The Mad Dog of The Apocalypse (pt.37)

	“We’ll send word to the Merchant Guild,” said Rachael, “See if the danuki living throughout the Empire have come across any families that match the description.  When we find them…  We have a few Kunoichi on the payroll that we call for just these sorts of things.  It might even be possible to bring the boy’s father back to life if it hasn’t been too long.  His mom will want that…  They can use that to make their conversion easier, I think.  Anyway...  Just hang tight and don’t tell your little man any of this.  In case it doesn't work out or we can’t find ‘em or whatever.  Get me?”

	“Thank you, Ma’am,” said the woman, her eyes glossing over with a sheen of moisture.  “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I cannot repay you enough.  I cannot…  I there is anything I can-”

	“Your service is thanks enough,” interrupted Rachael, holding a hand up, “So don’t worry ‘bout it.  You’ve served the Lilim faithfully, and so she will serve you.  As you were, ladies.”

And just like that, it seemed that Rachael had said her piece and moved on.  Whatever further conversation was to be had ended when she moved by.  Steven could tell both women wanted more time to speak with their general, to express their gratitude, but they acquiesced and left it at that.  Both smiled sincerely at him as waved goodbye, while Rachael, for her part, did not spare a glance back as she ushered him through the gates.

For all her rough and tough act, her bombasity, her braggadocious behavior and sheer arrogance, when it came down to things that mattered, Rachael cared deeply for those around her, Steven saw now.  Even when trying to act as the living incarnation of Hell itself, she couldn’t ever really hide her kind nature for very long.  When they first met, there was genuine fear in her eyes when she might have accidentally caused him to fall, and a rush to prevent it that she could not hide.  After that, she had gone to some length to completely avoid combat with him, going so far as to sit down in the middle of the road and tease him.  And the morning after, even while still threatening him with death?  She wouldn’t even allow him to fall out of bed, her hidden concern for him was so great.

He wondered if it was like that with all Mamono.  Certainly that would be the case with the massive Ogre sister who was pushing ten feet tall.  A young boy, even one at the age of majority, could in no way compare to that great green brute in terms of physicality.  The very top of boy’s head would just about reach the woman’s naval; an auspicious but irregular position indeed.  As much as John felt smothered by his own wife at night, he could not imagine what it must be like for that couple. One wrong move and the boy could die in her embrace.  A day ago, he would have been certain that such would have been the inevitable outcome.  Now he knew that such a thing was simply too impossible for these women to consider.

With a mental shrug, John concluded that the boy probably slept on top.

“Good thing she wasn’t a manticore, I guess,” said John.

“Why’s that?” asked Rachael as they continued to walk.

“You said manticores were evil, yes?” asked John, “That I should be grateful that you weren’t one of them.”

“Oh, that,” Rachael replied, “Playful, really, not evil.  And no mamono, I don’t care who they are, enjoys or would want to see their husband in real distress.  All that pelvis breaking shit is complete nonsense, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get uncomfortable sometimes.  As soon as that boy gets sorted out with his family, you better believe that Kaylee is gonna put that poor boy through his paces as bad as any manticore, except it won’t just be teasing.  Ogres love sparring, and just because he’s half her size don’t mean nothing to her.”

“God have mercy on that boy,” said John.

“She will,” Rachael replied.