The Ruby Empire

Hugo the Changeling

Female Reader x Male Monster

A dark cloud has been hanging over the Ruby Empire for a long time now. Not just because of the Gnolls or even the new Centaur warlord making his way across the land. There's something else, something that has been making the hairs on the back of my neck prickle.

There's something on the darkening horizon that I can't put my finger on. I've always been able to sense things as they come. I was able to get the village to safety when Gnoll slavers tried to invade just a few years ago. I had also predicted a massive storm that took down our crops when I was a child.

All my life I've been able to protect my village and family, but now, I feel like I am failing them. I cannot tell what this bad omen is. All I know is that it is looming. The dark shadow of it hangs over me, refusing to reveal its secrets.

I've been able to make a living for myself using these gifts. A simple touch and I can see a brief flash of someone's future or present. Sometimes a small warning or idea is all people need. It's with this gift I am able to put money on the table and keep my family in good health.

A few months ago, someone new moved into the village. He claimed to be a doctor and set up shop. Although, because of his strange behavior and ways, no one was really busting down his doors. He constantly dressed all in black. He wore black robes and gloves, and a wide-brimmed hat. If that wasn't strange enough, he wore a mask. Not just any mask either. It had a long, bird-like beak pointing out of it. And where the eyes were, were two dark glass orbs.

Needless to say, kids were scared of him, and the adults were a little more than wary. He was often outside his office, sweeping, or hanging out herbs to dry. He kept the curtains drawn so if anyone tried to peer inside they wouldn't see a thing.

One day I was passing by the doctor's place with my two little sisters. They hid behind me, clutching to my left arm which was farthest from the door. As we walk by, the doctor comes out, and my sisters squeak and duck their heads.

"Ah! Good morning!" He chimes. His voice is booming and pleasant. "I hope you are all feeling well and healthy today!"

Vera and Dela are squeezing my hand tight, trying to pull me along faster. Instead, I linger and look up at the Doctor. He's taller than I thought. Usually, he's stooped over when we pass by.

"Good morning," I say to him.

"Mercy, no!" Vera hisses.

The doctor bows, removing his hat and swooping it out as he does. "It is a good morning now that you have blessed me with it." He places his hat back upon his head. "Your little ones there seem eager to be away."

I scoff as I look down at them. "My sisters don't like you."

"Mercy!" Dela screeches at me.

The doctor chuckles. "Most children don't like doctors, it's the curse of the profession I'm afraid." He reaches into his robes and produces two foil-wrapped hard candies. "These candies came all the way from the Rakshasa Courts," he says as he kneels down, going eye level with Vera and Dela.

The two girls ducked behind me, watching the doctor warily. The doctor places the candies on the beak of his mask. He bounces them up and down, never letting the candies fall. My sisters peek out in curiosity.

"Can you catch them?" The doctor asks.

Dela reaches out, but he swipes his beak upwards. She giggles, trying again and catching one of the candies. Seeing this, Vera steps out, trying her hand at catching the last candy. As she does, the doctor throws the candy up into the air and it lands on Vera's head.