Adventure of Rekka Ch. 08

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"So, wasn't that fun," Bill drawled while rubbing at his neck.

Rekka was sitting in his lap, face pressed into his shirt, incredibly upset about him once again being hurt. At least she didn't seem to blame the poor woman. No one could after seeing how much pain she had been in. Rekka was simply glad he was all right besides an ugly purple bruise. Bill figured Helena would try to heal him as soon as she woke up, but he had no intention of stressing her. Obviously healing took a bit out of her and he would be fine in no time.

"No! It was'n fun! You got hurt again, I hate this!" Rekka moaned, reaching up to caress his neck.

The others shared a look of shock, never having seen Rekka acting like this. Bill just rubbed her back and smiled at them, letting them know everything would be ok.

"Don't worry, beautiful, I'm just fine. I was mostly just shook. Either it was adrenaline fueled strength or that lady is a powerhouse. I'm just glad she picked me to throttle, pretty sure Felix wouldn't have walked away from that one," Bill said, shaking his head.

Felix's eyes grew large at that where he sat against a log cradling a sleeping Helena in his lap. The woman half, anyway. When Tabitha had carried her out of the tent, she'd woken momentarily and reached out to him groggily. He now sat very still not wanting to wake her, only holding her hand in his and brushing the other through her hair.

Speaking quietly he said, "I hadn't thought of that.. Though, I'm certainly glad you're fairly unharmed." Looking nervous, he asked, "Bill, why exactly are you so strong? Did you.. Has she.." He trailed off, looking uncomfortable and eyeing Rekka.

Bill shared a look with Larry for a moment, curious.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? I was stronger as soon as I showed up in this world. Not sure how, honestly. Larry missed out when they were handing out super powers, poor bastard," Bill flashing a grin at him. Then he looked at Felix and asked, "What's Rekka got to do with that?"

Rekka turned her head to glare at Felix then, causing him to stutter, "Uh, um.. Nothing. I'd simply heard.. No, I must have been mistaken." He blushed, looking away from Rekka.

Rekka and Tabitha shared a look, Tabitha blushing and lowering her eyes, avoiding Larry's as he craned his neck up at her while he sat in her lap.

"Rekka..," Bill said, trying to get her to explain.

Rekka sighed, pushing her face back into his chest as he scratched at her ears. Finally, she spoke, "It's more stupid stuff, but I'll tell ya.. it's part of that dumb spell the Demon Lord cast, an' you know how that worked out.."

"Wait, what? Demon Lord? Spell?" Larry asked, turning back to look at Rekka. She took a moment to tell him the same story she'd already told Bill. When she got to the hero failing to kill the Demon Lord, Felix's head whipped up.

"Titus Manlius Secundus.." He hissed, in the same way a West Point officer might snarl out Benedict Arnold.

"Manlius? Jesus, you people.." Larry snickered.

"You'll get used to it," Bill said, chuckling.

Rekka finished her history lesson, Larry growing more restless as she revealed how the mamono came to be. Finally he broke in, "Wait, what? Your people were.. Like, real mon.. Ugh. Your ancestors were ..real hounds? And she just.. Just turned them into, y'know, people? What the fuck? Even the males got turned into women? That's.. Goddamn, does no one in this world know about consent?"

"Well, she's a succubus. An' the Demon Lord. She does what she wants," Rekka stated, shrugging. Larry was holding Tabitha's tail and staring down at it with an unreadable expression. Finally he just sighed and continued stroking it.

Suddenly Larry whipped his head straight at Bill, his expression panicked. "Wait, wait, wait! I'm going to be a father?" he demanded. Tabitha immediately tensed, her usual mask of calm disappearing as she looked down at Larry, replaced by worry.

"Probably. I'm looking forward to it, personally. If she's as cute as Rekka I'll probably die of happiness," Bill quipped, now tickling Rekka, making her squirm and laugh.

"Well.. well shit. Fuck!" Larry glared at Bill for a moment. Then he craned his head to look up at Tabby. They gazed into each other's eyes for a few moments. Larry broke the silence, looking back at Bill. "Well, goddamn. I can't leave now.. I'm not a complete bastard," he said, sighing and leaning his head back into his wife. Her diesel truck purr kicked into overdrive as she hugged him tighter, causing Larry to squeak slightly as she compressed him.

"So what other surprises do I have in store, Rekka?" he asked, slightly winded.

"Well, it's not always the same.. but with, y'know, hellhounds and prob'ly jinko you'll get stronger an' last longer matin'. Usually live longer, too," she said with a shrug.

Bill and Larry shared a look before Larry burst out, "Fuck yeah! Finally some good news! When do I get the super strength? I need it!"

"Ahdunno! Takes a while, though. You'll jus' have to keep fuck'n," Rekka said, breaking into a smile. Amazingly, Tabitha shared one with her. It was one of the first she'd given to anyone but Larry. Most men didn't take any news well when it came to mamono changes, and they were thrilled their husbands were so unexpectedly positive to learn of them.

"Don't know why you were so worried to explain that to us, I'm totally up for some of that," Bill said. He and Larry grinned at each other like Christmas came early.

Felix broke back into the conversation, "Um, just out of curiosity, what might happen.. Well, no reason, but how would a unicorn affect her.. lover?" He was bright red and failing to sound as casual as he wished.

"Not that you're going to find out anytime soon, lover boy, but I doubt you'll get any stronger. Hell, maybe you'll grow a horn," Bill answered, rubbing his chin.

"Nah, I bet you jus' get healthier. Maybe heal faster? Probably won't get sick," Rekka guessed.

Felix relaxed, looking thoughtful.

"Gonna get you a goddamn chastity belt," Bill muttered, not wanting to lose his cleric any time soon. Then he asked, "So, shit. I'm going to get even stronger? And hell, I already take care of the bedroom antics just fine. Living longer would be nice, though."

"I dunno. You're jus' weird. No man's ever been as strong as you, far as I know. You could last longer, though. That'll be nice," Rekka responded, leering at him.

"Woman, you'll be the death of me," Bill deadpanned.

The party's spirits were raised and they lapsed into an animated conversation concerning mamono changes and the possibility of children. Bill was enjoying himself immensely when he noticed the change of atmosphere of the orc camp around them.

"Don't look now, but the natives are growing restless," he said, his voice cast low.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell ya," Rekka said, staring boldly at the nearest group of orcs. Their morale seemed to have been raised, and they were looking over the men with a lot more interest. A few of them were even holding their weapons while they undressed them with their eyes..

"The girl in the tent's a high orc," Rekka continued, not terribly concerned, "They get all skittish when their leader's down, and ain't much of a threat without one. They'll be gettin' their nerve back now that they know she's ok, though."

"Great, what do you think they'll do now? They're not gonna forget we're the reason she's not dead, right?" Bill asked, looking at his sword lying out of reach, and wondering if it would be a smart idea to strap it back on.

"Maybe, like I said they ain't too bright," Rekka replied, now grinning confidently back at the orcs, making a show of spreading her claws to lick at her paw as though she was simply cleaning herself. Her hellfire flared out, as it usually did when things were getting interesting. "We'll prob'ly haveta beat some sense into em, an' they'll be less likely to back off even if we down a few."

"Well hell, whatever happens make sure they don't get to Felix. Tabitha and I will have to do the heavy lifting this time. Fire that stupid gun in the air if they get to close to you, Larry. I really don't want to have to kill anyone today," Bill said, not liking the situation one bit.

"Don't worry, even all worked up they're no match for us," Rekka said, the hellfire in her eyes flaring out.

It seemed the orcs weren't as stupid as they looked, and they began to get the hint the party wasn't about to roll over for them. The closest group sat back down and began talking animatedly amongst themselves again, shooting glances their way now and then.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Rekka taunted, smirking right back. She turned back to Bill and said, "They don't have their leader backing them up, so they're still not ready to fight. If she's in a mood we'll have to beat her up first. Shouldn't be hard, she'll be all weak from the healin'."

"She'd better be damned grateful for being alive, I need these orcs for the next step of the plan," Bill grumped.

"Try not to get 'stracted by that smell, neither. It's botherin' me too but I ain't lettin' my guard down with these piggy's lookin for a fight, neither," Rekka explained, "High orcs got a smell to em, makes ya all horny, and makes the regular orcs all brave."

"That's what that was in the tent, then. I was meaning to ask you about it," Bill said, rubbing his chin. "Ain't affecting me, far as I can tell. Though I'm always a little horny when you're around." With that he scratched at the patch of fur above her tail.

"Mmm.. Don't start that now, I needa be ready to fight," Rekka breathed, her eyes lidded with lust for a moment.

"Damn. That makes sense. Wasn't sure why Mr. Happy was coming out to play, not after the last few nights with Tabby. He's worn the hell out, I can tell you that," Larry said, patting Tabitha on the thigh. Her purr was hitching a bit as she shook with silent laughter, her tail twitching in his hand.

Bill couldn't help noticing that Larry kept his hand on her thigh, starting to caress her softly. He figured Larry might still be feeling the effects. While Larry and Tabitha spent most of their time in close proximity, they seldom initiated public displays of affection far beyond hugs and hand holding. A far cry from he and Rekka's own constant game of sexual chicken.

"Um.. I know what you mean ba-back in the tent, but I don't feel any different now," Felix broke in, uncomfortable.

Bill nodded, "Yeah, I saw Helena's horn was glowing a bit when we entered the tent, think she's got some way of blocking it. Probably working on you since you're holding onto her."

"Oh. Okay, that's very nice to know," Felix responded, looking at Helena's horn, but unable to make out any glow in the sunlight.

"Yeah, keep holding her hand, God help us if you two start getting worked up," Bill said, shaking his head.

Felix blushed again, his hand shaking a bit as he ran his fingers through Helena's hair.

"Still doesn't answer why you're not 'worked up'. Super strength come with super willpower?" Larry snarked, now lounging in Tabitha's lap, one of her great paws rubbing lightly at his chest.

"Hell, probably. I really don't know what my deal is. Think whatever Merlin type brought me here wants me running around free, and not stuck in a bed making the beast with two backs," Bill joked, shrugging a shoulder.

"Dammit, your Merlin is so much cooler than mine," Larry sighed.

"Yep, never cheap out on your wizards, always go for the one with the biggest, pointiest hat. Shit better have at least 3 stars on it, with sequins," Bill quipped, "Sounds like you went with the Gandalf package. It's a red flag when your wizard uses a sword more than a wand, y'know."

Larry rolled his eyes and flipped him off. "Wish Helena was awake, I'd really like to know when the chief is going to wake up," he said, looking around at all the orcs that seemed to be slowly edging a bit closer to the party.

"Shit, might sleep for a week with those injuries," Bill said, once again tempting fate.

The party looked up as one when the tent flap was flung back, watching as the tall woman holding onto a thick iron bar ducked through. Her skin was chocolate brown, her hair white, wild, and long. Unlike the other orcs her ears weren't floppy and stuck out of her hair, covered in contrasting short brown fur. She was curvy much like the other orcs, but taller, more athletic. Her yellow eyes looked about with cunning, a spark of intelligence the other orcs seemed to lack.

She straightened up, looking over the other orcs before whipping her arm forward revealing an absolutely monstrous warhammer. It looked like someone had pounded an entire anvil into the shape of a crude boar's head, tusks and all. Must have weighed eight hundred pounds if it was an ounce. One handed she raised the hammer over her head and roared.

"RRAAAAAAAAAH!"

As one the entire platoon of orcs answered her, jumping and oinking their joy.

Bill had gently slid Rekka off his lap at this point and now stood on the log he'd been using as a backrest. The high orc whipped her head over at him and a wide grin spread on her face.

Before anyone could react Bill raised his arms over his head and screamed back.

"WAAAAAAAAAGH!"

There was dead silence for a few heartbeats before the clan of orcs rather enthusiastically answered him in kind.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

Bill laughed and whooped, jumping down from the log to grin like a madman at the party.

"Man have I always wanted to do that," he laughed, pleased as could be.

"Great, now you've done it," Larry said, shaking his head. He was fairly certain Bill had started something that would change the battlecry of orcs everywhere.

"Fuck it, I wasn't missing that opportunity. They'll probably turn green now, just you watch," Bill replied, nodding at Rekka.

The pair headed over to the chief, Bill pushing aside any orc that stood in their way. He was rougher than he cared for, but wanted to make a good impression. The orcs were more surprised than offended, no man had managed to move them so easily before. Rekka strutted next to him staring down any orc that looked her way, the fire in her eyes flared and trailing along behind her.

As they drew closer Bill noticed the boar woman was sweating and her arm shook slightly as she held the hammer over her head. Still, she grinned triumphantly at them, her eyes shining with confidence.

Bill stopped directly in front of her, a polite smile on his face. Finally she lowered the hammer, letting it drop into her other hand as she held it in front of her, saying nothing.

"Nice hammer, mind if I see it?" Bill asked, holding out his hands. The orc laughed, looking at Rekka for a moment. "It's his funeral," she spoke, seeing what his wife thought about it. Her voice was husky, and sexy as all hell. Sounded to Bill like he figured some amazonian queen would.

Rekka gave a bored sigh, waving with her paw in the affirmative. Completely hamming it up for effect. The orc grinned viciously and tossed the hammer to Bill immediately.

He caught it with both hands, only a slight grunt of effort coming from him. As the high orc's jaw dropped he spun it in his hands like he was admiring a golf club, the head of the hammer flipping up so he could better see the boar's face. He mumbled interested sounds as he looked it over.

Outwardly calm, inside his tendons and muscles screamed bloody murder. He was certain one of his vertebrae had just exploded. He hoped blood wasn't leaking from his ears, ruining the effect. He may have been too conservative when guessing the hammers weight.

Finishing his inspection he tossed it back to the woman, who caught it with surprised grunt, taking an involuntary step back.

"Not bad, bit light though," Bill proclaimed.

He was pretty sure both arms were dislocated, and his knees had been friction welded into place. He wondered if he'd lost a couple inches of height from his spine being compressed. The high orc stared at him like he'd grown another head before snapping back into her confident grin, though it looked more like a rictus now.

"Yes, I'll have to get a new one soon," she replied, swinging it up onto her shoulder. She stared them down for a few moments, then scanned around at the other orcs. They looked a bit uncertain, gripping their weapons and shuffling their feet.

"Tonight we celebrate! Give welcome to our new guests!" she cried, raising her free arm in triumph.

The orcs went wild, cheering and dancing about. He thought it looked like the end of Return of the Jedi, if the Ewoks were bombshell babes in strips of leather armor. He just knew it would have improved the movie immensely.

Covered by the celebrating orcs she spoke quietly to them, "Let's speak inside," and ducked back into the tent. They watched her slim curled tail with a tuft of white hair at the end disappear inside.

Bill held the tent flap open subserviently for Rekka, bowing his head. He knew the orcs were watching, and wanted them to respect her completely. "After you, my beloved wife," he said, smiling slightly at her.

"Ooh, now this is nice. Finally actin' right, husband!" she said, her voice pitched low so the orcs wouldn't overhear. She strutted into the tent like she owned the place and planned to redecorate.

Bill looked over at Larry for a moment, before pointing at his eyes and then directly at Felix, his meaning clear. Larry smirked drunkenly, jerking his thumb back at Tabitha. Bill returned an uneasy thumbs up, he figured the tiger lady could turn this place into pork chops whenever she wanted. He just hoped she was handling the high orcs lust musk better, the smell of bacon had increased since she'd made her appearance.

He followed Rekka in, hoping nobody noticed his wince and sharp intake of breath as he straightened up.

Inside the mood was vastly different. The high orc's shoulders slumped and she let the hammer drop with enough force to make loose objects jump, leaving it where it fell. She stumbled to her cot and sat down, holding her head in her hands for a few moments as she breathed in deeply. Finally she looked up at them.

"How in the hells did you manage that, damn you?" her voice was no longer husky. She sounded like a lost young woman then.

Bill didn't answer, he just groaned as he fell face first onto a carpet, no ability to raise his arms and cushion his fall. With limbs splayed he lay there, his head facing Rekka. She'd sat down on a booty laden chest, admiring a large gold chain for a moment before dropping it back onto a pile of similar jewelry.

"God I hope Helena wakes up soon. I think I'm dying," he whined.

Rekka threw back her head and laughed.

"Don't show off so much then. Shoulda lifted with your legs, not yer back!" she reprimanded him. Seemed when the only one involved in him being injured was his own stupidity her protective instincts weren't roused.

"I knew it! Damn you, my girls are going to worship the two of you now," the woman said, flopping onto her back. She picked up the stuffed boar and held it to her chest, staring into its sole button eye.

"Hey, you were showing off too. No way you're at one hundred percent after that kind of injury. Helena said it would be a while, and she knows her stuff," Bill said, sounding a bit muffled as he lay on his cheek unmoving.

"Maybe a little," she said, a slight smile growing on her face. "You two must have been together a while for you to even attempt that little stunt," she said, looking at Rekka.

"Yeah. Round two weeks? Maybe less? A joy every second of it," Bill responded, still on the floor, still facing Rekka. He didn't think he was able to turn his neck to look at their host. Rekka nodded, smiling happily at him.

"What? How?" the woman gasped, her eyes wide, sitting back up. Bill couldn't see it, but he could hear the disbelief in her voice.