Chapter three: A hospitable family

Argon just stood there, silent and unmoving. The minotaur that stood before him was powerful, so powerful that Argon stopped breathing and even his heart threatened to stop. The aura of this legendary beast alone was enough to probably kill him.

To make it clear Argon's world consists of three major continents and a few minor ones. Only one continent is inhabited by humans, its surface alone as big as half of the planet earth's surface and the poulation counting in the billions. The human continent consists of four major empires to the north, east, south and west. First the Dalian empire (north), then the Serrien empire (east), the Gul'khan empire (south) and the Wolfram empire (west). The human continent is more like a thick stripe from north to south of the world of Arzek. So the Dalian and the Gul'khan empire are extremly cold, whereas the Serrien and Wolfram empire are close to deserts, of course their placement is not stupidly set into a desert or a world of ice, but they are close to it even if they are in an habitable zone. The other two grand continents and the minor continents are all taboo for mankind. Because great demons fill the lands here, only the so called 'heroes' managed to settle on these continents with a great deal of effort.

Many people tried to venture into this uncharted territory, but were quickly anhilated by monstrous beings.

Even more scary was the fact that 90% of those that tried to venture to the 'Demon continents' would be anhilated by wild storms, raging seas, or burning deserts once they tried the land, sea or air road. Mysteriously these harsh environments only existed on the borderline of the 'Demon continents', the inner parts were fairly the same as the human continent or even better.

Those that survived the monster attacks and destructive environment spread the tale. And humankind, as paranoid as it is, was currently in a phase were 'heroes' were mass produced like cheap toys. Humankind's reasoning was as such: “They are strong and probably want to invade our lands, even if they themselves are living in an eden like world. So we must kill them all!“. This was a classic humankind (classic Ted, for those that watched 'how I met...).

One of those beings that were spoken of in the tales were the race of the minotaures. Bull like monsters with the strength of hundreds of man, fists strong enough to pulverize rocks and horns sharp enough to pierce any shield. Even more feared than their strength was their endurance and courage. Even badly wounded and surrounded by hundreds of soldiers the minotaur would kill 80% of them at least in a last effort. And that was just one minotaur. If they attack with coordination, strategy and tactics, they alone could destroy the human continent. But they were not the only ones that humans feared.

There were the Worgs, Dragonkin, Valkros and other humanlike aberrations. And the most feared and enigmatic were the Destroyers and Rift Walkers. They were the stuff of absolute legends, one alone was enough to decimate a million 'heroes' (think more of elite soldiers than actual heroes) without a scratch. Even the various 'demon' races worshiped them like wargods. The 'demons' knew, even they could not face them, not a hundred and not a million.

Of course this was just speculation and their true past was covered by a fog of excsessive tale telling.

Nonetheless the destroyers and rift walkers were spotted last a few tenthousand years ago and many suspect that they had either died out or secluded themselves on some of the minor continents, like the star pillar or the cloud continent, both high up in the sky and unreachably for any other creatures.

Argant regained his composure from his initial shock and quickly thousands of questions raced into his mind.

Where am I?

What will happen to me?

Are these for real?

Will they kill me?

Why did they brought me here in the first place?

HOW did I even end up here?!

Questions over questions and Argon had no answer and he had the feeling that even the minotaur did not knew the answer to some of them.

In a daze Argon went to his room and fell into his bed to get a few hours of sleep. But how could he? A being strong enough to dispose of thousands of to the teeth armed men was sleeping only a few meters to his side, how could anyone sleep in this sort of situation?

Argon just looked out the window and peered into his own reflection. A young boy with unkempt and dirty blonde hair, it was kept short and some only recently began to regrow when he was miracilously healed from the scars on his head. His face was that of a young boy and one could already visualize the handsome appearance he would have in the future. A straight nose and sharp chin, keen eyes and a white row of teeth, also healed only recently, only the scar on his sword like eyebrows was breaking this perfect picture. But his golden coloured eyes with crossed-formed pupils. And a tinge of black and white made up for the scar and gave the boy a mysterious and otherworldly look.

Argant did not really notice the change in his eyes and continued to marvel at his restored face and body.

But he could not enjoy his regenerated face as he heard once again creaking from behind his door.

His heartrate quickened up by a notch and his breathing became rugged. What would happen to him now? Will he die? These were the questions that consumed Argan's entire being. He only now freed himself somewhat from his past memories and was already unwilling to part with his life, what he wished for only two weeks prior.

He went to his door and slowly opened it, he should at least show some face and balls if he truly encountered his end. Argan stood there, if a person entered through the front door they would see Argan on the right side of a table and a door to the left side of the table, opposite to the main entrance would be the kitchen.

The door creaked yet again an opened. Slowly, painfully slow even, unlike the first time the minotaur stepped out, with his wonderous light steps. A head full of long brown hair shoot out of the creak in the door. A small girl. That was Argan's first impression. But once he had seen the cow like ears and a brown tale swing happily behind the girl he knew that she too was a minotaur. Her face was cute, yes very cute, with big brown and round eyes, a small nose and pink lips, anyone would want to guard this girl with his life, anyone except Argon.

His mind was still on full alarm mode, so he decided to play this safe. And start with a calm introduction.

(Argon) “Hello my nam-“

“HIIIIIIII“. Before Argon could even finish his sentence tthe girl ran back to were she came from with tears glistering in the corner of her eyes.

Fuck I scarred her. Shit she must be the daughter of this minotaur. SHIT SHIT SHIT. Please god don't let him misunderstand.

But no, God had made the minotaur misuderstand.

(Minotaur) “WHAT DID YOU DO?!!!!!!!“. The roar ws deafening and Argon emideately fell down on his butt, his hands covering his ears and his face lost of all color he stared at the door in front of him.

WOW what an end, stupid little brat! Argant cursed the girl in his mind.

In an instant the door swung open and the graceful steps became now thunderous stampedes as the furious minotaur charged straight towards Argon.

(Minotaur) “What have you done to my daughter you FIEND“. The words were spat out like dirt. Literally, the minotaur spat on Argon while lifting him up by his neck in a thight chokehold.

(Argon) “I- HUH di-d HUH no-HUH-thing!“. Argon struggled hard for breath as the hairy hand gripped around his neck.

(Minotaur) “YOU LIAR! Why was my sweet daughter cring then? When I found you in the plains I should have left you to die! I KNEW IT ALL ALONG! I SHOULD KILL THE HUMA-!

(???) “SHUT UP YOU STUPID PIG!“. And with a Pang sound a high heel was driven right into the back of the minotaurs head, rendering him out cold.

Argon was freed from the tight hold on his neck and started to catch his breaths, after only a few seconds he calmed down.

Right behind the minotaur, know spread across the floor, was a lustrous woman, her body had curves to the extreme, but her face was as gentle as mother nature even if it was lit by anger at her husbands temper. She would rival even the most famous human beauties, only her cow ears and tail showed that she too was from the minotaur race.

(???) “I am so sorry for my husbands bad temper I hope you can forgive him.“. Argon questioned himself.

Can I forgive the guy that wanted to kill me?

(Argon) “Sorry, but no. I cannot forgive him for trying to choke me to death for some crime I did not commit.

(???) “I guess you are right, I will punish him them.“. A hint of a sadistic smile appeared on the womans face.

Argon immediately realized how stupid his answer was and arrogant as well. First off they had taken him into their care for two weeks. Second, they did this all without recompensation and Argant even ate their food without asking. Third, how could he offend someone that could kill him with one flick of his fingers.

Oh my fucking God what have I done?

He just simply kicked his benefactors in the throat and then spat in their mouths. How could he say he won't forgive him?

Cold sweat poured out from his back, his body was covered with thin linen clothes, but right now they were already drenched in his sweat.

But the deed was done. He did kick his benefectors arse and gave him no face. What would happen to him now?

After a long silence and after the woman moved her husbands unconscious body into a bed she turned to look at Argon.

(Female Minotaur) “My name is Dariana. My husband is called Gasaf and our daughter is called Marie, now already six years old and we are all from the clan of minotaurs.“. Her face was somewhat proud as she talked about her daughter and her lineage. “Let's talk outside about who YOU are.“. She quickly grabbed Argan by the hand and left through the main door with Argan in tow. Her daughter Marie just stared at them from the door slit of their bedroom.

One meter out of the door Dariana came to an halt. Her head turned to the right while her body faced forwards. It seemed somehow mechanical and pretty bizarre.

(Dariana) “...this.... who... who did this? WHO DID THIS?“. From a silent whisper her voice turned into a raging howl.

Argant stared at her right and saw a bunch of tulips covered in what seemed to be vomit. No it was vomit and not just random vomit. It was Argant's vomit!

Oh God you love kicking my balls don't you?

The grip around Argant's hand tightened and the head of Dariana once again turned mechanically towards Argant, with red eyes filled with anger.

(Dariana) “Tell me. Did you 'VOMIT' on my tulips? Simply 'VOMIT'?!“. Each time vomit was emphasized and Argant knew he was now in big trouble.

(Argant) “I-I-It- It was just th-that, I-I uhm...“. Argant searched for words but somehow his vocabulary was completely erased and he couldn't form a coherent sentence, only some mumbling.

(Argant) “Sorr-ry“. This was the only thing that Argant could squeeze out of his wiped clean vocabulary.

Argant could feel how the bloodflow in his hand had stopped as the grip got tighter.

SNAP!

With a lound snap his bones in his only functioning hand broke, but he gritted his teeth and did not cry or beg, Karma got him good for being so disrespectful towards his benefactor earlier.

But the snap of his breaking bones and now completely shattered and crippled hand had freed Dariana from her trance. She looked at the piece of bloody flesh with bones sticking out everywhere in her hands. Tears misted her eyes as she looked apologetic at Argant. She had crippled a cripple.

This was not told in the tales. But minotaur often suffered mood swings and their emotions could often reach an extreme. Hate. Fear. Love. All of them would be amplified to the apex of emotional outbursts. Even fear. Once a minotaur fears he will be feared shitless.

(Dariana) “NO! I am sorry. Sob- I did not sob- waded do hurd sob- yuuu!“. Her clear voice suddenly became filled with sobs and even Argant began to feel pity.

(Argant) “Meh don't worry I have survived worse.“. Argant said while puffing up his chest, but in reality every second hurt like hell to him and he was reaching his breaking point.

Gotta endure. They could have killed me anytime. Even that little girl should be able to smash my head to a pulp. GOTTA ENDURE!

His willpower paid off as adrenaline rushed into his system and fend off the pain. But he knew he could only savor this victory for a short while.

(Argent) “Uhm... can you somehow heal my hand?“. Argent's voice was meek as he did not wanted to further offend his benefactors.

(Dariana) “YES certainly, I should at least be able to heal your bones and flesh.“. Dariana woke up from her daze and started to mumble a silent prayer-like chant.

White and lime green light pulsated around her hands and she slowly moved them to the unidentifiable clump of flesh she made out of Argant's hand. The tears welled up inside her once again as she thought about what she had done to a young boy and a cripple at that, even 'demons' couldn't fall that deep.

When the lights touched Argant's hand his body felt warm and his bones started to creak and reform. Suddenly his bones formed a skeletal hand and the loose flesh began to wrap around it like snakes.

(Dariana) “I just rearanged the bones so you need to let it heal right for at least three months or so, till then you must absolutely not try to grip anything with your left hand. Understood?“. Her voice was now as warm as it had been at the beginning.

(Argant) “Yes I understand and I am truly sorry for well... whwat I did to you flowers.“. Argant hung his head low and said apologeticaly.

Dariana only sighed but then waved him off, gesturing that it was allright.

(Argant) “You had questions, so what will it be?“

Darianas eyes lit up and she stared at Argant.

(Dariana) “Name?“, “Argant.“, “Age?“, “Eight, I think, maybe nine soon.“, “Ok. Birthplace?“, “Serrian empire, kingdom Riposte.“, “Serrian empire? I don't think any of the lands here are called as such. Where is the Serrian empire?“, “To the west.“, “Argant. Why are you lying? There is no such empire to the west.“.

Argant's mind clicked and he chuckled a bit.

“Sorry let me rephrase that. Human continent, Serrian Empire, Kingdom Riposte.“.

Dariana stared at Argant with disbelief and astonishment. Gazef might have called him human, but Dariana thought it might be some kind of human-like race like the bierrs or vampires. It was impossible for a human child to trespass into the 'Demon continents'.

“Are you telling the truth?“. Dariana eyed Argant carefully, observing each of his reactions.

“Yes I tell the truth, but no I do not know how I ended up here.“. He told the truth, even Dariana's guts told her as much but it was still unbelievable. A human child entered into a continent where even the mighty heroes perished. What sort of miracle was this?

One of the reasons why the 'Demons' did not invade the human continent was because they held no interest in doing so and because even for themselves the raod to the human continent would still be dangerous for them. Half of their people send to the human continent would perish, so why should they sacrifice their own people for a piece of land that was worse than their own?

“You don't know how you came here?“. Dariana began to frown. “No I don't know how I ended up in the demon continents. I just knew I died.“

“What you died?!“. Darianas gaze was filled with even more disbelief. Not only does this small child say that he travelled unbeknownst to himself to the Demon continents and now he even dared to tell her that he died. What sort of fantasy tale is that?

Argant noticed the look on Dariana's face a look that said: What the heck is he talking 'bout?! So he decided to describe his past two years to Dariana.

Over the course of his story Darianas face was completely pale, her ears hung low and her tail did not even move an inch. Disgust, hate, sadness all of these emotions combined into one created the ugly mask that Dariana was now showing.

Argant's tears started to peek out of his eyes through his narration but he kept them in check. After finishing he exhaled deeply and stared into Dariana's with shock wide open eyes.

(Argant) “THIS is my story.“. He did not spare any details, not how he ate his fathers genitals nor how the bandit leader raped him from day to day, leaving deep lacerations in his anal region. If this would be just a figment of his fantasy he would be considered a psycho. But Dariana could sense the grief and sincerity in Argant's voice.

An eight year old, burdened by murder, cannibalism and years of torture and rape. His childhood was even worse than that of kids in the deepest slums. They at least got killed quickly, but he had to endure.

Dariana's brain had to process this story at first, but only short moments later she pulled Argant into a deep bearhug.

(Dariana) “UHHHHHH I am so Sob- sorryyyy. We will Sob- be your fa-Sob-mily. I will -Sob protect you forever. UHHHHHHHHHHHH!“

Argant felt warm and safe in her embrace, her scent was intoxicating and calming for his irritated nerves. Her two giants mounds pressed against his tiny chest, there was of course no sexual arousal it was just the picture of a busty mother hugging her child. It was heartwarming.

His clothes were already drenched in snot and tears but he did not get angry. Her reaction has shown her sincerity towards his situation, she really was pained herself by what happened to him and this made it all the more heartwarming.

Roughly half an hour ahs passed and it was already midday before Dariana calmed herself down. Her eyes were completely red and face was covered in tears and snot.

Argant chuckled at this cute sight. She was an adult but a kid in the heart.

(Argant) “You should clean your face first Miss Dariana.“. Argant gave her a bright smile and both of them walked back into the house.

After refreshing herself Dariana looked at Argant.

(Dariana) “Mother...“. “Huh? What did you say Miss Dariana?“. “You have to call me mother from now on!“. Dariana puffed out her chest and her gaze told Argant there was no room for discussion.

Argant sighed again.

(Argant) “Of course mother.“. His voice was frail when he said he last part, it was so bizare calling another woman mother, but had a feeling he would spend a long time here.

Dariana nodded towards Argant and started to cook a fresh meal.

The whole scene was obsereved by little Maria, her brain unable to digest what had transpired.

Whaaaaa? Argant is my brother?!

Argant's body momentarily shuddered and he had a feeling that he created another misunderstanding.

But upon seeing his happy 'mother' cooking for him he could only repeatedly sigh and forget about his bad premonition. He was happy with his newfound family...

A truly hospitable family at that! Brutal but still nice!