Arc 2: Doctor Camel Hump Valley

Ash had a strong urge to look around. 

Was there someone in the village named Honey? Is there someone behind me who is acquainted with him enough for him to call them honey? But he’s looking at... well, at me. 

A: “Have we... met before?” 

C: “Waterfalls.” Where I saw his skin? Wait, that black eagle! It didn’t go away because it was bored?! If he was the one who's saved me... Sh*t.  

C: “Customs. Beastman customs. I deserve you.” Nope. Never. Not even considerable. 

A: “But you came for her.” Pointing at QingQing, her answer was firm.

C: “My skin." He too pointed at the teen. "I followed my own scent.“ 

To the snake clan, talking was a waste of energy. They belived their actions were absolute. Making someone understand aka expanations and confessions were beneath them. If Ash hadn’t piqued his interest, he would’ve left long ago. He had received legacy that people don’t find ferals any pleasant either. But this little- he noticed her moving her hand in gestures to the villagers to not attack. 

A respected one, huh? mm... He felt she might be worth exploring.

A: What do you mean? Don’t you like her?” Staring at his stone-like snake eyes seemingly void of emotions, Ash understood why they gave everyone goosebumps. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking at all. 

C: “Her scent. It's pleasant, like dew. You're better; food like.” 

I? Smell like food? Is he gonna eat me?! If they like a girl, in a bit perverted possesiveness, Feral beastmen ARE twisted enough to do so! Mon deiu, let’s change the topic!

A: “I actually have an offer... to you.” 

Barely a hint of interest flicked by his vertical slits as he gestured her into standing. 

C: “Mm?” He agreed? Just like that? Then maybe I can get through- “Don't waste my time.” 

Eek! Spoke too soon. Also his hands, they’re ice cold! Ash chuckled nervously, inviting him to Zayn’s hut, “I know nosy females irritate you, still I beg. If you don’t like my cause, you can take her anywhere, anytime. No one will tail nor pester you, I promise.”

He found the petite female in front of him amusing. The one he came after had upsetting spots all over her face but was docile and had charming eyes. This one wasn't that fine either but her audacity enchanted him. Although she was acting submissive; in front of a 4 stripped feral, her pupils never shook, even once. She already had a honeyed scent. Now wrapped in flowers and a style of female-wear he had never seen even in his legacy, she looked and smelled inexplicably attractive. He didn’t need to wonder what was under the dirt on her face or those accessories. He's had already seen her naked head to toe. 

So they were sisters? No wonder there was something similar about their air. He was only following because her little stunts and ramblings seemed entertaining. What can she offer a feral except herself? He was curious.

But when he heard Zayn and QingQing protest loud against him entering their hut, his mood soured. He was a happy-go-lucky snake who didn’t like to complicate matters. Ash, on the other hand, was quick to control: “Foolish leopard! Are you sick of your life? I’m bringing my personal nest out for him. Who goes into your pee-stinking hut anyway?”

He called it! She wasn’t docile at all. Having the guts to scold a 2 stripped beastman that wasn't her admirer proved so. Her little act of obedience solely for him was secretly pleasing him a lot. 

A: “And Bai, snake beastmen perfectly shed their skin only once in their lifetime- when they come of age. They use it to woo females into mating with them. If you feel I’m being unfair, you should think on how stupid you’ve been to get seduced by it and bring it home. If you have a brain cell left, leave it and steam the eggs we brought this morning for the guest. You know how to do it, no? Oh- don’t add any spice.”

He noticed she knew many things about his kind, even some of his personal preferences. Like he liked eggs and detested spiciness. She even had his snakeskin folded neatly and was hugging it to her chest as if careful not to get it dirty. It fully satisfied him. 

C: “Should’ve used my skin to make that skirt. Better soft.” 

A: “Ah? It does seem rather comfy...” Ash blinked. “Wait, what?” You caught me distracted and tricked me into praising your skin? You snake!

C: “Talk.” 

The sudden command in his natural cold voice startled her right after. 

His aura is overbearing enough even when he's silent! Brother snake, can’t you see how nervous I am here? 

A: “Well... as you can see,” on the surface, she continued in an even tone, “the annoying leopard over there is Zayn, the kid beside the fire is Bai QingQing and I’m called Ash. You are...” 

C: “Caden.”

Ash secretly scoffed at his 15 meter long body sprawled all over as if he owned the place. Can’t he stay in his full human form for once? 

A: “As per my knowledge, you’re going to take her to your hideout somewhere near a water source, away from civilization?” 

C: “...En.” 

A: “Here’s the problem, she’d die from cold if you do so.” 

C: “I don’t think-” 

A: “Caden. If your claim of us meeling at the falls is true, you'd know I’ve been thru it. A female won’t be able to survive more than 3 days.”

Her words terrified Caden inside. Countless females have died for no reason in his legacy's memoirs. If that was the true case, he’d be killing his own mate. Amidst the concern, when she called his name, the surprising smoothness of it oddly lingered in his ear. 

A: “Hear from your legacy. Can you refute when I say most female of your ancestors died of cold?” 

Talking with this man is so exhausting! Can a person really live this expressionlessly? I’m fortunate to have prepared these negotiations in advance, just in case.

C: “You know of my legacy?” 

A: “…that genetically passed down memory thing? Sure. I’m an ape. My clan taught me.” 

C: “Apes are cunning. But to know so much... what are you planning?” 

A: “Personally, I’m only planning to live my life with my sister ‘inside’ the civilization.” 

C: “If I don’t agree?” 

A: “State your conditions.” 

C: “If I want you?” 

A: “Thank you, next.”

C: “Eh?” 

Hearing his confusion, Ash mentally smacked her head. then cleared her throat before continuing, “I mean, you won’t. I have a mate.” 

C: “You have no spousal mark. I saw you-” 

A: “Not yet! But soon.” Remind me, why did I ever decide to roam around naked? ”I won’t break my promise with him even if you kill me.” 

C: “Oh? And if kill ‘him’?” 

A: “I’ll kill myself.”

So firm, Caden thought- was there a legacy where females were found so fond of their males? She must be lying to get away from me. Fine. I’ll play. He shook his head. Talkative females like her are not my type anyway... He shook his head again. What if there ‘is’ a male whom she’s that fond of? For some reason, he suddenly felt an urge to beat someone up.

QingQing chose the silence that fell to step in with the bowl of steamed egg. 

A: Ugh, finally. He’ll shut up for a- Did he just down the whole bowl? The audacity of this snake to ask for more... 

Q: “I-I’m sorry. This is all I made for now.” Thankfully, the naive teen had this much covered- “I don’t know what you guys were talking about, but I’ll make you as much as you want if you agree to what she’s saying.”

C: “You trust her?” 

Q: “Yup. She’s my only friend, family and savior, my source of peace and motivation.” Her words felt cringe-worthy even to herself, but it was the truth and she needed to let it out. 

On the other hand, Ash felt a warm current swell up her heart. Such words of unconditional love and trust between friends and family, she had craved them her whole life. To think the fl of a goddamn novel... Gosh, I need to protect this dumb meatbun. 

So she declared,  “Caden, come to the City of Beastmen with me? I’ll make sure to find a house in a less busy part of the city with a water source nearby.”

C: Does that mean both females will be living alongside me? Is she truly thinking this through?

Caden actually had no intention of gaining any mates. He was just passing by the village. The only reason he came here was to see who the pleasant smelling female was that took his skin. He would’ve returned her if she wasn’t to his liking. He didn’t expect to meet the honey scented female from the waterfalls here. The relationship between the sisters was so warm and endearing, even he- the feral that killed his own brothers to gain strength, was bedazzled. Ash’s proposal indicated both females will accompany him, when he can only mate with one. If so, he’d readily choose the docile one. But he felt keeping Honey close won’t hurt. She was noisy for sure, but she knew his preferences well, so... 

C: “Not that bad an idea.” 

All he needed to endure was living in a noisy city. And if anyhow he had a change of mind, Ash will always be available for him to seduce, no?

Ash, on the other hand, stood with QingQing hugging her arm, “That’s a relief. We’ll head out in the morning. For now, I need to bid farewell to a friend.” Then she turned to QingQing. “That jerk’s still fuming in the woods? Can you handle him when he returns?” 

Q: “I’ll manage. Thank you so much, jiejie! But... are you sure if you should be calling doc a ‘friend’?” 

Ash ignored her and ran off with the bouquet. 

I don’t plan on considering anything more. Will she ever realize he has feelings for her?

***

Luca spent the whole day thinking. The only change in his routine before his stripe appeared was training with her. 

Can kicks and punches help one level up? 

He’d need to find out by keeping watch on the males he competes against. This training method must be why she’s so strong and muscular, even though she’s a female. The stripes on ape males represent mental power. The method must be something they came up with to survive against the carnivorous ones. 

Did she steal it? Is that why she ran away from home? Will it be ok if I taught this method to other leopards and become a stronger clan? At the same time he wanted to keep the things his beloved taught to himself... Ugh, this is so- !!

“Luca~ Look what I brought you!” 

She’s finally here! 

Chuckling, Luca rushed to escort her in, just to get the breath sucked out of him. 

What’s with the female I took fancy in? She changes appearance so often! 

She was adorned with colorful flowers and the cloth he gifted her. The blowing wind exposed her fair neck, side body and one decorated thigh; his night vision giving her a celestial glow. She was standing in the middle of the lawn holding out a bunch of flowers beautifully tied together.

It was a while before he regained the ability to breathe. Then his brows furrowed. Something wasn't right with her scent. Immediately leaping down, he sniffed at her bosom. 

A: “Wha-what’re you doing? Hey?!” She tried to push him away, but the only thing that moved was his nose. Damn, he has really leveled up. It felt like pushing a brick wall. Only because the twitching of his button nose was cute that she didn’t complain.

Suddenly, his pupils began to shake. 

“S-snake... this scent..” he was desperately patting her whole body, “Did you encounter a snake beastman while on excursion for this? Are you all right? Are you injured? Just let me-” 

Ash was surprised that his scent lingered. Caden had only touched her face. “Calm down, Doc. I’m perfectly fine, see...” As she tried to twirl her body, Luca pulled her in a tight hug, tearing up, "Why’re you like this? Why do you neglect yourself so? You never listen! What if that feral did something to you? Have you ever thought how I’d live?” As a beastman, he was already in that stage where he’d be nothing without her. If only she knew...

Ash only smiled and held his head in the crook of her neck. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t intentional. He came after QingQing.” Breathing so heavily... Is he hyper-ventilating? Ah... I mean, if I got kidnapped while picking a gift for him, would the guilt be that deadly? I should lighten up the mood. 

“Don’t tear up, Doc. You look so cute, I want to gobble you up.”

"Gobble..." Luca felt something stir inside him. Was it those words that suddenly made him happy? So happy he was losing focus of what and where? Even her scent... His eyes fell on the flowers decorating her small frame. Petite white specks all over her body was calling for him. Everything felt too beautiful, too colorful, too delicious- Yeah... I wanna gobble too... that softness and those curves... 

He wasn't sure if he was breathing anymore.

A: “Luca! What’s going on-” 

L: “Flos..eriou..caulies... I told you...”

Slowly, like a maniac, he started to swing his tail and grin. 

What? What is he-

He dragged the tip of his nose along her neck. 

L: “Sweet-Hic. So sweet. Ash... I'm so sorry, I- ehhe.” 

Why’s  he acting like a drunk fool all of a... WAIT- this flower is called flos eriocauli? When he nudged at the white flowers on her neck, realization finally dawned on Ash. Shit! It’s THE flower, the CATNIP one for beastmen! Contrasting felines, catnips have a calming effect on humans. So I... that damned Zayn!

Whilst her inner ramblings, Luca had already transformed into a leopard, burst his skirt into pieces and pounced, causing them to fall over to the ground. He started to roll on her dress that had spread on the lawn. Then gave a big lick on her cheek, covering upto her ear in saliva. 

“It’s so f*cking rough! You’re cutting through my skin!" As if reacting to her complaint, Luca mewled and brushed his nose on the wound. Is he trying to be considerate? Even under the influence? I… I should help him. After all, I'm the one at fault here. He had warned me. Only if I didn’t ignore the name in the novel- it was too hard to pronounce, ok!

“Hey, Doc. It’s cold. Let’s get you in.” It’ll be too shameful if he did something out in open. But no matter how much she pushed or pulled he won’t bulge. Damn, he’s heavier after losing control. Instead, her skin burned as he kept licking her. Sigh. Only one way to lure a cat.