(Book 2) Neferpitou and the human Royal Guard

Chapter 7 Expansion.

In the unclaimed province, closer to Meteor City

"Yeesh, place keeps gettin' worse an' worse. At least back at yer base, ya can still see the dirt." Don comments as we get closer  to Meteor City.

I just nod in agreement and Zazan looks just angry for some reason.

"You doing alright back there, Zazan?" I ask.

She doesn't respond.

Don leans in close to me, whispering "Oof, cold shoulder, ey?"

I nod once again in agreement with him before theorizing "She did come here before, then Youpi brought her back to our old palace. I'm guessing something happened in this region that left a sour taste in her mouth."

"Will you two idiots shut up and look ahead? There's a camp of humans." Zazan interrupts us.

"Perfect!" I exclaim.

We approach the group of humans, around ten or so, and at first, they seem frightened when I approach, as I happen to look like an angry cat man. However, as planned, when they notice Zazan, they don't seem as scared, and are now gawking at her as she walks up to my side.

I elbow her arm, saying "See? Thongs and big boobs are very persuasive~"

She just scowls at me, which I couldn't help but snicker at, and neither can Donny.

Now with the human's attention, the three of us began an improvised pitch, which was lackluster at first until Don started using a bit of smooth talking. Coupled with his trademark honesty, he gave them a full view of what to expect if they decided to join our new little colony. They were hesitant at first, which is understandable, but they eventually agreed to come back with us, likely out of desperation. With our new friends in tow, as well as any supplies they were able to carry, we start to head back to the castle. Halfway there, we run into a group of thugs armed with crowbars, threatening to kill us if we don't hand over all of what we own. Naturally, Don, Zazan, and I make quick work of them, leaving the leader for last. He begs for his life, but we show little in the way of mercy. I look to Zazan, and gesture to the leader of the thugs. She nods at me, and pierces his neck with her stinger, causing him to morph into a monkey-like creature. The scene causes Donny and the other humans to gasp in surprise and fear.

I turn around to the group and somewhat reassure them by saying "Don't worry everyone, we won't use this on you guys. After seeing this, if you're afraid of us, you are free to leave." I offer.

The group of humans all exchange glances with each other, and eventually two people who I assume are a married couple leave the group, and head off on their own somewhere. The rest of the group stays, though it is clear they are nervous. In total, we now have eight new human members, excluding Donny. Save for a few stops to rest and eat, the remainder of the trip is mostly uneventful.

Day 4

We finally make it back to the castle, the appearance of which has the humans worried, though they all remain as I have Don lead them inside for shelter. Their fear soon dissipates however, as Pouf makes his return to the castle, carrying a large crate with him, as well as Bizeff hanging on Pouf's ankles. Everyone is dazzled by the beauty of his wings when he approaches.