Chapter One Fifty-Two Reinforcements and Conclusions

Come morning, Emily gathered her kids, loaded her cart, and headed out of town. She didn’t share what she had seen with Amber though. She wasn’t sure what Amber would say. Instead she focused on getting to Bordertown, she had to talk with her mother and Phillip. Both of them would know what to do, she just knew it.

Several figures saw her off, the Innkeeper, her daughter, Syra from the stables and even the shopkeeper Tsia, even if she’d only met the last during her shopping trip.

As the cart rumbled out of town, Tsia commented, “Shame she’s leaving with her kids, you’re losing your touch.”

The innkeeper sighed. “It’s not my fault, that damn Mapri Bee was with the girls constantly. I didn’t have time to do anything to prep them.”

Syra commented, “The mother was about. I know mages, especially alchemists, tend to be a bit more resistant, didn’t you try with her?”

She nodded, “I did, seemed to be making some progress. Didn’t she stare at your breasts when she saw you about the cart Srya?”

“Yup! Her eyes were always on them, I liked that.”

Tsia replied, “I put out my special sign for the kids and she didn’t even blink at it. I thought you were doing a good job, so what happened? Why didn’t she deliver herself to us for brainwashing where the bee wouldn’t notice?”

The innkeeper shrugged, “I don’t know, she just came back from her shopping, but rather than go back out like we planned her to, she took a nap. Which might have been fine if not for the bee girl being all over her.”

Tsia shrugged, “Well it’s not a big loss. Now, why don’t we discuss moving back to a more normal collections schedule? We don’t have any outsiders that might notice, so we can work in the day again.”

The Innkeeper giggled, “I don’t know, I kinda like getting some. Can’t we ask for a better road? Might bring more traffic.”

“We could.”

________

Milith smiled to herself as she left the basement of the inn. The horrible Qayan nursery had been ripped out, and in its place she’d put together a bunch of growth pods. Whoever had given her this gift, she really had to thank them. They’d saved her a lot of time and effort. Now in a few days she’d have her army, one she was going to need. During the night, she’d sent out her stellar fly, along with a number of new ones. All of them sent to investigate where the lightning had been falling, what she found was going to require an army.

It was a city, completely overrun with Abyssals, multiple species just walking out in the open, while the humans, elves and beastkin in town just walked around naked. Even monsters just freely wandered the streets and no one batted an eye.

Loud footsteps drew her attention, she turned to see a familiar pregnant woman running up to her, “Didn’t I say you should rest? You are about ready to pop.”

“I can do that standing, Lady Milith, but something more urgent came up. Church Knights are approaching the town, a lot of them.”

“Right, Right, Arrieta said something about the church also being interested in this. I’m sure they won’t mind me having already cleaned this up. I do have something else for them to help with.”

The pregnant girl, Caeri, as she’d learned, turned a little red, “I don’t know about that, the church... can be a little... well ill mannered. Especially when women are involved.”

Milith sighed, “Really? Well I better see them regardless. Lead the way.”

A few minutes later, she was on the edge of town, where several important looking knights were milling about. One of them, an older man with hair that was starting to pepper and scars on his face noted her approach, “Finally, you damn Abyssals don’t have any manners. Be more prompt, next time.”

She gave him a look, “Do I look like a creature of the Abyss!?”

“Surely not, but why would a parasite look like anything other than a normal woman? I’m sure the men would love enjoying your body.”

She groaned, what was with this man? “I’m afraid you are rather mistaken, I’ve already cleared out the parasites.”

He chuckled, “Good joke, now the church is willing to overlook your little enclave here, but we have some conditions if you catch my drift.”

“Do you have a brain? Do I need to check the contents of your skull?” replied Milith feeling very irritated with this man.”

The man glared at her and drew his sword, “Guess I need to make a few examples.”

His sword went right through her neck, she didn’t even bother to block it, mundane steel couldn’t hurt her. Not even blood sprayed as her flesh just shifted out of the way and back into place. “Are you done? Is it my turn?”

He just stared at her neck, “What trickery is this!?

She morphed her left foot back into its natural state, and flexed her sharp talons, “Trickery? You are the one who came here presuming I am one thing, when I am in fact another. Don’t blame me for not doing your research.”

His sword flashed, but not one strike drew blood. She yawned, then kicked out, her talons a blur. The man’s armor disintegrated revealing a surprisingly nice body beneath. He had impressive muscles and a solid figure, along with a pretty good package, “I’m amazed, with a body like that, why do you need to threaten poor girls? Surely they line up to flirt with you.”

He glared at her, “YOU DAMN WITCH! Aurous shall smite you where you stand for making a mockery of HIS...”

She interrupted him with a chuckle, “I don’t fear puny gods, now be a good boy and sit. We have things to talk about, or do I have to use a little more force?”

“Boys time to raze this town, and make a few examples! For Aurous!”

She sighed, “Fine, I guess we fight.” Milith promptly reduced him to ash, and stretched her wings.

Arrows flew towards her and the townsfolk as soldiers drew their swords. With a thought she sent the arrows back towards the attackers, as holy mages started to chant their spells.

Milith took a breath, as she flew into the air, then let it out. Burning plasma rained down on the soldiers as she flew over them, not even screams filled the air as they were reduced to nothing, not even ashes remained to mark their passing.

Someone shouted, “By the gods! She’s a dragon!!

Milith noted that person down but didn’t stop. The church soldiers were still attacking, so she was going to return the favor.

Emily stretched, then looked around. The cart was still rumbling on the road, but light was streaming in. To make better time, she’d set up a rotation with Amber. Her girls were both sound asleep right next to her. For a moment she watched them sleep, they were so cute tangled together under a shared blanket. A blanket that had fallen out of place over the night, exposing bare flesh and underwear to the air.

She barely blinked at the sight, and casually straightened out their blanket and tucked the two girls back in. No need to wake them up just yet, she’d rather let them sleep. Made it easier on the both of them, and with that thought she found herself rather grateful Amber had tagged along. It made this trip so much easier.

Voices upfront drew her attention, and she crawled towards the driver’s couch. Where she found Amber talking to a guard having brought the cart to a halt at a checkpoint.

He turned to her with a friendly smile, “Morning miss?”

“Emily Greybeard.”

“Ah Miss Greybeard, the Guild Mistress told me to expect you soon,” he gestured to Amber, “this your monster?”

“Um, yes, and uh, what do you mean Guild Mistress? Don’t you mean Master? Phillip told me...”

He chuckled, “Oh I see, you’ll, um, find out. I’ll let uh Phillip tell you about that. “

“Um, sure, is he at the guild?”

“Nah, Mistress Misaki has been taking care of that lately. If you’d like, I can take you to their home?”

Emily blinked, “Their home? I guess Phillip finally found someone. I just have to meet whatever girl managed to pin him down.” Then she let out a breath, “Well lead the way.” she put a hand on Amber, “And you can take a nap.”

Amber was looking pretty drained, so she just nodded and crawled into the back. Emily watched her naked rear for a moment before taking the reins. The guard politely led her through the streets to a nice quiet neighborhood. Her eyes were drawn to a lovely two-story manor at the top of a hill. It was larger and nicer than many of the other homes, solid grey stones, pale blue walls, red trim and a solid wooden door.

The wagon came to a stop in front, the guard came closer and glanced towards the back, “I can watch your monster and daughters for a moment. I’d imagine you have a bit to talk about, and little ones need their sleep.”

“Thank you!” She gave him a silver, “A token of my thanks.”

“It’s not needed, your smile is enough, but I’ll put it to good use.”

She hopped off the seat, and gave him a smile, she liked him. Emily headed for the door, taking only a moment to adjust her dress, idly noting she’d forgotten her panties. That was fine... probably. Reaching the door, she knocked several times with strong hits. The door resounded loudly with each strike.

After her third hit, she waited, but it wasn’t very long before the door slid open. A familiar figure stood there. A young-looking woman about the same height as her, with a youthful face framed by long steel-grey hair. Her large eyes were a lovely shade of green with a depth of wisdom. She was dressed in a thin silver dress that made it obvious she wasn’t wearing a bra, the little points of her nipples poking through. Emily smiled, it was her mother Pafi Greybeard, “Been awhile Mother, is Phillip home? I have something to discuss with the both of you.”

“Oh, she is home, but there are a few things we should talk about.”

“She!?”

Pafi pulled her in, and after noting the guard closed the door, “Megan and Celine are sleeping I take it?”

“Um, they are, what do you mean she?”

Pafi guided her to a chair, “Sit down first.”

Emily sat, “So?”

Pafi let out a breath, and sat down herself, “Well, long story short, your brother was a victim to one of Tina the Dark Goddess of Mischief’s pranks. She turned him into a girl, and not long after he, now she, had a whirlwind encounter with a nice demon girl.”

“Let me guess, a Mistress Misaki?”

“I see you heard of her,” replied Pafi with a smile. “Someone tell you she’s been managing the guild?”

“They didn’t say much on why though.”

“Well Phyllis isn’t taking Kael’s death very well, but I don’t blame her. She was a boy not too long ago and on top of that she is pregnant. I’m sure you recall how you were when...”

“Pregnant!?” Emily gave her mother another look, eyes wide as she tried to digest that. The new name wasn’t that different, so that was easy to take in.

“Yup, you’re going to have a lovely little niece soon.”

“I... um well...”

Pafi giggled, “Take your time on that, now you had something to talk about. What’s new on your end, and who’s your new man?”

She blushed, “I don’t have a new man!”

“Oh it's a girl?”

“WHO SAID I WAS DATING?”

“You did!” replied Pafi with a smile, “I know my daughter, and you came in without panties.”

She groaned, “Mom!”

“So who is she?”

Emily deflated, “I picked up an interesting bee girl, her name is Amber. She’s been flirting with me, but, um, well... she’s a bit of a kid herself.”

Pafi grinned, “Glad to see you are moving on. I’d like to meet her.”

“Can we talk about something else, please?”

“Sure, anything else you have to talk about?”

Emily nodded, “Not the most pleasant thing, but my trip had some detours,” she began before launching into a tale of what she’d found at that odd town she’d visited.

Pafi was silent for a moment before saying, “It's a farm.”

“Huh? A Farm? Surely it’s a nest!”

“No, Farm, the tentacle women were likely monsters. Trust me, I used to help your father. Few men, and children not being watched, but no actual Abyssals in sight? It’s a farm, some Abyssals turn towns into farms. These breeding farms are all about the children. That school is pretty Abyssal too.”

“I found it kind of odd, that School Apothecary was a scene out of a nightmare.”

Pafi nodded, “So it was, and I can’t really help you on what they were doing there. Cutting four-year-olds up like that? It could be for any number of reasons.”

“Surely the strange black flesh...”

“Oh that stuff is peculiar, but I’m not familiar with whatever Abyssal uses it.”

Another thought struck her, “You know, for a breeding farm, I would think I might have seen more babies, but I didn’t see one.”

Pafi sighed, “The lack of babies is a sign that we are dealing with the kind that prefers centralized nurseries. My guess? As soon as the baby is born, he or she is taken out of town to the nest. Given that you didn’t see any young boys, they must be reintroducing some of the female kids to the town later.”

“Some? Not all?”

“These kinds of Abyssal never give them all back and just because they gave the kid back doesn’t mean she will stay either. They are not above abducting the kid again, and the second time usually means their mother won’t see her again.”

Emily grimaced, “Is that what was going on with those weird tube things?”

“Sure sounded like it, those were abductions.”

“Um, any idea what would happen to the kids when they get to the nest?”

“Depends on the Abyssal, a Maneater will torture and eat them, an Atarli would harvest their brains, and Amesis will make them pets in training, a Qilva will harvest them for parts, and a Lykeri? Well, the Lykeri would pop their heads off and torture them, before selling their mutilated bodies back to the town, sans head, as slaves. I can already tell you that none of the above are involved.”

“So all those clues, and you can’t tell me anything?” She let out a breath, “and here I thought I had enough information.”

“You do in theory. I’m sure Kael would have known the Abyssal who set up this farm.”

She shrank a little more, “Um, did I do the right thing? Those kids?”

Pafi moved so fast, she barely blinked before she found herself in a hug, “It’s okay, you did the right thing, trying to help them yourself would have helped no one.”

“But those kids, and those poor mothers.” her mind flashed to the pregnant girls, sinking into the flesh leaving only their exposed wombs, “And those unborn babies!”

“Have a chance now, if you’d tried to rescue them yourself what would have happened?”

‘I!.. I uh... well, um...”

“You’d almost certainly been caught, and brainwashed, then Megan and Celine would have joined the kids and the town would have marched on under the rule of some uncaring fiend from the Abyss. Instead, you came here and told me, now they have a chance.”

“I guess.”

“Oh they will, and you’ll be there to help treat the victims.”

“Right, any idea what the exposed wombs were about?”

Pafi shrugged, “Hard to say, but from the sound of it they were taking something out of the womb and putting something in. I also can’t rule out that something was being done to the mothers, in fact, I’d be surprised if something wasn’t being done to them. Knowing Abyssal tendencies, however, I imagine it wasn’t anything good. For now however, you should say hello to Phyllis and we need to move your daughters into the house. Don’t worry about that farm, I’ll take care of it.”

“Um, alright.” Then she frowned, “but, um, mind if I ask how?”

“Well that is fair, I can’t ask your father anymore, but I do have a few friends among the Abyss Hunters, including an old rival, her name’s Tetra, but I think you might know her as Tetra the Blooming Flower.”

“I have, isn’t she a big-time nature mage and a priestess of Xeria, right?”

“Yup, that’s her. Knowing her, she could be here in a day to discuss things. Assuming she isn’t busy dealing with some other creature of the Abyss.”

Before she could say more, she heard footsteps, and a small girl came into the room. It was almost like looking in the mirror, if not for a few minor details she’d have thought the other girl was her twin or something. The other girl had light purple hair cascading down her back, and bright green eyes, a lot like Mom’s, unlike Emily who had Dad’s blue eyes. However what Emily really noted was how the other girl’s modest breasts were easily a full size larger than her own.

Then she blinked as she took in the outfit, did a succubus dress her? She was wearing translucent panties that clung tightly to her slim pussy. Hanging from her hips was a split demon silk skirt that ended just past her knees, yet did nothing to hide her front. Her swollen pregnant belly wasn’t covered at all, while up top she was wearing a silk half bra that only covered the lower half of her boobs, her delicate nipples were fully exposed and looked a little puffy. On the top of her head, she wore a little tiara. Emily felt her own pussy twitch. This was her brother turned sister! She turned red.

After a moment she spoke up, “Phyllis! What the fuck are you wearing!?”

Phyllis blinked then after a moment looked down, and then blinked again, before just walking to the sofa. She dropped heavily into it. Leaving Emily to just watch her for a moment, where she started noting how puffy her eyes were. Had she been crying?

Phyllis took a breath, then spoke, “Um, hey Emily.”

Emily looked to Mom, “Um, is she alright?”

“No, I told you, she’s a pregnant hormonal mess who just lost her father.” replied Pafi in a low voice.

“Uh, right.” she replied, “So, um, why is she wearing that?”

Pafi shrugged, somehow Mom not knowing either made her feel better.