Monster Breeder

Honestly, I’m still shaken and stunned. I sit on the floor of the Mayor’s office with my mom, dad, Jenny, and Julia around me offering comfort and sympathy while the Town Council waits patiently. My world has been turned upside down and then twisted around yet again. I was gearing up for a fight when Mrs. Fleece surrendered without reservation and practically offered me the key to the city on a silver platter.

“How are you all okay with me coming in after vanishing for days and suddenly taking over?” I ask. “You’re not worried I’m a Mimic or demon?”

Mrs. Fleece shakes her head and the others follow suit. “You passed all the tests. You’re not violent, and your close friends and family would’ve noticed any uncharacteristic behavior. We all agree you appear to be yourself. As for your right to lead, am I right to assume you are a powerful monster? Much more so than any of us here?”

I nod, flexing my four arms and briefly buzzing my wings. She had me there; I wasn’t exactly hiding my strength.

“Then there you have it,” she continues. “While I wouldn’t say ‘might makes right,’ you certainly demonstrate the fitness to lead monsters just by sitting there. Our Doggin Guardsmen can sense your strength.”

“What about the old Mayor?”

“He’ll be thrilled when we tell him about all the retirement benefits he’ll receive for his lifetime of service, not to mention the party we’re throwing him.”

Before I can voice any other objections, my father taps me on the arm. “It’s time for us to go, Darling.”

“You’re leaving? But we just…”

“I know,” he kisses my forehead, “Come home to see your brothers and sisters when you have a chance. Right now, it seems you have some serious matters to attend to, matters that your mother and I have no business weighing in on.”

I may as well offer, “Um, there’ll be an orgy later on if you two care to—”

My mother laughs, “Dis man ‘nough for me, girlie. I get him all to m’self and pop out lotsa babies! Many more ‘fore I’m trough.”

As long as they’re happy. I give them each another hug before they go.

“Ahem, what’s this about an orgy?” Mrs. Fleece asks with barely contained curiosity.

I end up telling them pretty much everything about my week so far. There’s not much point holding anything back when I need all the help they can give me. The hits come rolling in one after another. The mysterious monster that granted me powers. Elder Grand Claw. The war for dominance of the Region tomorrow. The friends I made along the way. That I’m an ‘Echidna.’ Chopping down the Elder Tree to open a relatively safe path through Charlatan Forest.

“Jonny and Brenda are alright!?!”

“Yep.”

“You founded a vegan monster town to the north, and you’re their Lady Mayoress???” Mrs. Fleece summarizes in shock. The other Council members are similarly stunned.

“Yep.”

“Having sex with you increases the chances of evolution???”

“Yep. Hey, question, why don’t we have a Matron or Patron monster here?”

“Hmm,” Principal Mustang, an eight-foot-tall muscley Minotaur with a white button shirt and tie, murmurs with thought.

Book of Monsters Entry – Beefcake Minotaur: Domesticated Bovine monster. 2^nd Tier, Promoted, average Rank. Heavily muscled. Often found equipped with dumbbells. Anecdotally evolves after the founding of a nearby weightlifting gym in the presence of an Orcish Trainer. Increased strength, endurance compared to base Minotaur. Less territorial due to the necessity of sharing gym equipment. High propensity to accidentally tear through their clothing when flexing.

“We think it has to do with the hierarchy of local power structures,” Mustang finishes.

“Eh?”

“Alex, I keep reminding you we’re domesticated monsters,” Mrs. Fleece explains, “Unlike Ferals, we seek human approval in all we do, whether consciously or not. Even if the Mayor doesn’t have any real ability to make policy decisions, in a sense he still possesses the ultimate authority here. Any monster in the Guard or Militia would give their life to protect him. How can one of us call ourselves a ‘Matron’ or ‘Patron’ over the town?”

Huh. I guess I get it.

The Electric Ewe continues, “Alright, let’s discuss your problems and we’ll see how we can help. Number one, you need food.” I nod enthusiastically. That’s actually what I consider our top problem. Winning the war doesn't matter if it all falls apart the next day.

“We can assist you there,” Ms. Kuku, the Henlin lunch lady says. She’s a busty harpy with soft, wide hips, a big ass, chicken feet, and tawny feathers.

Book of Monsters Entry – Henlin Layabout: Domesticated Avian monster. 2^nd Tier, likely Promoted, below-average Rank. Chicklin raised in nests below a certain altitude become Henlin, the inferior-ranked version of the average-ranked Harpy. Layabouts are the below-average ranked median between the two. Increased egg production, stamina, and endurance compared to both Henlins and Harpies. Has a propensity to sit anywhere their asses will fit. Tends to leave their eggs in odd places.

She stands from an office chair she found while I told my tale to reveal an ostrich-sized egg. “As you can see, the Hen House produces a surplus of eggs. If we tap into the town reserves too and cross our fingers that we have this figured out by winter, feeding a few score of hungry Orcs and Wolves shouldn’t be a problem.”

“That’s a relief,” I say. This is doing wonders to make me feel better for spending my day coming here. I’m sure my girls are putting in hard work today, and I hate to be outdone when sharing our contributions when we debrief tonight.

“Your next problem,” Mrs. Fleece lifts a second finger, “Is finding like-minded allies. Even granted that you can conquer your enemies, you wish to tame rather than kill. This means they’ll live another day to rebel tomorrow. You’ll need new solutions to keep a pack of wolves and a clan of Goblinoids in check once they’re under your roof.”

Grug steps forward while popping his knuckles, his arms bulging as the Orc snorts around tusks, a snout, and piggy ears. “Dat where we com ‘n.”

Book of Monsters Entry – Orcish Trainer: Domesticated Goblinoid monster. 2^nd Tier, likely Promoted, above-average Rank. Often seen with a metal whistle. Increased insight compared to a base Orc. Possesses innate knowledge of physical education, fitness, and game theory. Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of their trainee’s practice when working with humans or other monsters.

“Sport has long bein’ da province of monsters wit too much time on der hands. We’ll harness dat ‘ggresion for da Game of Kings—Football.”

Oh, I see! Rather than fighting for their lives, the Region’s rival tribes can compete for glory on the field. That should provide them with an outlet for destructive impulses until the emotional fences are gradually mended.

Mrs. Fleece flips up a third finger, “Problem number three, your Dura’s ‘Human Hunter’ path. She needs to ‘hunt’ a minimum of three humans beyond the one she used to evolve into an Ogre (you). By my count, she has Jonny, and that’s it.”

Jenny elbows Julia in the ribs, and the blue-eyed girl jolts with understanding. “We’ll accompany you back to Field Town! Having sex with Domesticated monsters won't affect our counting toward Dura’s ‘Hunter Path,’ right?”

I leap to give Julia and Jenny a simultaneous hug with my upper pair of arms pulling their heads in towards mine for kisses and my lower pair of arms around their waists. “Thank you! Finally, someone says it right. Oh, also, I’m sure Dura will thoroughly appreciate the both of you.”

Several knowing chuckles rumble through the room.

“Fourth problem, that ‘Denki Nezumi’ girl needs a source of Electric Magic on the battlefield. I’m sorry, Alex. I just don’t feel comfortable leaving to join in the war effort. We on the Town Council are the strongest monsters here, and I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen while I was gone… You’ll just have to fuck me for my mark~” She winks at me seductively and blows me a kiss.

Book of Monsters Entry – Electric Ewe: a shocking Bovine monster. 2^nd Tier, Superior Rank. Evolved from a Sheeple after being struck by lightning. Clothing made from their wool produces enough static electricity to power some household appliances. Their control over Electric Magic is primarily defensive, giving enemies that come near them a significant jolt.

Well, twist my arm…

“Speaking of marks,” Janine the Hobgoblin Secretary says while brandishing her legal pad, “I’ll need to schedule your afternoon to ensure you’re able to collect them all, Lady Alex. You should get three from Mrs. Fleece, one from Principal Mustang, one from Ms. Kuku, and you’ll certainly need to visit the Milk Barn. Hmm, the afternoon milking is at three-o-clock…” The Goblin Secretary taps her chin as she considers the timeline.

“What about Scag and Ag?” I wonder before my brain can catch up with my lips.

Book of Monsters Entry – Warg: Canine Duo monster. 2^nd Tier, Hybrid, Above-Average Rank. Created from the fusing of two Doggins using a Dark Magic Ritual. Selecting compatible individuals is essential prep-work. The resulting monster can tear themselves apart with self-loathing if they can’t stand one another’s company. Superior to the base Dire Wolf in every way except single-minded focus.

“Sadly, I suspect they’re a Hybrid type monster,” Mrs. Fleece laments before brightening. “As a bonus, however, I think we have something useful to interest your Goblin Wife.”

“I still can’t believe you got married and didn’t invite us to the ceremony!” Julia slaps me harmlessly on the arm.

“Very rude,” Jenny agrees with a smirk.

“You’re talking about the Ritual site,” Scag says, and Ag narrows his eyes. They’re a seven-and-a-half-foot tall humanoid with clawed hands, digitigrade feet, and two tails.

“That does sound promising!” I can’t wait to bring home a method to create Hybrid monsters of our own—ones that preferably don’t want to tear themselves apart. Gabby will surely give me a proper reward... “This is all fantastic. In exchange, I can provide new monster races to expand the town’s diversity, we can open the shoreline for fishing under Ariella’s watchful eye, and I’ll extend my protection across the Human Plains to let you grow crops outside the town walls.”

Their eyes widen appropriately.

“Those could each be potentially huge boons,” Mrs. Fleece admits, “We haven’t been able to expand in ages, mainly due to our food production capabilities. Having a protector such as yourself and your friends would also improve our security drastically—especially if you can stabilize the Region.”

“Is there anything else I could help you with?” I ask politely.

The Electric Ewe bats her eyelashes at me. “Well, if mating with an Echidna improves the chances of monster evolution, then it’s not like I’m getting nothing from the arrangement. I won’t pester you to have sex with every monster in town, though. At least, not urgently. Let’s call that a long-term plan. I doubt we’d see any critical advancements before the impending war anyway—we’re a peaceful community and monster evolutions favor battle experience for impetus.”

That makes sense. Growing up, I don’t recall too many Incursion incidents threatening the town. “Any other problems at all? What about the disappearances Jonny talked about? What’s the deal, there?”

A dark expression crosses everyone’s features.

“Ah, yes. That. Forgive me,” Mrs. Fleece apologizes, “I hadn’t considered bringing it up because, to us, it’s… how to put it? Perhaps ‘a terrible chronic pain that fades from notice but never goes away?’”

“This isn’t new?" I scratch my head as if to dig up a buried memory, "I don’t remember hearing about it before...”

“Ahem,” Janine clears her throat to get my attention while flipping through her notes. “I have meticulous records of disappearances going back hundreds of years. It happens with clockwork regularity every few decades, and only a select few attractive eighteen-year-olds of either sex are taken. No preventative measures employed have ever had an effect on the number of children lost.”

My stomach sinks as Jenny and Julia appear to grow more concerned. “And we have no idea what’s causing this? No evidence? It isn’t the Harpies, right?”

“No, not Harpies,” Mustang rumbles, “That’s a separate issue that we can take precautions against when a colony of Avian monsters targets our community. This is far more frustrating because the children are simply spirited away without recourse. Not even a cry in the night. We don’t tell our charges because there’s no use worrying about something we can’t control. It’s a depressing, sad reality.”

First the thing with the Mayor, and now this. My home wasn’t as safe and wonderful a place as I’d thought—the truth hurts.

“How? What kind of monster could do this? And why?” Anybody can breed their own humans from a single male. Just look at Charlatan Forest and Brenda’s dad. So, why the periodic predation?

“The why of it is fairly simple given the abductees’ profiles,” Mrs. Fleece replies. “Think of it like, well, apologies, Ms. Kuku, but think of it like an ancient human farmer taking the eggs from his chicken coop.”

“A-a farmer—?” And then I get it. Why take my classmates instead of breeding your own humans? It really is like ancient human chicken farming. You have the mass-produced eggs laid by chickens in cages too small for them to turn around, and then you have premium eggs laid by chickens that have an entire yard to cluck about. The caged birds get low-quality crap feed while the farm-raised birds can forage for bugs and things to supplement their diet. The free birds are less stressed, and the farmer might even give them marigold flowers to enrich the color of the egg yolks. You could say the same thing comparing my upbringing with Brenda’s, since I have all of human history and culture to draw upon compared to her being raised by a crazy Nymph and Busty Willows. Some of my classmates can play musical instruments or even paint and draw. Looking at us side-by-side with the Elder Tree's crop of human children, we’re on an entirely different level as a 'product.'

“We… we’re free-range eggs,” Julie says what I’m thinking as she hugs herself and shivers.

I clench my fists. Somewhere out there is a monster that enjoys using and abusing educated young men and women for their own amusement. And they’ve been doing it to my peers for centuries.

My eyes widen with a sudden, insidious idea. The Human Plains… are a relatively peaceful little place. Sure, the surrounding areas are dangerous, but it’s almost like there’s an invisible bubble around my Hometown that keeps Third Tier monsters and above from rolling through and wrecking our shit. What if the ‘Farmer’ from the metaphor likes having free-range humans within easy reach?

What if my Hometown has a more nefarious defender keeping away the likes of Elder Grand Claw?

I shiver this time. It’s no use worrying. I’ve got other things on my plate before I tackle problems like that. “I’ll do what I can. For now, let’s send all my classmates back with me to Field Town tonight. Hopefully, they won’t disappear if they’re not where the ‘Farmer’ is expecting.”

Mrs. Fleece gives me a deadly serious look, “If you can protect my boy Scotty, Alex, I swear you can use my ass as a cocksleeve every night for the rest of my life.”

“I… might take you up on that.” She does have a great butt, and I love to fuck grateful women.

“Excellent, now, we have a schedule to keep,” Janine says, “First, Lady Alex has sex with Mrs. Fleece, Ms. Kuku, and Principal Mustang. Then you’re off to the Milk Barn. From there you head to the Ritual Site, then gather your classmates, and return to Fieldton before nightfall.”

“Wow,” I give her a quick round of applause, “Having it all laid out for me sure is convenient! I wish I had a secretary.”

Janine’s eyes grow wide as saucers and she clears her throat, “A-ahem, ah, well, that’s certainly p-possible. Officially and legally speaking, I'm the Mayor's secretary, whoever that may currently be, and there’s no reason you can’t be Lady Mayoress of both Fieldton and… uhh…”

Yeah, you don’t really need an official name for the place you live when home is the last bastion of civilization. So… “Home Town.”

“All in favor?” Mrs. Fleece raises the motion. Apparently, they don't need any further ceremony or deliberation.

““Aye!”” the other Council members say in unison.

And that’s how I became the mayor of two towns.

“Aaahhhnnn!!!” Janine moans as her clothes and body transform. Her breast size bumps up by full cup, her features smoothen to become even prettier, and her business-casual look shifts into a royal blue power suit that complements her grey skin. Even her legal pad magically becomes a sleek black ring binder. “Ahh, that’s better~”