Back to Jackal POV.
The office door creaked open, and I just lazily swiveled my head towards the general direction, having stood guard here for an entire day already. Or at least half of that!
I was bored, and it sucks that I couldn't just go wandering around on my own. "Oh people might freak out and think you're a monster that had somehow gone past the barricades." Sounds like a fat load of their problem. Not mine.
All the boredom disappeared however, when I saw who it was. Halbert, in his hero costume, followed by Flaze in a designer dress and looking positively beaming. Seemed like she'd gotten a chance to freshen up, which I still could not do. Being stuck here, and all.
"Hey Jackal!" She smiled at me, and came closer, only to retract her hand at the end, flinching away and covering her nose with both hands. "Ugh. I mean, weird question, friend, but when was the last time you took a bath?"
I would if I could! I'm stuck here! I neighed, and she ran away as if my breath and spittle were acid.
"You've really let yourself go! Halbert, he needs an intervention."
He smiled. "Yes, I agree. For the good of the people, and to maintain public order. I would need you to come with me, Jackal." And then he tried to tackle me, before flinching away at the last second, staggering. "Holy! Is this what you had to deal with, Flaze? Even I might falter, against such an adversary…"
"Unfortunately. Jackal's always been a slob like that."
"Yeah… like that one time–"
Halbert couldn't finish his sentence because I pounced on him instead. I chased around my two friends around the office as they desperately tried to stay clean. My neighs resounded along with their laughter, nearly as loud as the sound of furniture falling over.
"What's going on here!?" The guards eventually streamed in, having heard the ruckus from outside, because of course they did. The door to Briella's actual true office also swung open, and Darci stormed out.
"What the… what the fuck are you all doing!??"
Flaze straightened with a wry smile at the chastisement, and I pointed at the both of them to say that was all their fault, because it certainly wasn't mine. Halbert was the only one with the decency to actually look ashamed.
Briella on the other hand had followed behind her assistant, and was howling with laughter. Her eyes were still puffy, from all the crying, but I was happy to see her mind off the grief, for at least a moment.
"And you–!" Darci whirled around on her, and hesitated for a moment. But she settled for acting like normal in the end. "Don't… don't encourage them!!"
"Wooo! Go Jackal!" Briella did the opposite. "Catch them! Catch them all!"
Roger! I saluted with my hoof, and resumed the chase, wrecking the fake office in the process. The guards were at a loss for what to do, seeing as I was only doing as their great overlord commanded.
Eventually, we stopped, myself having tagged both Flaze and Halbert multiple times. Except the latter cheated by transforming, leaving her normal form pristine, and only the shield of her knight form dirtied.
We were sat down, kneeling, at the end, Briella included. Darci lectured us all on proper conduct and other bullshit, to which we only laughed along, acting for all the world like we were a bunch of snot-nosed brats who were caught cheating on an exam.
It was fun, to return to far simpler times, if only for a little while.
~~~
I want those simpler times back!
"Come on, Jackal! We're trying to make you presentable!"
To get people used to the idea of friendly sapient monsters, Briella had come up with a whole ass event centered around me and my horseness. I was groomed and bathed, and that part was all fun. I didn't know how nice it truly felt, to be clean as a horse, my pristine furs catching the wind, with a mane that soared freely and wonderfully. I loved that. But then Orlean came back with a whole ass Exo-Suit, looking for all the world like a robot. That part was also very cool, and I had so many questions, but then she started wanting to dress me up, overjoyed to get a chance to show off her other crafts that just haven't been too relevant since the apocalypse started. Like making costumes.
It… started out fun, I'll admit. I'll also admit that both the middle and the end was fun. There was never a boring moment, that was for sure.
I tried on different suits and dresses, T-shirts and other casual stuff. The hilarity of a horse in clothes aside, I actually enjoyed dressing up and exploring horse fashion. We did all this in Briella's newly restored fake office, now with a more fantastical futuristic look thanks to Orlean's new additions. It could also fry and slaughter.anyone inside, should that ever be necessary. Regardless, the main point was that we did all this in the place where plenty of people come by to give all the formal reports and addresses. Flaze and Halbert were present too, in order to 'help out.' In practice it was just us hanging out and it was so much fun.
I still have my favorite moments, saved in my head. Like this guy named Gerald who just ignored everything, without even a twitch. Saxah, an archer, who burst out laughing because I was wearing a bikini.
There was Darci, who kept telling us to stop, but to no avail. And Briella, who explained to her how this was a good thing, to further humanize me in the eyes of the people. She made such a compelling argument about how this was a good start to spread the word, that Darci actually backed down.
Jalley joined in on the fun many times, until she had to be dragged away by Arnold who was no fun. I hit it off with a guy named Hipper, who owned a yacht, and wanted to be a pirate. I supported his quest for the One Piece.
All the fun shit aside, however, it had been nearly a whole week of this, and now Orlean had brought a jester suit, and a horse mask. She wanted to put a horse mask, on me, who was a horse.
I allowed her, after only a few protests.
I actually found it funny.
How she killed and stuffed my brethren.
Behold! I reared up. I, a horse, have transformed into a horse.
"Wow." Flaze clapped.
Halbert grasped his heart in shock.
Orlean poked me in the snout.
Stop that! I snapped and she ran away. The Level 100+ was very clearly afraid of my horsely prowess.
Briella made fireworks rain indoors.
The Guard that had come to report about the status on The Wall looked bewildered.
All in all, we spent the week just having a whole load of fun.
Hang on, wasn't there supposed to be some other point to all this…?
~~~
The event itself… was still very fun, overall.
Other people might have been nervous, the guards were still a little bit tense around me, but I was always a performer. Stage fright was not my color.
Orlean, Halbert, Flaze, Briella, and I all walked beside each other, heading up to the stage, a raised platform in the former university courtyard. It was a very large park that was able to hold pretty much the entire population we were currently working with. Not that everyone showed up, for there was still work to be done, defenses to be manned, and places to be watched. Oh how vexed they must feel, to miss my glorious debut.
We finally made it to the stage, and people immediately began murmuring at my appearance. Not that they weren't already talking amongst each beforehand, but my majesty certainly demanded attention.
In the end, for my attire, we settled for a simple crown, and a jacket with wild monochromatic patterns to complement my coloration. The original idea was a collar, to indicate that I was a safe monster to be around, but that one I vehemently refused, for I did not wish to give people the idea that they could just treat me as a pet. It was one thing to joke about that among friends, but I'll not allow myself to be debased like such. I even argued about how that would set a terrible precedent, and for once I truly believed in that. I found within myself that I did not wish for that to happen.
Not that I've been very moral since the apocalypse started… or even before that really, but if we're rebuilding society, then I'd rather it be at the very least better than what came before. I had full trust in Briella to pull it off, much as the woman herself hated it. I didn't mind helping her achieve the best she could, as the new World Leader.
Although we were probably getting way too ahead of ourselves.
The event itself commenced with a speech from Briella. She looked stunning, positively glowing, all the marks of her stress and exhaustion gone. That was her illusion at work, and it was certainly very convincing. It also meant that my friend could more easily ignore proper hygiene, and she needed an intervention every so often to actually take care of herself, instead of just making her body appear as if nothing at all was amiss.
I did not envy her responsibilities.
She first talked about the establishment of a symbol, for their budding nation, or state… Okay, maybe a city, a town?
"We are the people of Friendom, the place for Humans and anyone else who would wish to be our friend. And this is the crest of our Nation!"
Ah. So it is a Nation. Very ambitious.
I like it.
Briella pointed up, and a flag flowed down from atop the central building. It bore a crest, a symbol, a flag. That of a human hand and a monstrous hand grasping the same holy sword held aloft. It might belong to one person, with an asymmetrical body, half of it monstrous. Or it may belong to two different creatures that had banded together, in the face of the turbulent change upon us.
The symbolism was strong on this one. Orlean did a really good job, in my opinion.
The crowd cheered for this recent change, and they chanted the name of "Overqueen Briella." That title was apparently said by her in jest when the adrenaline of a particular speech got to her head. Briella felt embarrassed about it, but I thought it was well deserved.
Interestingly, her image as a leader was one that was very carefully maintained. Her title of Overqueen was the one thing that went so far off plan.
"Now, friends. I want to introduce you to someone very close to me, who has once again returned to us." Briella beckoned for me to step forward, and I did, striking a cool and regal pose. "This here is Jackal. He is a dear friend that I've known for a very long time." Eh, a year or two. That's exaggerating. "And yes, before you say it, I'm aware that he's a horse. But he wasn't always. He used to be a human, only that he was turned into a monster this, like many of our friends and family have. However! He managed to retain his human heart and mind, and now he stands before us all, showing us a new possibility in this turbulent world. Who knows who else has been turned into a monster, alone and afraid!?"
The people were taken by her speech, it fostered a fervor to help and save those monsterized people, and made a more positive impression of me in turn. There were also a few voices of concern, what with me being a monster, and the dangers of letting me into their community.
Briella ignored them for now, barrelling through with her speech.
"Whenever they come, I want us to welcome them with open arms. There are those among us who already look very different, I can spot several orcs and gremlins on this crowd. But whatever differences we may have, I want us to remember to treat each other equally. For it is neither our form nor appearance that matters, but what lies inside." She allowed a few moments for that to sink in, before continuing. "And I do mean it. The old world was destroyed and it has caused us so much grief, but can't we at least make a new one that's better than the one that came before? We have magic, for fuck's sake! Let's make this place into a true fantasy!"
That got a lot of applause, and I also attempted to clap, to the amusement of many in the crowd.
"In the context of Jackal in specific, and other people with a form akin to his, I understand that it'd be hard to differentiate him from monsters, and you might be startled to see him walking down the street. But as you can see, he wears clothing, and not like the other monsters who just happened to have been wearing them before they were turned. Not that he'd be wearing it always, although he'd damn well try, but that is why I am telling all of you to trust us, for we would try our best to not let actually dangerous monsters inside. And even if they get inside, we'd sound the alarm, not to mention that it'd be pretty damn obvious anyway, unlike Jackal here who is very… nice?" Briella shrugged. "Eh, he's alright. Like most of us. Additionally, I want you to remember Jackal, specifically. Even if you see him outside. Even if he's naked like the nudist he was always meant to be. Please do not attack. He's actually quite the sensitive soul." I neighed my protests, and Briella patted me on the side, showing sympathy. I rolled my eyes. "Shhh. It's okay. It's okay, Jackal. We got you."
In truth, this was not our original solution. Well, the original one was to use a collar, which I shut down myself, but the next idea was to have some sort of sash that carried the symbol of Friendom. Flaze was the one to shut down the suggestion, and she wasn't fond of the previous collar either. She argued about the historical examples of people being branded in such a way, and how none of them ended well. We discussed it more, and Halbert brought up how the symbol of the nation was a very positive one, and something that he too would don once it was made. And it was true that the messaging was very different than one meant to divide people, however in the end, Briella decided that it was best not to chance it.
In this way, it was easy to see why Briella wanted to have Flaze become the leader instead. She was certainly excellent at thinking of the long term, and all the terms for that matter, not to mention the staggering amount of experience she already had in leadership roles.
But, from what Briella herself had told us of her rise to power, I was confident that she had grown into her role splendidly.
That's without even factoring the darker aspects of leading a civilization that Flaze… would be able to do, but it would weigh on her heart way too heavily. And I did not want that. Briella too didn't, once she had realized. We had talked in secret about this, and decided that the bloody and dirty work would be left to Orlean and I instead, should it ever be necessary.
Briella continued her speech, addressing the concerns of her people. "I understand your fears. But I assure that Jackal himself is safe. He has been here for a week already, and there had been no incidents to his name. Additionally. Let us not have him carry the weight of all the other people who are struggling with having been turned into monsters, or animals. It is possible, yes, for him to suddenly become violent, but is that not true for all of us? It is! God knows I've contemplated turning into a raging behemoth myself with all the paperwork I have to do!"
Most people were already on her side, and more were being moved towards her way of thinking. It was impossible to convert everyone, of course, and I could tell that at least some of the voices of dissent were extinguished more out of social pressure, instead of a genuine change of heart. But that was fine. It wasn't my job to worry about that, and I was very confident in fending for myself. So long as I had my friends, then it mattered little what other people think. They cared not for me, as I cared not for them… though if we were doing this whole making a society thing, then I should probably put more effort into that.
Briella's speech continued, and she went on to talk about other topics. From the growth of the population, new survivors, constructions, The Wall, and many other things.
Eventually, Briella was done talking, and she mounted me on the back, still shouting towards the masses. "And so, with our new friend, and an even more magical future ahead, let us take today to wind down and fucking PARTY!!!"
I reared up and gave a strong whinny. Briella struggled to stay on my back, but she was far stronger than she used to be, thanks to the Apocalypse that killed everyone.
I jumped down from the stage. Briella gave everyone high fives from atop my back as I ran around. People were more apprehensive at first, but soon they were all partying with me. I ran, and I danced, and I even sang. I struggled to hold up a barrel with my hooves, as I poured all the wine inside into my gaping mouth. All of these were in an effort to improve people's image of the more monstrous among us. Totally.
Halbert, Flaze, and Orlean were also there, partying it up.
Halbert flew around whenever he could, still in his hero costume. He gave autographs, and posed with people, even if we didn't have any actual working cameras yet.
Orlean made a light show with the few pillars present even–No, specially this deep within the base. They blended into the architecture nicely, somehow, more orderly and sleek than the ones outside.
Flaze drank and ate a lot. The food was delicious indeed, they were cooked by actual chefs, instead of whatever we managed to forage that day, in a dying city. Even the meat of monsters tasted heavenly. No, they might be even better.
And then there was another Flaze, wearing the same casual clothing as the original. I didn't know she could do that, for there was never any reason to make a Clone of her base form. I watched as Flaze's clone joined the original, in her quest to eat and drink everyone under the table.
Briella too did not fall behind us in partying, even with her position as the supreme leader of this place. Darci of course followed behind her, to try and have Briella act accordingly to her position. But my friend ignored her and rightfully so!
Briella told stories as she marched atop tables. Fantastical sights came to life by her powers, and she dueled many a creature with but a mug of beer. It kept on escalating until eventually it had turned into a whole ass play, and she called the rest of us to the stage. Me, Flaze, Halbert, and Orlean.
We acted out in improv, five friends surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. A medieval nation taken over my zombies!
It was dark, it was gritty, and it reflected everyone's current circumstances all too well. Many in the audience shed a tear or ten, and so did we. It was a wonderful performance, amid all the destruction. The five of us were so happy to be able to share in this simple joy that had been a constant in our lives before the Apocalypse. It was never felt more keenly than in that moment, the loss of our friend, Darkvoid, who had been with us, chasing after the same hopes and dreams. But surprisingly, I felt more at peace with it, and I could tell that they did too.
Briella made a small tribute to Darkvoid, as the one who caused the zombie apocalypse in the first place. Perhaps a bit morbid, to give a dead friend that role, but it just made so much sense to all of us, even if nobody else understood.
Halbert was the one who voiced him, and we got a kick out of his struggle to adopt such a rough way of speaking. The audience loved it as well, to see their unflappable hero in a far different setting.
It was a wonderful play, from start til the end. It felt more meaningful, than anything else we've ever done. I wouldn't trade it for a venue, filled with a thousand times the crowd.
MaouRazonica
Friendship chapters like this make me feel really good. I like them. I miss them…
I think I might want… to create a series that's just all friendship moments.
Anyway. Patreon is still 3 chapters ahead. If you like this story, I would rly appreciate it if I got some donations. I just did what might be my favorite fight of the series so far, at least in terms of its choreography!
Back to Jackal POV.
The office door creaked open, and I just lazily swiveled my head towards the general direction, having stood guard here for an entire day already. Or at least half of that!
I was bored, and it sucks that I couldn't just go wandering around on my own. "Oh people might freak out and think you're a monster that had somehow gone past the barricades." Sounds like a fat load of their problem. Not mine.
All the boredom disappeared however, when I saw who it was. Halbert, in his hero costume, followed by Flaze in a designer dress and looking positively beaming. Seemed like she'd gotten a chance to freshen up, which I still could not do. Being stuck here, and all.
"Hey Jackal!" She smiled at me, and came closer, only to retract her hand at the end, flinching away and covering her nose with both hands. "Ugh. I mean, weird question, friend, but when was the last time you took a bath?"
I would if I could! I'm stuck here! I neighed, and she ran away as if my breath and spittle were acid.
"You've really let yourself go! Halbert, he needs an intervention."
He smiled. "Yes, I agree. For the good of the people, and to maintain public order. I would need you to come with me, Jackal." And then he tried to tackle me, before flinching away at the last second, staggering. "Holy! Is this what you had to deal with, Flaze? Even I might falter, against such an adversary…"
"Unfortunately. Jackal's always been a slob like that."
"Yeah… like that one time–"
Halbert couldn't finish his sentence because I pounced on him instead. I chased around my two friends around the office as they desperately tried to stay clean. My neighs resounded along with their laughter, nearly as loud as the sound of furniture falling over.
"What's going on here!?" The guards eventually streamed in, having heard the ruckus from outside, because of course they did. The door to Briella's actual true office also swung open, and Darci stormed out.
"What the… what the fuck are you all doing!??"
Flaze straightened with a wry smile at the chastisement, and I pointed at the both of them to say that was all their fault, because it certainly wasn't mine. Halbert was the only one with the decency to actually look ashamed.
Briella on the other hand had followed behind her assistant, and was howling with laughter. Her eyes were still puffy, from all the crying, but I was happy to see her mind off the grief, for at least a moment.
"And you–!" Darci whirled around on her, and hesitated for a moment. But she settled for acting like normal in the end. "Don't… don't encourage them!!"
"Wooo! Go Jackal!" Briella did the opposite. "Catch them! Catch them all!"
Roger! I saluted with my hoof, and resumed the chase, wrecking the fake office in the process. The guards were at a loss for what to do, seeing as I was only doing as their great overlord commanded.
Eventually, we stopped, myself having tagged both Flaze and Halbert multiple times. Except the latter cheated by transforming, leaving her normal form pristine, and only the shield of her knight form dirtied.
We were sat down, kneeling, at the end, Briella included. Darci lectured us all on proper conduct and other bullshit, to which we only laughed along, acting for all the world like we were a bunch of snot-nosed brats who were caught cheating on an exam.
It was fun, to return to far simpler times, if only for a little while.
~~~
I want those simpler times back!
"Come on, Jackal! We're trying to make you presentable!"
To get people used to the idea of friendly sapient monsters, Briella had come up with a whole ass event centered around me and my horseness. I was groomed and bathed, and that part was all fun. I didn't know how nice it truly felt, to be clean as a horse, my pristine furs catching the wind, with a mane that soared freely and wonderfully. I loved that. But then Orlean came back with a whole ass Exo-Suit, looking for all the world like a robot. That part was also very cool, and I had so many questions, but then she started wanting to dress me up, overjoyed to get a chance to show off her other crafts that just haven't been too relevant since the apocalypse started. Like making costumes.
It… started out fun, I'll admit. I'll also admit that both the middle and the end was fun. There was never a boring moment, that was for sure.
I tried on different suits and dresses, T-shirts and other casual stuff. The hilarity of a horse in clothes aside, I actually enjoyed dressing up and exploring horse fashion. We did all this in Briella's newly restored fake office, now with a more fantastical futuristic look thanks to Orlean's new additions. It could also fry and slaughter.anyone inside, should that ever be necessary. Regardless, the main point was that we did all this in the place where plenty of people come by to give all the formal reports and addresses. Flaze and Halbert were present too, in order to 'help out.' In practice it was just us hanging out and it was so much fun.
I still have my favorite moments, saved in my head. Like this guy named Gerald who just ignored everything, without even a twitch. Saxah, an archer, who burst out laughing because I was wearing a bikini.
There was Darci, who kept telling us to stop, but to no avail. And Briella, who explained to her how this was a good thing, to further humanize me in the eyes of the people. She made such a compelling argument about how this was a good start to spread the word, that Darci actually backed down.
Jalley joined in on the fun many times, until she had to be dragged away by Arnold who was no fun. I hit it off with a guy named Hipper, who owned a yacht, and wanted to be a pirate. I supported his quest for the One Piece.
All the fun shit aside, however, it had been nearly a whole week of this, and now Orlean had brought a jester suit, and a horse mask. She wanted to put a horse mask, on me, who was a horse.
I allowed her, after only a few protests.
I actually found it funny.
How she killed and stuffed my brethren.
Behold! I reared up. I, a horse, have transformed into a horse.
"Wow." Flaze clapped.
Halbert grasped his heart in shock.
Orlean poked me in the snout.
Stop that! I snapped and she ran away. The Level 100+ was very clearly afraid of my horsely prowess.
Briella made fireworks rain indoors.
The Guard that had come to report about the status on The Wall looked bewildered.
All in all, we spent the week just having a whole load of fun.
Hang on, wasn't there supposed to be some other point to all this…?
~~~
The event itself… was still very fun, overall.
Other people might have been nervous, the guards were still a little bit tense around me, but I was always a performer. Stage fright was not my color.
Orlean, Halbert, Flaze, Briella, and I all walked beside each other, heading up to the stage, a raised platform in the former university courtyard. It was a very large park that was able to hold pretty much the entire population we were currently working with. Not that everyone showed up, for there was still work to be done, defenses to be manned, and places to be watched. Oh how vexed they must feel, to miss my glorious debut.
We finally made it to the stage, and people immediately began murmuring at my appearance. Not that they weren't already talking amongst each beforehand, but my majesty certainly demanded attention.
In the end, for my attire, we settled for a simple crown, and a jacket with wild monochromatic patterns to complement my coloration. The original idea was a collar, to indicate that I was a safe monster to be around, but that one I vehemently refused, for I did not wish to give people the idea that they could just treat me as a pet. It was one thing to joke about that among friends, but I'll not allow myself to be debased like such. I even argued about how that would set a terrible precedent, and for once I truly believed in that. I found within myself that I did not wish for that to happen.
Not that I've been very moral since the apocalypse started… or even before that really, but if we're rebuilding society, then I'd rather it be at the very least better than what came before. I had full trust in Briella to pull it off, much as the woman herself hated it. I didn't mind helping her achieve the best she could, as the new World Leader.
Although we were probably getting way too ahead of ourselves.
The event itself commenced with a speech from Briella. She looked stunning, positively glowing, all the marks of her stress and exhaustion gone. That was her illusion at work, and it was certainly very convincing. It also meant that my friend could more easily ignore proper hygiene, and she needed an intervention every so often to actually take care of herself, instead of just making her body appear as if nothing at all was amiss.
I did not envy her responsibilities.
She first talked about the establishment of a symbol, for their budding nation, or state… Okay, maybe a city, a town?
"We are the people of Friendom, the place for Humans and anyone else who would wish to be our friend. And this is the crest of our Nation!"
Ah. So it is a Nation. Very ambitious.
I like it.
Briella pointed up, and a flag flowed down from atop the central building. It bore a crest, a symbol, a flag. That of a human hand and a monstrous hand grasping the same holy sword held aloft. It might belong to one person, with an asymmetrical body, half of it monstrous. Or it may belong to two different creatures that had banded together, in the face of the turbulent change upon us.
The symbolism was strong on this one. Orlean did a really good job, in my opinion.
The crowd cheered for this recent change, and they chanted the name of "Overqueen Briella." That title was apparently said by her in jest when the adrenaline of a particular speech got to her head. Briella felt embarrassed about it, but I thought it was well deserved.
Interestingly, her image as a leader was one that was very carefully maintained. Her title of Overqueen was the one thing that went so far off plan.
"Now, friends. I want to introduce you to someone very close to me, who has once again returned to us." Briella beckoned for me to step forward, and I did, striking a cool and regal pose. "This here is Jackal. He is a dear friend that I've known for a very long time." Eh, a year or two. That's exaggerating. "And yes, before you say it, I'm aware that he's a horse. But he wasn't always. He used to be a human, only that he was turned into a monster this, like many of our friends and family have. However! He managed to retain his human heart and mind, and now he stands before us all, showing us a new possibility in this turbulent world. Who knows who else has been turned into a monster, alone and afraid!?"
The people were taken by her speech, it fostered a fervor to help and save those monsterized people, and made a more positive impression of me in turn. There were also a few voices of concern, what with me being a monster, and the dangers of letting me into their community.
Briella ignored them for now, barrelling through with her speech.
"Whenever they come, I want us to welcome them with open arms. There are those among us who already look very different, I can spot several orcs and gremlins on this crowd. But whatever differences we may have, I want us to remember to treat each other equally. For it is neither our form nor appearance that matters, but what lies inside." She allowed a few moments for that to sink in, before continuing. "And I do mean it. The old world was destroyed and it has caused us so much grief, but can't we at least make a new one that's better than the one that came before? We have magic, for fuck's sake! Let's make this place into a true fantasy!"
That got a lot of applause, and I also attempted to clap, to the amusement of many in the crowd.
"In the context of Jackal in specific, and other people with a form akin to his, I understand that it'd be hard to differentiate him from monsters, and you might be startled to see him walking down the street. But as you can see, he wears clothing, and not like the other monsters who just happened to have been wearing them before they were turned. Not that he'd be wearing it always, although he'd damn well try, but that is why I am telling all of you to trust us, for we would try our best to not let actually dangerous monsters inside. And even if they get inside, we'd sound the alarm, not to mention that it'd be pretty damn obvious anyway, unlike Jackal here who is very… nice?" Briella shrugged. "Eh, he's alright. Like most of us. Additionally, I want you to remember Jackal, specifically. Even if you see him outside. Even if he's naked like the nudist he was always meant to be. Please do not attack. He's actually quite the sensitive soul." I neighed my protests, and Briella patted me on the side, showing sympathy. I rolled my eyes. "Shhh. It's okay. It's okay, Jackal. We got you."
In truth, this was not our original solution. Well, the original one was to use a collar, which I shut down myself, but the next idea was to have some sort of sash that carried the symbol of Friendom. Flaze was the one to shut down the suggestion, and she wasn't fond of the previous collar either. She argued about the historical examples of people being branded in such a way, and how none of them ended well. We discussed it more, and Halbert brought up how the symbol of the nation was a very positive one, and something that he too would don once it was made. And it was true that the messaging was very different than one meant to divide people, however in the end, Briella decided that it was best not to chance it.
In this way, it was easy to see why Briella wanted to have Flaze become the leader instead. She was certainly excellent at thinking of the long term, and all the terms for that matter, not to mention the staggering amount of experience she already had in leadership roles.
But, from what Briella herself had told us of her rise to power, I was confident that she had grown into her role splendidly.
That's without even factoring the darker aspects of leading a civilization that Flaze… would be able to do, but it would weigh on her heart way too heavily. And I did not want that. Briella too didn't, once she had realized. We had talked in secret about this, and decided that the bloody and dirty work would be left to Orlean and I instead, should it ever be necessary.
Briella continued her speech, addressing the concerns of her people. "I understand your fears. But I assure that Jackal himself is safe. He has been here for a week already, and there had been no incidents to his name. Additionally. Let us not have him carry the weight of all the other people who are struggling with having been turned into monsters, or animals. It is possible, yes, for him to suddenly become violent, but is that not true for all of us? It is! God knows I've contemplated turning into a raging behemoth myself with all the paperwork I have to do!"
Most people were already on her side, and more were being moved towards her way of thinking. It was impossible to convert everyone, of course, and I could tell that at least some of the voices of dissent were extinguished more out of social pressure, instead of a genuine change of heart. But that was fine. It wasn't my job to worry about that, and I was very confident in fending for myself. So long as I had my friends, then it mattered little what other people think. They cared not for me, as I cared not for them… though if we were doing this whole making a society thing, then I should probably put more effort into that.
Briella's speech continued, and she went on to talk about other topics. From the growth of the population, new survivors, constructions, The Wall, and many other things.
Eventually, Briella was done talking, and she mounted me on the back, still shouting towards the masses. "And so, with our new friend, and an even more magical future ahead, let us take today to wind down and fucking PARTY!!!"
I reared up and gave a strong whinny. Briella struggled to stay on my back, but she was far stronger than she used to be, thanks to the Apocalypse that killed everyone.
I jumped down from the stage. Briella gave everyone high fives from atop my back as I ran around. People were more apprehensive at first, but soon they were all partying with me. I ran, and I danced, and I even sang. I struggled to hold up a barrel with my hooves, as I poured all the wine inside into my gaping mouth. All of these were in an effort to improve people's image of the more monstrous among us. Totally.
Halbert, Flaze, and Orlean were also there, partying it up.
Halbert flew around whenever he could, still in his hero costume. He gave autographs, and posed with people, even if we didn't have any actual working cameras yet.
Orlean made a light show with the few pillars present even–No, specially this deep within the base. They blended into the architecture nicely, somehow, more orderly and sleek than the ones outside.
Flaze drank and ate a lot. The food was delicious indeed, they were cooked by actual chefs, instead of whatever we managed to forage that day, in a dying city. Even the meat of monsters tasted heavenly. No, they might be even better.
And then there was another Flaze, wearing the same casual clothing as the original. I didn't know she could do that, for there was never any reason to make a Clone of her base form. I watched as Flaze's clone joined the original, in her quest to eat and drink everyone under the table.
Briella too did not fall behind us in partying, even with her position as the supreme leader of this place. Darci of course followed behind her, to try and have Briella act accordingly to her position. But my friend ignored her and rightfully so!
Briella told stories as she marched atop tables. Fantastical sights came to life by her powers, and she dueled many a creature with but a mug of beer. It kept on escalating until eventually it had turned into a whole ass play, and she called the rest of us to the stage. Me, Flaze, Halbert, and Orlean.
We acted out in improv, five friends surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. A medieval nation taken over my zombies!
It was dark, it was gritty, and it reflected everyone's current circumstances all too well. Many in the audience shed a tear or ten, and so did we. It was a wonderful performance, amid all the destruction. The five of us were so happy to be able to share in this simple joy that had been a constant in our lives before the Apocalypse. It was never felt more keenly than in that moment, the loss of our friend, Darkvoid, who had been with us, chasing after the same hopes and dreams. But surprisingly, I felt more at peace with it, and I could tell that they did too.
Briella made a small tribute to Darkvoid, as the one who caused the zombie apocalypse in the first place. Perhaps a bit morbid, to give a dead friend that role, but it just made so much sense to all of us, even if nobody else understood.
Halbert was the one who voiced him, and we got a kick out of his struggle to adopt such a rough way of speaking. The audience loved it as well, to see their unflappable hero in a far different setting.
It was a wonderful play, from start til the end. It felt more meaningful, than anything else we've ever done. I wouldn't trade it for a venue, filled with a thousand times the crowd.
MaouRazonica
Friendship chapters like this make me feel really good. I like them. I miss them…
I think I might want… to create a series that's just all friendship moments.
Anyway. Patreon is still 3 chapters ahead. If you like this story, I would rly appreciate it if I got some donations. I just did what might be my favorite fight of the series so far, at least in terms of its choreography!
