[#] I have some big news for you guys, I'll give you details at the end of the chapter.
[#] I have a YouTube channel where I post audiobooks of my fics and original stories. Search for 'avipbr', is the purple robot knight with green eyes.
[#] If you enjoy my writing, you can subscribe to my Ko-fi for just $1! You'll get access to five advance chapters across four different fics, plus entry to my Discord, where you'll have the chance to directly influence future story arcs.
COMMENTS:
DragonBlaze10[archiveofourown]:
Noice more fantasy
Avip:
Hope you like it.
Temsen[fanfiction]:
Jason should probably stop leaving enemies alive.
Avip:
Yeah… he is starting to look like a silver age comic super-hero.
GentlemanMad[fanfiction]:
I went to try one of your early stories and there is a noticeable improvement since then. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. I'm liking this premise and how it flips the Anthro state on its head.
Avip:
Thanks for the comment, it made my day at my new job.
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[Marcus Carvalho]
"What is a dark elf doing in this world?" I ask seriously in a cold tone.
My question takes the Maestra by surprise; she stares at me with wide eyes, astonished by my reaction. But the shock lasts only a moment; a smile spreads across her lips as a glint of genuine curiosity settles in her gaze.
The Maestra claps her hands with fervor, a sharp sound echoing through the room.
"Bravo, bravissimo!" celebrates the dark purple-skinned elf, her eyes shining with a mixture of surprise and satisfaction. "I didn't expect anyone on this mud ball to recognize my race so quickly."
Still seriously, I reply maintaining a neutral expression:
"Myths of this world mention the presence of dark elves, so the term by itself is nothing new."
Annoyed by my response, the Maestra tilts her head, her smile disappearing as she demonstrates a level of disgust to my answer, but it quickly fades as she starts talking in a fake joyful tone:
"There is truth in words my dear Dragon." Says the woman putting down her black violin. "But here, in this world, people find it strange that I appear to be a 'human woman', even before noticing my skin color or ears," She says approaching, her tone changing from cheerful to serious, charged with interest. "You are a fascinating anomaly. Probably a being from another world like me,with unique abilities, capable of transcending realities."
With light steps, the Maestra gets even closer. I feel the warmth of her body even before she touches me. She rests her head on my chest, her long, elegant fingers glide over my muscles, tracing each contour with surgical precision. The touch is firm but gentle, laced with curiosity and desire.
"I've missed real men like you, my dear Dragon…" she murmurs, her voice low, almost a purr. "I despise these weak and effeminate men who plague this world."
I remain still, my heart pounding in my chest. Her perfume, a mixture of exotic flowers and something darker, invades my senses. It's an intoxicating scent that transports me to another place, another time.
"You are different, my dear Dragon," she continues, her eyes fixed on mine. "You have a strength, a presence that I haven't seen in a long time; you even seem like a legendary hero."
Her hand moves up my chest, stopping on my shoulder. I feel the pressure of her fingers, the firmness of her grip. It's a possessive touch, but also charged with respect.
"I need someone like you by my side," she says, her voice firm, decisive.
"Humph!" I snort irritably, pushing the dark elf away from my body. "You mean a slave?"
"No!" she yells, annoyed in disgust. "I don't want someone submissive; That is something the shortsighted woman from my culture would want. I am a true lady appreciator of fine arts, I want someone who can accompany me, challenge me, complete me," says the Maestra in a dramatic tone drenched in desire. "Something similar to Queen Súzhalya Valvenys and her consort had so many decades ago."
My eyes widen at the last statement, which hits me like a punch to the stomach, letting a word escape my lips in a gasp:
"Suzi?"
The Maestra recoils, her golden eyes wide with surprise. Her mouth is slightly open, as if the words had gotten stuck in her throat. The shock is palpable, almost tangible, and for a moment, silence hangs heavy between us.
"How do you know that name?" Her voice is low, almost a whisper, filled with disbelief.
I maintain a neutral expression, but inside, my heart beats faster. The name Suzi brings a flood of memories, a whirlwind of emotions that I had buried deep. But now, before this dark elf, everything comes back with painful clarity.
"Suzi was what the consort called the great queen Valvenys in private," the Maestra continues, her voice gaining firmness. "I know this because I am the daughter of the queen's chambermaid. I grew up listening to stories about her, about the deep and intense love she shared with her consort."
The pieces begin to fit together, but there are still many unanswered questions.
"How do you know that name, Dragon Warrior?" she repeats, her voice now filled with urgency.
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of memories, and answer the confused elf:
"Because it was I who called her Suzy."
…
The Maestra recoils, her golden eyes wide, her mouth slightly open. Shock is visible in every line of her face. For a moment, silence hangs heavy between us, charged with tension and disbelief.
"So this means…" she begins, her voice faltering. "That makes you-."
"Marcus Aurélio Rubro Carvalho," I cut her off, imposing my authority, my voice echoing powerfully through her hall. "Chosen of the Goddess Hemiliara."
The Maestra's eyes widen even further, if that's possible. She brings her hand to her mouth, stifling a gasp of surprise. The gesture is so human, so out of place in the imposing figure of the dark elf, that it almost makes me smile.
"By the goddess..." she murmurs, her voice filled with reverence. "You are the Duke of the Iron Alps."
A smile adorns my face as I hear the title given to me by Suzy so that none of her rivals would try to impose the misandrist matriarchal laws of the dark elves on me.
Before me, the Maestra reacts as if she were facing a celebrity, someone she admired from afar and now had the chance to meet in person.
"I... I can't believe it," she continues, her eyes shining with a mixture of emotion and respect. "I've heard so many stories about you, about your feats, about how you fought alongside the great queen ."
The mention of Suzi's name brings a wave of memories, a whirlwind of emotions that I had buried deep. But now, before this dark elf, everything comes back with painful clarity.
"I always admired you, Marcus," says the Maestra, her voice low, almost reverent. "I admired your strength, your courage, your love for the queen. You were a paragon for all, a symbol of hope in dark times."
Her words touch me deeply. It's strange to hear these things from someone who, until a few minutes ago, was an enemy. But it's also comforting, as if a piece of my past had come back to life, reminding me of who I was, of who I still am.
"And now, you are here, before me," she continues, her voice charged with emotion. "It's as if the gods have heard my prayers, have given me a chance to marry the hero I've always admired."
"Whou! What?" I stammer at the mention of marriage, that brings me back to reality like a bucket of cold water.
My eyes narrow, my expression softens, replaced by a cold determination. The Maestra notices the change, the smile disappearing from her face, replaced by an expression of cautious curiosity.
"Why are you violently taking over the underworld of Santa Fracisca?" I ask, my voice firm, direct.
The Maestra recoils, her golden eyes blinking in surprise. For a moment, silence hangs between us, charged with tension. Then, she lets out a low laugh, a sound that echoes through the room, filled with unwavering confidence.
"Don't worry, my dear Marcus," she says, her voice soft, almost melodious. "After today, I won't need to exert my influence with so much violence anymore."
Worried, I ask, already having an idea of the answer:
"What do you mean by that?"
"The last power in this city's underworld will fall today," said the proud elf. "The old cat soon will lose her ninth life."
[Carlie]
"Just… whoa!" Edith exclaims, jaw dropped.
"He-he." I fake laugh, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Yeah… I know."
Before us stood a mansion designed like a miniature version of the Chinese imperial palace.
"This place is huge, Carlie! How come a place like this isn't a tourist attraction?" Edith asks, astonished.
"My mother made sure to occult all this from the public eye. The surrounding buildings were strategically built, blocking the view of the mansion. And whoever gets too close..." I pause, looking around with an ironic smile. "Let's just say my mother's agents are very persuasive. No one says anything after a 'little chat' with them."
Edith stares at me, surprise etched on her face.
"So, it's like a secret fortress / family home?"
"More or less," I reply with an embarrassed tone. "My mother likes privacy and control. She leaves nothing to chance."
We continue walking until we reach the imposing doors of the mansion, where I notice something wrong.
"Wait!" I stop Edith with a gentle touch on her arm, my senses on alert.
Looking around, I notice disturbing signs.
"This is weird," I murmur worriedly. "Normally, there are guards everywhere. And these doors... they are never ajar."
Edith looks at me, worry etched in her eyes.
"What do you think happened?"
I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm before answering her.
"I don't know, but we better be alert."
I push the door open; the wood creaks breaking the silence. Edith is right behind me, her breathing short and rapid. The entrance hall, normally illuminated, is shrouded in shadows by dim light.
"Damn it…" I whisper, scowling. "Stay close to me."
A shiver runs down my spine; my heart races as adrenaline pulses through my veins. It's as if my body is unconsciously preparing itself for a fight... or something worse.
As soon as we enter, a movement catches my attention.
A figure emerges from a dark corner where the shadows are strongest, dressed in black from head to toe. A small rat Anthro with bright eyes, sniffing the air.
"Who dares tarnish my home?" My voice echoes through the hall, full of authority, something I wasn't used to doing.
The rat tilts its head, a mocking smile on its thin lips as she spits:
"Carlie, right? The prodigal daughter, Madame Shì Hún's great disgrace."
I take a step forward, shielding Edith with my body.
"What did you do to the guards? Where is my mother?"
The rat laughs, a high-pitched, irritating sound.
"So many questions, tigress. Maybe you should worry more about what's going to happen to you first."
Shadows stretch towards us, unnaturally, as if they were alive. I step back, pulling Edith with me. Her wide eyes reflect the same fear I feel.
"What's happening, Carlie?" Her voice trembles, but she tries to maintain firmness.
"I don't know," I reply, my eyes fixed on the shadows that writhe and lengthen like spectral fingers. "But we need to get out of here."
The rat laughs again, the sound echoing off the walls, chilling my spine.
"You're not going anywhere. The Maestra is eager for results, kitty. But the bunny is of no use."
The shadows attack, three rat Anthros leap, black blades glinting in the dim light. All are aimed at Edith.
The small, distressed rabbit crouches down, covering her head with her arms.
There's no time to think. I grab the arm of the nearest rat, feeling her tense muscles under my fingers. With a swift movement, I twist her wrist, forcing her to drop the blade. She screams in pain, but I don't stop. I kick the second attacker hard, sending her straight into the third. The two fall to the ground with a dull thud, weapons flying away.
"Stay away from her!" I growl, throwing the rat I was holding onto the pile with the others who had fallen.
They get up, snarling back, but there's hesitation in their movements. I seize the opening and leap, bringing down a kick, wanting to hammer the group.
But they dive into the darkness as if it were liquid, dodging my attack.
The rat leader snarls in frustration, rubbing her chin. Her eyes gleam with a mixture of anger and reluctant respect.
"The rumors were right. You're strong, tigress. Very strong," says the rat, not taking her eyes off me.
I maintain my defensive stance, Edith behind me breathing heavily, trying to calm down.
"But I don't need to defeat you in combat to carry out my orders."
The rat opens a smile full of sharp teeth. She raises a hand, and the shadows around us begin to move, advancing quickly in our direction.
I grab Edith, feeling her heart beat rapidly against my chest. I try to jump away with her, but the shadows are faster. They envelop us in deep darkness, pulling us into an endless abyss.
An intense cold takes hold of me, as if icy claws were scratching my skin. The sensation of free fall churns my stomach, making me lose my balance.
Edith and I hold onto each other tightly, desperate in the midst of the darkness.
"Carlie!" Edith's scream echoes in the darkness, distant, as if she were being dragged away.
I try to answer, but the air is ripped from my lungs. The fall accelerates, the icy wind cuts my face. I close my eyes tightly, trying to concentrate, to find some foothold.
But there is nothing.
Only the emptiness and the cold.
And then, as abruptly as it began, the fall stops.
POOF!
We fall onto a rug that cushions our fall.
I quickly get up, every muscle in my body tense, ready for the next attack.
But nothing comes.
The darkness dissipates, revealing a familiar environment. I blink, trying to clear my vision.
"Where are we, Carlie?" Edith's voice trembles, but she remains firm by my side.
I look around, recognizing the details. The dark wood walls, the red carpets, the reinforced doors. I know exactly where we are.
"We're still in the mansion," I murmur, pointing to a large brushed matte steel door. "In the second-floor hallway, right in front of my mother's panic room."
Edith's eyes widen, staring at the reinforced door.
"Do you think your mother is in there?"
"If she's alive, she's in there."
I approach the panel and quickly type the override code, but a shrill beep breaks the silence.
{Access denied.} announced the robotic voice of the panel.
I frown, confusion mixed with a hint of panic. I try again, slower this time. But the result is the same.
"Did you forget the password, Carlie?" Edith asks, her voice low, worried.
I shake my head, stubbornness in my voice.
"Never. This password... it's my favorite Gundam model. I would never forget something like that. I think my mom changed it."
Edith stares at me, eyebrows furrowed, and asks:
"Why would she do that?"
Before I can try again, the screen lights up. A grainy, static image, but I recognize it instantly. My mother, Shì Hún, cold eyes, stern expression.
"HǔPò." She speaks with wide eyes, surprised to see me. "What are you doing here? Run before it's too late."
"Mother, what are you talking about?" My voice comes out trembling, confusion and fear mixing together.
My mother stares at me through the screen, her tiger eyes gleaming with a mixture of urgency and fear. I've never seen my mother like this, always so controlled, so powerful. But now, she seems... vulnerable.
"HǔPò, listen carefully," Her voice is firm, but there's an underlying tremor. "The rats will use you to force me out of here."
"The invaders move through the shadows," I repeat, trying to understand her. "How didn't they get in there?"
My mother takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself before speaking:
"I don't know how they move through the darkness, HǔPò. But I've turned on all the lights in the panic room. That way, no dark shadow is present here."
I frown, confusion evident on my face.
"But what does that have to do with it?" I ask, frustrated.
Edith puts her hand on my shoulder, interrupting me:
"I think she is right Carlie. According to Marcus, magic is 70% symbolism. Light is the opposite of darkness."
I look at Edith, trying to process her words. My mother nods, agreeing.
"My son-in-law is truly wise," my mother says with a proud smile.
Sighing wearily, I decide to get straight to the point.
"What do they want with you?"
My mother pauses, her eyes drifting away for a moment, lost in thought. I can almost see the gears turning in her mind, calculating, analyzing. Then, she looks back at me, her expression serious.
"Probably, they want to access my bank accounts access in tax havens."
Her voice is firm, but there's an underlying tension. She knows what this implies, and so do I. If these rats manage to access those accounts, they will have control over an absurd amount of money. Money that my mother uses to maintain her influence, her power.
"Why do they want that?" I ask, my mind still trying to piece things together.
My mother sighs, a tired, resigned sound that I recognized from our lessons when trying to teach me the 'family businesses'.
"Money is one of the foundations of power in modern society; without access to my wealth, it would be impossible to sustain my influence and maintain the loyalty of most of my employees. But for that, they will need my biometrics, passwords, security questions... all of that. Without me, they won't be able to get past all those barriers."
A chorus of laughter erupts through the hallway, as if in response to my mother.
My blood runs cold; with each second, they get louder, closer. My fur bristles, a low growl escapes my throat. Edith moves closer, her body trembling slightly, but her eyes are firm, determined.
"Stay close to me," I whisper, my voice almost a snarl.
The hallway, once empty, now fills with shadows. They move, writhe, taking shape. Rat after rat emerges from the darkness, eyes gleaming, sharp teeth bared. The leader, the same one we faced in the hall, appears at the front of the swarm, a mocking smile on her lips.
"What interesting information," she says, her voice full of sarcasm. "We only brought you here to force the old cat to open the door and kill her. But this thing you mentioned seems interesting too."
I clench my fists, my claws extending, ready for combat.
"You won't lay a finger on my mother," I growl, my voice vibrating with intensity.
The rat leader laughs, a high-pitched, irritating sound.
"We will do so much worse than that, kitty. And you can't do anything to stop us."
She gestures with her hand, and the rats around her advance like a vermin tide.
"Don't kill the cub, at most cut off her hands and legs so she cant run," commands the leader in an authoritarian tone. "The bunny, on the other hand, is useless; do whatever you want with her."
The floor trembles beneath my feet, the vibration rising through my legs, making my heart beat faster. The vermin tide advances, a mass of furry bodies and sharp teeth. I swallow hard, the reality of the situation hitting me like a punch to the stomach.
'There's no way to win this. Not against so many.'
Edith, beside me, trembles. Her eyes are watery, tears streaming down her face. She sobs, the sound breaking my heart.
"Marcus..." She whispers helplessly.
The human who entered my life like a hurricane, turning everything upside down. The man who made me feel things I never imagined possible. And now, here I am, about to face certain death, and all I can think about now is him.
A knot forms in my throat, bitter, painful with pure regret. Regret for not having enjoyed the time I had with him. For not having said what I really felt.
For not having...
The rats approach, their snarls filling the air. I can smell their sweat, their fear. Mine and Edith's. The rabbit clings to me, her fingers digging into my arm. I can feel her despair, her sadness. And it hurts me more than any physical wound.
"I love you, Marcus," My voice comes out low, hoarse.
With my eyes closed, I don't notice the paint on the ceiling bubbling, heating up. The temperature rises rapidly as if we were in an oven. An intense heat radiates from the ceiling, making my fur bristle, my skin tingle.
Edith, beside me, lets out a low moan, her fingers tightening on my arm. I open my eyes, blinking to clear my vision. What I see takes my breath away.
The ceiling is blown open by a pillar of fire and smoke exploding from above.
FOOOW!
The heat intensifies, becoming almost unbearable. I feel my body sweating, my breathing quickening. Edith, beside me, trembles, her eyes fixed on the swirling smoke that forms before us.
And then, as abruptly as it began, the fire ceases, revealing a figure clad in black armor with pulsating blood-red details facing the rats.
"Ah you think darkness is your ally?" Says the familiar voice muffled by the helmet. "You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but blinding!"
Confused, I squinted, analyzing this strangely familiar figure more closely.
"You father fucker!" shouted the rat leader, trembling. "Who are you?"
"I am batman!" declared the dark knight, his cape unfolding into bat wings.
[Image]
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E ai gurizada…
[#]Big news, short version:
Starting in November, I'll be posting a total of 5 chapters per month, each from a different story, instead of 8 chapters total, with 2 chapters for each of 4 stories.
[#]Big news, long version:
First, I want to thank my subscribers. You're helping my family, but also you're giving me hope that I can one day make a life from my writing.
The support I've received on Ko-fi has been a huge help for me and my family, but it hasn't been enough for me to dedicate myself fully to writing. I'll definitely keep writing and working on growing my audience, but I also took on a job to help cover some bills.
Right now, I already have enough material prepared to keep my usual release until October. After that, I'll likely need to slow down a little, though I won't be stopping. Writing is the only 'productive' thing I do that truly brings me joy and pride.
One idea I'm considering is shifting to 5 chapters per month instead of 8. I'll be posting a total of 5 chapters per month, each from a different story, instead of 8 chapters total, with 2 chapters for each of 4 stories.
And which story is taking that fifth slot? It's 'RWBY NOT!', since it has been drawing a lot of comments on several platforms.