoulders. She was defending herself with a broken sword against the beast while terribly injured.

The Manticore roared at the red woman and she in turn roared back at the large creature with the same ferocity. She then charges at the Manticore with her broken sword without any thoughts of self preservation. The beast growled and simply swatted her away like a bug with its large paw, throwing the woman far away. And she crashes hard on the ground that was littered with small jagged rocks and stone, skidding a few times, painfully scraping and peeling some of her skin, before stopping.

The red woman coughed excessively and wheezed, blood spewing from her lips. She must've suffered heavy internal injuries. She spats on the ground and glares hatefully at the Manticore that was slowly gaiting towards her like the predator it is, snarling and drooling as it moved closer to her.

Red Woman: [growls] do your worst, beast.

The red woman taunted and the Manticore responded with a loud roar before lunging at her with its jaw wide open and sharp claws extended, ready to rip her apart and devour her. But before it could reach her, I picked up a small pebble on the ground beside me and flicked it at the creature, hitting it at the back of the head and knocking it out midair.

Headshot.

It crashes to the ground, stopping a few inches near to the red woman that had a look of surprise on her face. She stares at the creature, confused and wondering what had happened. She continued to stare for a few more seconds before mustering all her strength to stand up and limped closer towards the unconscious Manticore. She raised her broken sword and was about to stab it the head when the beast quickly regained its consciousness and impaled her in the abdomen with its scorpion tail, and injecting her body with poison.

The Manticore lifted her up with its tail still in her abdomen and growled at her. It then slammed her to the ground and she laid there motionlessly as the poison had already taken effect on her body, paralyzed and foaming at the mouth.

She stared at the Manticore, unable to move and escape, as it moved towards her menacingly. Feeling weak and tired, she accepted her death and closed her eyes as consciousness left her body. The Manticore raised a paw with its claws extended and was about to strike at her with a powerful blow when I stopped its attack by throwing a pebble at its paw. It roared in pain and jerked its paws back. It turned around and frantically searched for its attacker. It looked up and saw us watching it over the ledge.

I nonchalantly waved at it with a smile.

The Manticore roared at us in anger and we just tilted our heads in amusement. I looked over at the large red woman and noticed her chest wasn't moving. I gestured for Kali to stay and immediately jumped down. I landed, creating a large spiderweb crack from impact, and stared at the Manticore. It roared and lunged at me but I moved out of its way by stepping to the side and then wrapping one arm around its neck. I then squeezed it hard and tight, crushing its windpipe and breaking its neck, killing the beast.

Just like Hercules killing the Nemean Lion, I mused.

I dropped the Manticore and hurriedly went to the large red painted woman. As I got to her, I noticed something interesting about her: She wasn't painted red, she skin IS red; she wasn't wearing horns, she HAS horns; and her attire closely resembles that of old Scandinavian or ancient Nordic clothing.

A large red skinned female viking with actual horns. Fascinating.

But then I remembered that she was still severely injured and slowly dying. I placed a hand on her wound, cleansed all the poison in her system, and then healed her body with a simple healing spell. She gasps and coughs a few times before calming down, her ragged breathing steadied as her life is saved. I sigh in relief.

*Crack!* *BOOM!* *Rumble!*

I looked up and saw the clouds turning dark and cold wind blowing as another winter storm came. I quickly but gently lifted the large red skinned viking woman in my arms, carrying her like a princess, and returned to Kali back at the ledge at the top. We then went back home, leaving the Manticore corpse. We can always come back for the body later.

A few hours later, we arrived back home and I placed the red skinned viking woman on my bed. I then proceeded to remove her blood stained clothes and cleaned her body with a warm wet towel before dressing her in some of my clothes. Good thing I made a few extra large clothes. Kali was just staring at me during the whole process but ignored. After that was all done, I tucked her in and we left her alone in my bedroom to rest.

Deep red nipples... Interesting.

I shook my head, focusing my attention on getting down the stairs and went to the laundry room to clean the red skinned viking woman's clothes. After that, I told Kali to watch our unconscious guest as I left to change to a new set of clothes for what I'm currently wearing is stained with blood.

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—Annak's POV—

I moan as I stretched my body and opened my eyes, waking up from a lovely slumber. I've never slept on an amazingly soft bed and wore such comfortable clothes before. This is a wonderful feeling to experience after having a horrible dream.

A dream.

My sleepiness disappeared and was immediately replaced with panic as I sat upright from the bed I laid, looking around and finding myself in an unfamiliar room.

Where am I?

*Huff!*

I flinched when I heard a huff. I turned to where the sound came from and saw a large wolf of black fur and blue eyes staring at me silently at the corner of the room. We stared at each other before the sound of footsteps caught our attention. We stared at the door.

*Click!*

The door creaked open and a male wearing odd clothing appeared with a goofy smile on his face. He was shorter than me, his skin was different compared to mine, and had no horns on his head.

A human?

Ron: [smiling] Ma'yong aga! :D

The human greeted cheerfully in an unfamiliar tongue before entering the room carrying a tray with a glass cup and a bowl on it. I instantly became wary of him and prepared myself to fight back if he attacked.

Ron: [smiling] how are you?

I was surprised as the human asked in our tongue. How was he able to speak our tongue and how did I end up in this unfamiliar room. I then noticed that I was no longer wearing my usual clothing. I wore a dark ash colored tunic made from a soft comfortable cloth and a long braies made from the same material.

Where are my clothes?!

Human: [smiling] if you're wondering where your clothes are, I cleaned them.

The human said as if he read my mind. He placed the tray on the bedside table-drawer and sat on the bed near me. He grabbed my hand, turned it over, and placed two fingers on my wrist.

Human: mnm. Your pulse seems to be normal. Feeling any discomfort on your body?

Is he a healer?

I shook my head, responding to his question. He nodded and placed his palm on my forehead before pulling his hand away.

Human: [smiles] steady pulse, no pain whatsoever, and no fever, you're completely healthy.

He said, giving his another goofy smile. I raised an eyebrow. He wore a strange one piece dark-blue clothing that covers all his body except for his head, hands, and feet (Author: He's wearing coveralls). I then remembered what I was wearing. I frowned.

Annak: [frowning] can I ask you something.

Human: [nods] yes, what is it?

Annak: [frowning] you said that you undressed me. You, yourself personally?

Human: [nods] yes, I did.

I clenched my right hand into a fist and threw a punch directly at the human's face. I expected to break his nose and knock out a few teeth but what came next shocked me.

*Crack!*

A searing pain greeted my hands as all my fingers cracked from punching the human in the face. I yelped, pulling my hand back and shaking it left to right, trying to ease the pain.

Human: [confused] umm... Ow? •__•

Annak: [winces] Why are you so hard?! ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

Human: err... I don't know?

I growled and glared at the human for not realizing what he had just done.

Annak: [growls] you saw me naked!

Human: [nods] yes, but I don't – Oh! Now I understand why you're mad.

The human finally realized his mistake and scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

Annak: [growls] I should kill you right now as my honor demands it.

Human: Is there another way to solve this without killing me?

Annak: [nods] yes, I either kill you or...

Human: or?

Annak: [sighs] you marry me.

Human: [surprised] wot? O_o

Annak: [growls] I either kill you or you marry me. Which do you prefer, Human?

Human: ummm. The not killing me part?

I continued to glare at the human until my stomach rumbled and hunger hit me. The human smiled and grabbed the steaming bowl with a spoon and offered it to me. In the bowl was black sludge with large chunks of meat and greens.

A stew.

I looked at the human with a confused look. He noticed my confusion and smiled.

Human: [smiling] it's a stew called "Dinuguan".

Annak: Dinuguan?

I repeated the odd name before a delicious smell entered my nose. I was surprised it came from the black stew. Captivated by the wonderful aroma, I grabbed the spoon and scooped a bit of the stew then took a taste. My eyes widened in astonishment by the taste that I couldn't help but let out a small moan.

Human: [chuckles] I find it you like the taste?

His voice snapped me out of my daze and I looked at the human with a glare, remembering I was still angry at him. I huffed in annoyance before taking another spoon full of the stew and ate it with delight.

Annak: your food is delicious but it isn't enough to make me forgive you, human.

I complemented as I continued to eat the black stew. I got curious and couldn't help but ask what it's made of.

Annak: this stew.

Human: that stew?

Annak: what is this made of?

I asked as I took another spoon full of the delicious stew into my mouth and swallowed. The human smiled and began telling me the ingredients.

Human: [smiling] simple ingredients: boar meat, vegetables, a few herbs, and...

Annak: and?

Human: [smirks] the boar's blood.

I instantly stopped moving and gave the human a shocked look as I placed the spoon down on the bowl.

Annak: [shocked] what? O_o

Human: [smiling] the stew is actually the boar's blood; it turns black if you boil it.

I stared at the human, then at the stew, and back at the human before shrugging and taking another bite of the stew.

I've eaten worse.

Human: [chuckles] I thought you would be disgusted.

Annak: hardly; I'm more surprised than disgusted.

Soon the bowl was empty of the delicious stew and now I am thirsty. The human offered me a glass of water and I graciously accepted and drank.

Human: still hungry?

Annak: no. I'm full.

I glanced around the odd room for a moment before focusing back on the human.

Annak: how did I get here?

Human: [smiles] I brought you here after I saved you from a Manticore.

Annak: [confused] Manticore?

Human: the animal that nearly killed you.

My mind flashed back to the time I was attacked and almost died by the large ferocious beast. I subconsciously placed a hand where I got stabbed but felt no pain nor wounds there. I was bewildered by this and turned to look at the human for answers.

Annak: [bewildered] h-how? I should be wounded and yet I don't feel any pain or wounds.

Human: [chuckles] I healed you.

Annak: [curious] how did you heal me?

Human: [smile] Magic!

Annak: [surprised] you can use magic?

Ron: [chuckles] I can.

To support his claim, the human raised a hand and snapped his finger, creating a small steady flame on the tip of his thumb. I couldn't help but gawk a bit at the sight.

Annak: [gawking] you can use magic.

Human: [smiles] I can. But I don't use it often.

Annak: why not?

Human: [chuckles] I prefer science and physics over magic.

Annak: [confused] prefer what?

Human: [chuckles] I'll tell you at another time.

The human stood up, picked up the tray with the empty bowl and cup, and walked towards the open door with the large wolf following him.

Annak: [curious] where are you going?

The human stops at the doorframe and turns to me with a smile.

Human: [smiling] downstairs. Would you like to join me?

Without a word, I nodded and jumped out of the bed and joined the human and the wolf. I later learned that the human's name was Ron and the wolf's name was Kali.

In the afternoon, we ate together in the kitchen. We were eating a dish that Ron called "Sisig". It's made from boar meat, bird liver, a few herbs, and spices. It was delicious.

Annak: mnm. So delicious!

I couldn't help but moan a compliment as I took another bite of the dish.

Ron: [chuckles] I'm glad you like it.

As I continued to eat gleefully, I began to think about my tribe and how they were doing while I was away. That thought made me wonder how long I was asleep and asked the human for the answer.

Annak: Ron.

Ron: yes?

Annak: after you saved me, how long did I sleep?

Ron: [shrugs] three days.

He answered my question nonchalantly with a shrug and continued eating. I was gone for three days. I stopped eating and began to panic.

Annak: [panicking] THREE DAYS?!

Ron: [nods] yep.

Annak: I need to get home!

I screamed as I stood up my chair and was about to run through the door when I saw Ron gesturing me to wait.

Ron: you shouldn't leave.

Annak: [frowns] why?

Ron: you just can't.

Annak: [furious] WHY CAN'T I!?

I snapped at the human. Ron just stared at me for a moment before drinking a glass of water and answering my question with a few simple words.

Ron: you'll freeze to death.

His answer made me confused and wondered what he meant by that.

Annak: [confused] what do you mean?

Ron: go out and see for yourself.

Ron said as he stood up from his chair and started gathering the plates, cup, spoons, and forks on the table, taking them to the kitchen.

I stared at him for a moment before hurrying to the front door and exited the house. What I saw outside shocked me. Outside of Ron's home I found myself standing close to a large grove of trees near a wide and long river in a huge open field of grass and small hills, surrounded by large mountains. What shocked me the most, to the point of fainting, was the powerful winter storm coating the mountains in snow and ice.

Ron: that's why you can leave. Not yet.

Ron said, appearing behind me with Kali beside him. I continued to stare at the snowy mountains as the landmarks felt familiar to me and realized it was the "Deathly Mountains"; which means that I am at the home territory of beasts and monsters of immense size and strength. I couldn't help but panic and breathe heavily.

I'm in the "Kaiju Plains".

Ron: [worried] are you okay?

Those were the last words I heard from Ron, before my entire vision turned dark as I fainted from utter shock.

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—Ron's POV—

Me and Kali looked at each other before looking back at the unconscious Annak on the ground in confusion, wondering why she had fainted after leaving the house.

Kali snorted and went back inside, leaving me alone with our unconscious guest. I sighed before picking her up, carrying her in my arms and taking her back inside the house to sleep in my room again.

What an interesting day.

End of Chapter.

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•Character Info

Name: Annak Addurdottir

Height: 9'5"

Weight: 1,100+ lbs

Age: 26

Skin Color: Red

Hair Color: Ash white

Eye Color: Amber yellow

Bio: a warrior ogress. The middle child and eldest of the two daughters of the Daashii Tribe chieftain. Skilled in wielding swords and battle axes. She is prideful, aggressive, stubborn, and very loyal.