So We're Monsters, So What?

Chapter 12: One moment at a time

Getting out of the Withered Lands and brought back in time, Y/N leads Wakaba to a old base for him where they could hide. Going through a narrow tunnel and leading to a big space, Y/N brings Wakaba back to his old "XP Farm" he used long ago. Isolated and far from where his past self went after he used it, he was sure they would be okay here. Sitting the strange egg down, Y/N sees the skeleton of the huge snake he killed reduced to nothing but bones. Eaten piece by piece by monsters passing every so often, it didn't take long for it to get to this state. Aside from the giant skeleton that would take long to get rid of, rubble and signs of battle were all over the room. If they were gonna stay here it would have to take a bunch of work to fix up. Groaning and scratching the back of his head, Y/N really didn't have anywhere else in mind. Also seeing what they would have to do and noticing Y/N reaction, Wakaba tries to lighten the mood.

Wakaba: Ok here's the game plan! I wrap the small rubble in webs and you carry them out like trash bags! Sounds good?

Y/N: Yeah, sounds good...

Going over to the snake skeleton, Y/N starts cracking the long rib cage into smaller pieces for Wakaba to web up. Not sure whether she helped him or not, Wakaba goes over and starts webbing up some of the rubble. Thinking about what to do next, he was conflicted. He didn't want to be Calamity anymore because of what he learned but he couldn't risk going back into that "Place" again just to do it. At the same time though he knew this evolution would give him the strength needed to fight and potentially beat the gods if he had to. Not knowing if they would stand in his way to return back to earth, he needed all the power he could just in case. Whether he wanted to stay like this or not a big problem was still present, being taken over by the spirit of the past Calamity. Not wanting to be forced into committing suicide, he needed to find a safe way he could evolve safely. Continuing to brake apart the rib cage, Y/N remembered Wakaba being taken over by her mother. Remembering a certain skill called [Heresy Resistance] in his skill list, he doesn't know when he got it but it did appear there. Resisting mind control and similar abilities like that, it might be able to help him. Even if the circumstances are different from the Queen and the past Calamity, he couldn't just try nothing and just give him control. Having a spark of hope, it immediately disappears when Y/N remembers another skill he acquired in the past that seemed specifically made to stop that. Getting nervous, he turns toward Wakaba who is still collecting rubble into carriable web bags.

Y/N: So Wakaba, question. What exactly are YOU gonna do? I understand you wanting to warn me but now you don't really have a reason to stay.

Wakaba: I mean, I'm perfectly fine with being by myself but if I leave you might make a mistake and get yourself killed which will then doom the whole world. Since I'm in that world and wish to live till I become a nice old granny that gives cookies to kids I'll tag along with you till we solve this mess.

Y/N: Well if your gonna stay I'm gonna need something out of you. You remember right? I only do things when it GET'S me something, so...

Hearing him go off about "What's in it for me" speech again, Wakaba remembers the last time and how he left shortly after. Annoyed at this, she stops webbing up rubble and confronts him. 

Wakaba: THIS again? Can't you just be glad I'm staying with-

Turning around to face him, Wakaba goes silent as she sees Y/N on all fours on the ground. Speaking, his position elevated and added weight to his next words.

Y/N: I need your help. 

Prostrating himself below her, it was less of a friend asking for assistance and more of a plea. Not sure how to react to this, Wakaba stands still stuttering. Not hearing any response from her, Y/N continues further.