Stalker: Guardian Angel

Chapter 11: The Mortal Militia

Amorita pops into existence once we leave the love shack. She opens her palms, one with a purple mushroom, the other with a gray one.

"We're not interested in whatever you're selling. Got it, trash panda." Racheal signaled me to move along.

Amorita transformed into a leaf and then popped back into her fluffy form on Rachie's shoulders.

"Free of charge, like all good things. You've had an amazing night, so the question is..." she held up the purple shroom "is it so amazing that you want to remember it in extra vivid detail for the rest of your life? Or..." she raised the gray shroom "do you want to forget it ever happened?"

"I'm taking option three. Not eating suspicious fungi," said Racheal, setting down Amorita.

"What you experienced last night was just a sample of the freedom you can enjoy. If you're interested in more you can come to my hero's grand kingdom," said the racoon angel.

Racheal looked down at me and smiled. "I'm fine with just the sample." She turned back to Amorita. "Look, thanks for helping us out, but we need to be on our way."

Amorita turned the mushrooms into leaves and then stuck her hand in her leaf-filled pockets. "Before you go! A message for you." The leaf in her hand turned into a note.

The note read: "CatBoy General at occupied camp spotted. Need heroic assistance." The gold cane emblem signaled that it was an extra dangerous quest.

I tugged on my hero's cloak. "Rachie! If we do this quest, then we will have enough money to buy a ship!"

"Yeah, but it could be a trap. I'm a wanted traitor now."

"What? But you said that wasn't true."

"I didn't want you to freak out. Don't worry though. I've fought other traitors plenty of times. I'm good at fighting heroes. And this is our best bet. Thanks, racoon girl." Racheal gave her a thumbs up. "Actually. Here." Racheal offered her a handful of CatCoin. "Consider it a tip."

Amorita shook her head. "Your lovely sweat and virgin juices that you left on the bed are more than enough payment for me. I hope the love between you two blossoms even stronger!"

"Yeah...uh, we're just gonna go now," said Racheal, taking the note, picking me up and rushing off.

We ventured forward to our next destination!

I ride on Racheal's shoulders, allowing me a better view of the deadly swamp we entered.

"What did you say this place was called, Annie?" asked Racheal.

"The Swamp of Agonizing Regret. It's where our new friends said to meet us. We gotta get a crew together to sail the treacherous seas, after all," I said, making a slashy motion with my hands.

"More likely than not, this message came from some heroes at Dark and Broody. Those creeps aren't our friends, they're ex-coworkers. I saw them eying you," she says, carefully avoiding a puddle of acid. "And what if they're after us."

"My momma told me that not trusting is sadder than being let down. I will never throw away my trust in heroes. Besides, they were only eyeing me because I was stretching on the guild hall's dance poll."

"Well if you're okay with it, that's what matters. You sure do have a way with boys. Maybe you can give me some tips to find a nice boyfriend."

"Sure thing. You got the hips, so wave 'em, big sis!"

"Thanks! And look, just because you're a little Pollyanna doesn't mean you shouldn't be wary. Not all heroes are good."

My face freezes up.