Lucia’s breathing was starting to sound ragged as she marched ahead. Luckily, we were nearing the peak, and I could feel the incline starting to level out.
On either side, the forest began to thin, its lush green canopy giving way to more sunlight the further up we went. Eventually, I could sense a difference in the air. It was colder, and bit my lungs as I drank it in.
“That looks like a good place to camp.” I said, noticing a section up ahead where a wide, flat boulder hung overtop a cliff face, creating a low, sheltered space beneath its edge.
With a hand to her back, I helped her walk the final thirty-or-so paces, letting out a snort when upon reaching our destination, she immediately collapsed.
“Ueuughhh,” she let out, eyes wide as she stared at me from her back.
“Are you okay?” I asked, stifling a laugh.
Thanks to Belial’s improvements and my enhanced lungs, I wasn’t the least bit tired. By contrast, Lucia seemed to have difficulty even lifting her head. She tried to crane her neck before letting it flop back down in exhaustion, training her eyes on me instead.
“I’m—good,” she forced between breaths, “just need—to lie down.”
“You could’ve said something if you were this tired.” I felt a little guilty for not suggesting a break the entire six hours we’d been walking, but I hadn’t realized she was this spent. She’d done a good job of hiding it.
“I—didn’t want to slow you down.” She answered, somewhat sheepishly.
“Next time say something.” I shook my head. Did she think I’d leave her behind?
“Probably, she doesn’t know how much of a softy you are.”
Lucia gave me a weary nod before a smile spread across her face. Her eyes glossed over the way they did when someone was looking at their interface. “My endurance went up a point from that.”
“Oh,” I said, making an effort to sound impressed as I examined our would-be camp.
The spot we settled on was about twenty-or-so feet wide and ended where a sheer cliff extended upwards. Hanging over the cliff was the large slab I noticed earlier. I clanked my hammer against it, testing its sturdiness before ducking underneath. Seeing a comfortable spot, I sat with my back against the cliff, squinting at something shiny in the distance. It was enveloped by a thick fog, with only a few small sections glittering through. I wondered if I was looking at the stairs.
As if to answer my question, the fog dissipated slightly, revealing a massive spiral of glass that rose into the sky. It was only visible thanks to the sun, glittering off the intricate crystalline swirl before the fog enveloped it again.
The surrounding forest looked like it'd been choked by winter frost. Except, I knew from experience that the silky veil stretched across the treetops wasn’t snow at all.
There didn’t seem to be a single section around the stairs not sheeted in webs. I frowned. Without a way around, I’d be pinning all our hopes on Lucia’s ability…and she didn’t seem all that confident it would work.
As if I’d summoned her, Lucia dragged herself over, ducking under the stone slab to plop down beside me. Maybe because it’d been dark when we met, or maybe I was too distracted, but I hadn’t noticed bruises before. Wounds from the cuffs aside, there were welts all over her arms and legs, and that said nothing of the dark circles under her eyes. She looked haggard.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked.
“Mhm.” She nodded, “Just tired. It’s been a long couple of days.”
I snorted at the understatement. Part of me wanted to ask about the bruises, until I noticed her eyes were closed. I’d already looked away, considering getting some rest myself when she jolted back awake.
“If I fall asleep…you won’t leave me behind, right?”
She was staring directly into my eyes, almost pleading. It made me wonder how she’d even made it this far on her own.
“Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person.”
At that she gave a weak nod, looking like she might say something else before her eyelids won out and shuttered closed.
With her asleep, I decided it’d be a good use of time to familiarize myself with my interface. Waffle disagreed with that idea, kneading with his head and paws against my side in the way he did when he was hungry. I unzipped the bag of baby wombat supplies over my shoulder, pulling out the last remaining bottle of formula. That worried me for a moment, until I remembered that his sponsor would send more. Hopefully soon.
I held the nipple just outside his pocket, chuckling when a blocky purple head shot out. The peach-fuzz along his head was thicker now, and I could see a few more uneven patches coming in on his upper back and sides. That made me sigh. My little wombat was growing up. He was even a little chubbier since he last squeezed inside, which resulted in some frustrated chuffing as he tried and failed to paw his way onto my lap. I probably should’ve helped stretch the opening of his pocket, but his struggle for freedom was too adorable to interrupt.
All the while, I held the nipple just out of reach, giggling as he flipped around to his back and continued to squirm with two tiny paws gripping the outside of his pocket. This new strategy involved rapidly clawing with his hind legs while pushing off with his tentacles. His chin wagged back and forth with the effort, making it even more adorable.
Due to this unforeseen and unprecedented level of cuteness, I was forced to take full advantage by violently tickling his belly.
Incensed by my betrayal, he issued a furious little squeak, winding up with his head for a full second before administering toothy justice.
“OWWW,” I let out, half-giggling as I tried to free my finger from his vengeful little mouth.
In my effort to escape retribution I ended up aiding in pulling him free, though he didn’t seem to notice. I had to resort to bribery, which involved gently poking his cheek with the nipple several times before he finally let go. With my finger officially pardoned, I smiled as the hungry little monster slurped his lunch. He laid belly-up in my lap, eyeing me suspiciously between gulps.
“Can I try?” Lucia asked.
“Oh. Uh—” I jolted at her voice, believing she’d already nodded off.
Instinctively, I leaned away as she inched closer, her fingers curled around an imaginary bottle.
“Sorry. Never mind.” Her shoulders sank as she seemed to realize she’d overstepped.
Her hand fell awkwardly to her lap. I swallowed a lump of guilt as I saw the innocent flicker in her eyes start to dim.
“No, it’s fine.” I smiled, nudging her with my elbow before she moved away.
I’d already trusted her with him once, and watching her face crumble like that made me feel like the worst person alive.
She suppressed an excited squeal as she took the bottle in her hand. It might’ve been a little heavier than she expected, because she let it tip slightly when I let go, causing the nipple to pop from the side of Waffle’s mouth.
“Ahh, sorry little guy.” Lucia whispered.
He gave a startled huff as a little formula spilled down his cheek, then clamped back on, this time clutching either side of the bottle. His beady little eyes flicked back and forth between us before narrowing distrustfully.
“Oh no, I don’t think he likes me.”
“You’re fine,” I deepened my voice, “the young lord is just making it clear he won’t tolerate any further disruptions.”
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Lucia giggled at that.
“I render my sincerest apologies, Lord Waffle.”
He drained the rest without incident, heaving in a few rasps of air before dismissively batting the nipple away. That seemed to melt Lucia’s heart—or threaten to make it burst. Either way, she was holding in tears as she handed the bottle back to me. She looked to me for permission before wiping a few stray drops of formula from his chin.
“He. Is. Socute.” She whispered, literally shaking as the words came out, “you’ll have to let me do that again. Please?” she glanced down at the empty bottles in his carrying case, face wrinkling in distress, “Oh no, are you out of his food? We have to get him more.”
And just like that, Lord Waffle had claimed another vassal.
“His sponsor promised to send more but I’m not sure how it all works. He might be getting a little big for formula, he has been eating other things lately.”
Just as I said that, Waffle dipped his head back into my pocket before emerging with that disgusting vine in his mouth. When I tried to take it away he batted at my hand, eyeing me and ambling towards Lucia. That little shit, I knew a threat when I saw one.
Luckily, Lucia was far too animated, already reaching out to pet him as he neared her lap. He froze, inching away from her as he realized his mistake. An evil grin spread across my face as my hand shot towards the vine.
Lucia gasped. “Maybe they’ll send you those tubes. You know—the ones where you squeeze out the food.”
“Tubes? Why would they put food in tubes—ugh WAFFLE!”
I heard the faint sound of his pudge flopping against dirt, followed by nervous hoofing as he scurried out of reach.
“You little—”
He sprawled out once he’d made it a safe distance, which he decided was about two feet away. As if to flaunt his victory, he made sure to nibble extra loudly.
“You can’t have vines from dead bodies.” I scolded, leaning towards him.
Startled, he shot to all fours and went rigid, his ears twitching. I drew back, worried he was actually afraid of me, until he abandoned the vine and sprinted back onto my lap.
Worried he’d sensed a threat, I reached for my hammer, only to stop when I heard what’d startled him. Whirring. Waffle made it halfway inside my pocket when a golden orb decloaked.
“What’s that?” Lucia asked.
“I think it’s his sponsor,” I replied, noticing the purple velvet package the orb held between its four metal claws.
The orb vanished the instant it released its charge, leaving it to whump softly against the dirt several feet away.
Its whirring was already growing faint as the invisible orb zipped off. I stood, noticing that Waffle was still halfway stuck and upside down. His two tiny legs flapped in protest as I knelt before the velvet box, which was noticeably larger than his last. I wondered if they’d sent more than just formula.
“Come on, Lord Waffle.” I tapped his butt, “It’s for you.”
With some help, he withdrew his little head, huffing anxiously as he scanned his surroundings. Then, to redeem his earlier cowardice, he lunged from my lap, twisting his body in midair to slap the velvet package with his rear. Surprisingly, the maneuver actually left a sizable dent on one side. He gave it a few more smacks with his rump for good measure before clambering back onto my lap.
“Oh, how gallant!” Lucia cheered, clapping as he curled up, ready for a nap now that his foe was vanquished.
“Yes, he’s very brave.” I snorted, tickling a new patch of fur before turning my attention back to the box.
Tugging the ribbon and flicking the lid aside, my eyebrows shot up at the contents. With two fingers, I hoisted the tiny garment from the box as Lucia squealed with excitement. It was a tiny cloak. The fabric was—unsurprisingly--purple, several shades darker than Waffle’s fuzz, with dotted white fur trimming the top. Staring at it triggered a floating description.
╔════════《?》════════╗
Lord Waffle’s Fuzzy Embrace Tier 2, Mythic
Armor – Cloak
Gifted to Lord Waffle by MarsupiaNurture Ltd. In recognition of his royal exploits.
Crafted by: Aegis Unlimited
Aegis. Survive in elegance.
Armor Rating: 20/20
Augments 1 of 3: Personal Space.
Augments 2 of 3: Indestructible.
Augment 3 of 3: Auto-sizing. (Powered by TrueFit? - Trademark Aegis Industries)
Augment slots available: 1
╚════════《?》════════╝
Those last two augments seemed self-explanatory, but I was curious about the first one. I focused on that part of the description, wondering if more text would appear. Sure enough, it did.
Personal Space – When threatened by a source of damage that would otherwise be lethal, Lord Waffle’s Fuzzy Embrace will emit a pulse, violently repelling anything within a six-foot radius. This ability can only be used once before needing to be recharged.
Pulse rechargers sold separately.
“It’s so cute.” Lucia was practically bubbling with excitement, “I have to see him in it right now.”
I eyed Waffle in my lap, frowning as I remembered how much he hated his collar at first. Elegant or not, there was no way he was going to let me put it on. Not without a fight.
His nose twitched curiously as I dangled it near his face. Seeing it wasn’t food, he plopped his head back down, his little eyes narrowing as I brought the cloak closer. It seemed he’d learned from his collar, because I could tell he was ready to bolt.
“Hold still,” I said, already feeling his paws tense against my lap.
The instant the fabric grazed his back he tried to jump away, letting out an angry squeak as I wrapped the cloak around him. After a vain attempt to wriggle free and several harshly worded squeaks, he seemed to give up, allowing me to finish tying it around his neck.
Still holding him by his sides, I turned him round, eager to get a look at his new lordly attire.
I could cry at how cute it was. He looked like a little wombat prince. Even Belial seemed to approve.
“Not bad, unfortunately, this makes you the worst dressed person here.”
I ignored the jab as Lucia shuffled closer to fawn over Waffle’s new look. All her excitement must’ve annoyed him, because he started to squirm, demanding to be put down. He wobbled to the edge of my lap before rolling off to land on his back. I helped flip him back to his paws then frowned. He only made it about six inches before flopping to his side, all four paws hoofing the air. After a few more failed attempts he was fed up. Still turned on his side, he craned his head back to look at me, giving a woeful rasp that felt like a knife through my heart.
“Okay, okay.” I sighed, reaching for the struggling wombat. “I’ll take it off.”
There was no point in making him wear it if he couldn’t even walk.
“Why?” Lucia blinked away her interface, her brow raised as she looked to me. “That’s a really good item…sponsors don’t typically give anything above epic…especially not to pets.”
“He can’t even walk in it.”
“Oh. He just needs to get used to it. My cats were all like that at first when I made them wear dresses.”
My eyebrows shot up at that. “You…made your cats wear dresses?”
“Mhm.” She answered, as if there was nothing strange about that at all.
Definitely not poor…My mother would’ve wrung my neck if she saw me waste fabric on cats.
I shook the thought away, seeing that Waffle managed to flip back over on his own. His sights were set on that disgusting root, now several feet away. He looked like a tiny, purple drunk, swaying with each step as he shuffled towards it. Since it motivated him to practice walking, I decided it was fine, returning my attention to the box.
The next item resembled a satchel--if satchels came wrapped in metal plating. The sides and bottom popped open into neat compartments stuffed with bandages and ointments. For a second I thought they were for me, until I spotted the animals printed on the packaging.
Sliding the compartments closed, I fed my arms through both straps then sat up straight. It felt…wrong. Light as it was, there was no way I could fight with the thing hanging over my belly.
“What are you doing?” Lucia giggled. “It goes on your back.”
Swallowing, I slid the pack off, heat budding in my cheeks. Lucia eyed me curiously.
“They don’t have backpacks on the colonies?”
“Uh—” I wasn’t sure what the right answer was, and since Belial didn’t chime in to help, I assumed he didn’t either. “No…we wear them like this.”
“Seriously?” Lucia’s face twisted a little.
“Yep.” I said, which seemed to perplex her even more.
I decided to change the subject before she asked me anything else about the colonies. Even if Lucia didn’t know any better, there was a chance some of the viewers might.
“Why don’t sponsors give anything above epic?” I asked, fumbling with the pack again.
A latch along one side made a larger compartment swing open, revealing few more bottles of formula, along with some shiny square packages. Just like my ration bars; except for the derpy looking wombat on the wrapper.
“It’s really expensive, especially before the third floor.” She eyed the backpack as I continued fussing with it, eyes glossing over from her interface. “Honestly, I’m a little surprised a pet company could afford it, massive companies have gone bankrupt sending worse items.”
“Then they're a really big company?”
I knew absolutely nothing about corporations, aside from what Oren and Belial had told me.
“I don't think so. I’ve never heard of MarsuipaNurture before.”
“Maybe there’s a lot of money in wombat food?” I joked, though thinking about it, it did seem odd.
From what I knew of sponsorships, they were counting on viewers to buy their products…and if the cloak was that expensive, sending it sounded like a huge risk to their company. Was Waffle really that good of an investment?
“I doubt it.” she laughed, leaning over the now empty box, “I don’t know many people who keep wombats as pets.”
I made a thoughtful noise, more interested in figuring out the rest of the buttons and latches on the pack. Thumbing one along the top, my head jerked as it flipped open to reveal a space cushioned with velvet. Along one side were several slits and a tiny fan to cycle the air. I smiled at Waffle's new abode, brow furrowing when Lucia plucked a card from the box I thought had been emptied.
“There's a note.” She said, handing me the card.
I turned the paper rectangle over, eyes bulging as I read the three words printed there.
Please unblock us.
Art by: Zevenblank
Lot of setup in this one and the last. Hopefully everyone's okay with the pacing, if not just let me know.
Also, this story is by my friend Dreamer who also wrote Otherworldly Anarchist (One of my personal favorite stories):
What kind of weapon should Lucia end up with?
