So I'm a Bat, Big Deal

"Oh my gosh, that's amazing! I knew you were special and not just any ordinary monster! You're seriously the best! It makes so much sense that you could rescue me!"

 I went back to my meal while she playfully ran her finger over the top of my head. Hey, whatever makes her happy, right? I can't say I'm thrilled about being treated like a pet, but I guess there's a certain charm to it. I wouldn't mind a little kink here and there, but being seen as a cute little animal by a lovely woman? Not exactly my idea of excitement. Still, it does seem to ease her tension—hello, gorgeous curves!

As I enjoyed the food she provided, I couldn't help but steal glances at her assets. It wasn't all that bad, really. Before long, I was full, and they were busy setting up camp for the night.

"Though merriment is enjoyable, the time for frolic has concluded. Are you not ready to send that monster off yet?" Herald questioned.

"Seriously, I'm not kidding! There's no way I'm letting go of this precious little bat. And speaking of which, he definitely needs a name! I can't keep calling him little bat all the time. I think I'll name him Captain Sparkle since he turned those creepy zombies into dazzling bright yellow sparkles!"

 I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I crammed the last bite of food into my mouth. Captain Sparkle? Yeah, I shouldn't be surprised by the name she slapped on me, knowing her style.

"Hey, wait a second! I might not want you to keep him, but even I think naming the poor dude Captain Sparkle is a bit much," Max interjected.

"Weren't you the one who said it was doubtful he could understand me before? If that's the case, then he wouldn't have any reason to object now, would he?"

"While that might hold some truth, you were the one who claimed he could understand you. If that's the case, then naming him Captain Sparkle doesn't seem like a proper way to repay his kindness."

They went back and forth, arguing fiercely until Misty suddenly cut the discussion short. "I'm absolutely committed to naming him Captain Sparkle, and that's the end of it!"

And just like that, I became Captain Sparkle, or at least that's what my official nickname now says in the system. I can't shake the feeling that I'm being bullied here.

They had fortified their camp, with Herald casting a protective spell around the perimeter, and were just about to drift off to sleep when Max returned from his scouting mission. He walked in with the little elf girl I had rescued earlier. She seemed shy as she entered the room behind Max, but the moment our eyes locked, a radiant smile lit up her face, and she dashed toward me. Before I could react, she scooped me up from Misty's lab and planted a sweet kiss on my forehead.

"Hey there, little one! Got a lovely mommy you can introduce me to?" I teased playfully.

 "Yes, I do! My Mommy is so beautiful! We just have to make it to the fourth level to save her!"

"Hey! Let go of my Captain Sparkle!" said Misty.

"Captain Sparkle? That's such a silly name for you! Is that really what you go by?"

"You can understand me?"

"A nature elf like me has to know many languages, or else I wouldn't be a proper nature elf!"

"That's incredible! If I said something out of line, my bad—it's my first time crossing paths with an elf!"

"Oh my gosh, really?! You have to visit my village after we finish in this dungeon! My family would be so excited to have you! My big brother is the chief right now, and if you bring me and Mommy back home, I just know he'll be super happy to see you!"

"Checking out an elf village? Now that sounds like an adventure! Once we wrap up the mission to save your mom, I'll be your guide to your village. Oh, and I'm Enzo, by the way!"

"Oh wow, Enzo! That totally fits you! I'm Juno, nice to meet you!"

"Enzo? His name is Captain Sparkle," said Misty.

"His name is Enzo, and he said he would help me rescue my mommy who got taken to the fourth floor!"

"Can you tell me what happened Juno?"

"Me and Mommy were out picking herbs when my little kitty ran away! I just had to chase after her, even though I knew I shouldn't be running off like that. Mommy came after us, but then something super scary happened—we got taken away! I woke up in a strange lab, and they put me in a cage. Mommy was taken somewhere else, and I really hope they're not being mean to her. They didn't hurt her right away, so maybe they want her for her special magic powers!"

"Is that so? What are her powers?"

"My whole tribe is made up of nature elves! It's really enchanting, and outsiders always adore it, but only a tiny number are allowed to step inside!"

"I can't wait to check it out; it sounds absolutely fantastic!"

"We'll finish exploring the third level and head down to the fourth if we're able to find the exit tomorrow. For now everyone get some rest. Herald put up an alarm spell," said Ryder.

"I can do that," said Herald and started casting a spell. 

~~~~~~~~~~

They all drifted off into a good sleep, except for Juno, who kept waking up, crying and trembling. I was there, fighting off her nightmares, trying to bring her some comfort. It was obvious that her night terrors wouldn't just vanish after this incident. No child should have to face such horrors. My heart went out to her, but I was also filled with determination to help her heal. I made a promise to her and to myself: I would get her out of this nightmare, and if her mother was alive, I'd bring her back too. Juno would have a chance at a normal life, and one day, this chaos would feel like nothing more than a bad dream she once had.

As dawn broke the next day, I sat on the couch, between Misty and Juno, soaking in the stunning sunrise that bathed the ruined city in a golden glow amidst the zombie chaos. This morning was turning out to be pretty epic. The sky exploded with colors, and the air had a crispness that invigorated my spirit. I was fired up and ready to dive into a new adventure with my awesome companions.

Coming Next Time: Looting Buildings and Killing Zombies