Grey end: Champion of the Grolec.

(Authors note: This chapter got a little darker than I thought it would, so I thought I would leave a trigger warning for **** and neglect here, just in case.)

Heading back to where Rylon and the rest of his pack lived had been a surreal experience. The Grolec had taken up residence in what had once been an abandoned Goblin warren. From my impressions of Rylon, I had been expecting at least some of the trappings of civilisation. Communication problems aside, I could tell that Rylon was smart. He had a quick wit, and despite our ability to speak in only the broadest of terms, he had made me laugh more than once during our walk back. i hadn't been expecting the glorified hole in the ground that Rylon proudly told me was home. Meeting the pack had been rather interesting too. Their reaction when I stumbled into their home , deep in conversation with Rylon about my life back on earth could only be described as incredulous.

Gathered in the main chamber of the warren were another twelve members of Rylons pack. I had caught their attention immediately when I entered, as I was still laughing at Rylon’s reaction to finding out that dildos and other such masturbation aids existed (I had compared him favourably to a particular favourite of mine from the company whose mascot is a naughty fire breathing lizard, which is what had sparked the conversation). I further confused the bunch of them when I happily introduced myself and asked what their names were.

Introductions were handled, and it was quickly explained that I was here voluntarily, and I was to be treated as a guest. Things had gone rather well for the evening as I chatted and got to know the new Grolec, but all the while my dismay grew and grew. I could see these guys were smart like Rylon, but they lacked knowledge I considered basic for a primitive society, let alone by my modern standards. Some things could be forgiven. The lack of thumbs made it kinda difficult to hold tools or make a fire, but some of the things they had done due to ignorance had been heart-breaking.

When I asked when the rest of the pack would return, and if there were any little ones about, I was informed by a suddenly solemn Rylon that this was everyone. They did apparently have one egg-bearer in the clan, but none of the children from her last clutch, which had apparently been her first, had survived. That had reminded me about Rylons revelation, and I had immediately demanded to see the woman. I knew intellectually that Grolec needed women of different races to carry their young as they had no females of their own, but the reality of a breeding **** did not sit well with me. Reluctantly, and after a rather pointed conversation, Rylon led me to her.

I had been expecting it to be bad, but the reality was so much worse. She was naked, very pregnant, and absolutely filthy. Her hair was long at matted, it could have been any colour originally, but the grimy conditions had turned it a browny-black. Despite her pregnant belly, she clearly looked malnourished and what skin I could see under the layer of grime that coated her body was deathly pale. She had been huddled in the corner of a small side chamber. She lay on the bare earth in a foetal position, not even a blanket to cover her or keep her warm. The smell wafting from the chamber was fowl, and I had to try my very best not to gag.

She was sleeping as we entered the chamber, but the noise of us entering the chamber must have woken her. Groggily she rose to a seated position, knees raised in an effort to cover her nakedness as she looked up at us with cold, listless eyes. I was already seething in righteous anger, but when I noticed the dried, flaky substance that coated her chin and upper chest, then worked out what it was, I went nuclear.

Over the next hour, I gave the Grolec pack a chewing out of mythic proportions. My rage only grew when a sheepish Rylon told me why, despite her already being pregnant and under clear amounts of stress, they had continued to use her mouth. Grolec cum was addictive. To someone like me in my healthy state, I would probably feel crummy for a couple of days but get over it after that (the only reason that I didn’t stomp Rylon’s junk into useless paste for not telling me about the danger). But to someone like her, someone so malnourished that I could clearly see each and every rib clearly, the withdrawal symptoms could be fatal.

The only reason I didn’t leave the pack to their own devices then and there and take the poor girl with me was the looks of abject shame on each and every one of their reptilian features. They didn’t want to do this, but for them it had been the only way. Without partners from other races, the Grolec would go extinct.

Furthermore, they hadn’t mistreated the girl maliciously, but through ignorance. They had stopped letting the girl bathe because in her malnourished state and without any way to heat water; she had caught something from the cold water from the stream she washed in and lack of clothing and had been incredibly sick for a few days. The only reason she was malnourished was that she had been refusing to eat the food the Grolec offered. Grolec are obligate carnivores, but adult Grolec had strong stomachs and were fully capable of eating carrion without getting sick. They had unwittingly been offering her raw, slightly rotted meat, and were confused and increasingly distressed as she refused to eat.

I made them vow, then and there, that they would never touch another woman without their consent ever again. In return, I promised them I would improve all of their lives. I would show them where they were going wrong, and numerous little ways they could improve things. I can't remember exactly what I said as I got a little lost in the moment, but when I finished all of them swore, first to never touch a woman without permission, then, to my surprise, they swore to follow my leadership. Apparently, the world had been listening, as a box like my status screen popped up in front of me, and I was greeted by the following message.

Oaths have been spoken, and the world witnesses. The oaths spoken to you by the Grolec pack are now binding. Breaking a binding oath means a swift **** for the oath breaker.

Congratulations! The last Grolec pack has sworn loyalty to you, the fate of their race now rests in your hands, you have been granted the title: Leader of the Pack.

For your selfless decision to rescue a race on the brink of ruin, you have been granted the unique title: Champion of the Grolec.

That was a hell of a lot to unpack, but that could wait. For now, I organise my new pack. Members were sent off to bring wood suitable for a fire, and yet more were sent off in that search of fresh meat. Tasks divvied out, I take the girl by the hand and had Rylon guide us to the nearest stream. I was worried, as all throughout my rant, the woman had stared blankly at her knees, but I feel her grip tighten on my hand as we walk in silence. When I look back in surprise, our eyes meet, and I can see deep gratitude and determination in her returned stare. I smile, a little to reassure the woman, but a little in relief. She is clearly a fighter, and will hopefully survive now conditions were about to drastically improve.

As she washes off the grime in the stream, I turn away and allow her a modicum of privacy as I consider the long days ahead of me. I have several plans already for improving the lives of the Grolec and this mysterious woman who I had suddenly become responsible for, but only time would tell how things would work out.

A little cough from behind catches my attention, and I turn to see the woman approaching slowly, a large smile on her face. Now that she’s clean, I finally make out her hair colour, or in this case, colours. Either side of her hair is black, like my own, but a streak down the middle of her head is shockingly white. What really grabs my attention, however, and causes my mouth to hang open, are the two fluffy round ears I can now see protruding from the top of her head. Seeing my reaction, the badgerkin woman raises an eyebrow. I grin sheepishly, as I realise that life has just got even more complicated.

The end (for now?).

(authors follow up note: I hope people enjoyed the chapter, and where I left the Grolec story. I called this a grey end as I really feel there is an interesting tale to be told here but am planning on moving on and focusing on the main narrative I had planned. That being said, if you liked the Grolec and fancy adopting a pack of scaley goofballs by taking over their story line, feel free to message me directly and we can discuss future plans etc. Love and kisses, H.B.)