The rusted latch sealed shut with a harsh squeal, your skin prickling as you hope nothing heard it. Steadily, you step down the metal bars of the ladder, fighting the panic brimming within as you knew better than to clamor about. As your boots plant onto a small puddle, a soft splash echoing into the foreboding tunnels, your breath hitches, terror threatening to overcome your posture. Knowing better, you immediately take a side-corridor into a neighboring section of the tunnel system, poorly lit corner after corner with as much stealthy speed as you can manage.
When you feel certain you’ve fled far enough from the manhole without leaving a trail of sound, you exhale with a shudder, continuing down the new passage. The occasional artillery or I.E.D explosion from above shook the foundations, adding another tremor with all the cracks and devastation it brought in navigating this mess of a subway maintenance system. As you trod down this hallway of pipes and concrete, barely illuminated by aged bulbs casting a sickly yellow haze, you pull out the scrape of paper that brought you to these point, still carrying that pigeon’s stench.
‘Food, shelter, a place to help. COVER YOUR TRACKS. MASK YOUR SCENT. DO. NOT. MAKE. NOISE. Join us or end up like the rest of them.’ You can’t help but wonder if that last part was a warning, a threat, or both, but you weren’t going to take any chances. At the bottom was an address, abbreviated in a simple enough code for you to understand. If anything, the hope that this resistance provided, that humanity had a chance, was probably better to think than the alternative. Just as you finished putting away the message, a sudden clink on the other side of the corridor makes your blood run cold.
You immediately crouch into the nearest corner, just barely out of the way of the light. Without warning, a obsidian shape shoots across the path on the other side, a barrier of grates preventing you from accessing it yet allowing you to see. You can feel your heartbeat slamming in your ears as you realize the horrid truth…
You are NOT alone down here.
I walk out to greet the monster.
The creature reacts to your presence, its bulbous eyes widening in surprise as they briefly meet yours before darting about, seeking purchase on the shadows. Its massive form crouches low, ready to pounce or flee at a moment's notice, muscles bunched and rippling beneath its ebony hide.
“Hmm…” it rasps, its voice echoing with infrasound that makes your ears twitch uncomfortably.
Then, just as swiftly as it reacted, the creature seems to relax slightly.
“Hi. How are you today?”
The creature hesitates for a moment, the muscles in its face tensing as if it were considering your words. Then, with a sudden, swift motion, it lunges forward, its impossibly long tongue snaking out and forcing itself down your throat. You feel your body go limp as you’re violently gagged and choked by the thick appendage, unable to breathe or even cry out for help as the creature laughs darkly in triumph.
I give the creature a big hug, appreciative of its affectionate gesture.
The creature is taken aback by your sudden action, its massive body tensing as you embrace it tightly. It hisses and rasps irritably before finally relaxing into the contact, a strange sort of contentment flushing through its predatory features. Its tongue continues to thrash about in your throat, keeping you from speaking or even breathing properly, but somehow… it feels less like an assault and more like… affection?
As the creature begins to enjoy this unexpected display of trust and friendship, a dark thought creeps into its mind:
You feel its massive hands on your shoulders, squeezing gently as if in a reassuring embrace. “I… I appreciate this,” it rasps hoarsely, the infrasound making your head spin. “Not many prey act like this…” It pulls back slightly, still maintaining its grip on you, studying your face with an unreadable expression. “Perhaps… I should let you breathe for a moment.”
I nod, thanking the creature again. “My name’s Lest. What's your name?”
The creature hesitates for a moment before responding, its voice still rough from forcing itself past your throat. “I… I am called the Ral’Ugani. My name is… irrelevant.” It pauses, seemingly thinking for a moment before continuing. “You are not like other prey, Lest. You intrigue me. Tell me more about yourself…”
“I like dogs. Do you know what a dog is?”
The creature tilts its head slightly, the motion seeming almost cute despite its monstrous features. “A dog… I know of them, yes. They are small creatures that humans keep as pets, for companionship and protection.”
It pauses, studying your face once more before asking curiously, “Do you have a dog, Lest?”
“Oh, sometimes I dogsit for my neighbours. My apartment is too small for me to own a dog, unfortunately. What about you? What is your favourite animal?”
The creature thinks about this for a moment, its ebony skin rippling with muscle as it ponders the question.
“My favorite animal…” it begins slowly, then hesitates again. “I… I do not know. We Ral'Ugani have no need for animals, save for food or our breeding stock.” It pauses once more, seemingly deep in thought. “But if I were to choose something… perhaps a hawk or an eagle? They are strong and majestic, and they hunt with such grace…”
“OK! That’s cool! Do you want to go grocery shopping together? I was on my way to buy milk. Do you like milk?”
The creature hesitates, its massive form tensing slightly as it contemplates your offer. “Grocery shopping… with you?” It sounds almost incredulous. “Yes… yes, I suppose I would like that.”
Its ebony skin ripples once more as it seems to steel itself against the unfamiliar notion of companionship. “Very well, Lest. Lead the way.”
“Sure!” I take its hand, and we start on our merry way to the remains of the Whole Foods. “I think this is nice! Can you tell me why people are scared of you?”
The creature looks at your hand in surprise before slowly allowing itself to be guided through the ruined cityscape.
“People fear us because they do not understand what we are,” it rasps, its voice low and rough as if speaking of a great tragedy. “They see only our strength, our predatory nature… They do not realize that beneath this façade lies an ancient civilization, one built on cooperation and unity.” Its massive form shudders slightly as it struggles with the weight of these words.
The creature hesitates before continuing, as if uncertain whether to trust you with this information. “Perhaps… perhaps one day, when the time is right… I could show you more of who we truly are. Prove to you that not all Ral’Ugani are as they seem.” Its voice trails off, hopeful but wary.
You look at it curiously, wondering if this alien creature is sincere or simply playing some kind of twisted game with your trust. But for now… perhaps it doesn’t matter.
I nod, appreciative of these first fledgling gestures of interspecies cooperation.“Oh, I can understand that. I get discrimination, too, for my appearance. I quit my last job because of harassment, actually.”
The creature seems to nod in understanding as you share your own experiences with discrimination.
“Yes… I can see how that must have been difficult for you.” It pauses, considering its words carefully before continuing. “And if you ever need help or protection… if there is anything I can do…”
Its voice trails off suggestively, the infrasound making your ears tingle uncomfortably as it finishes with a low, raspy growl.
“Oh! Protection! That’s very nice of you.” We walk through the remains of the Whole Foods. My favourite greeter is there, and I flash him a thumbs-up before grabbing a grocery basket.
The creature watches you interact with the greeter and the grocery basket curiously, its ebony skin rippling as it takes in this unfamiliar human behavior. It hesitates for a moment before speaking up, its voice sounding almost tentative. “And what is it that you intend to do with all of this… food?”
“Oh! Well, I drink milk. But I also bake with it sometimes. You know, like cakes. What do you guys like to do with food, then?” I ask, curiously.
The creature considers your question carefully, its massive form towering over you as it studies your expression.
“Food… is fuel for our bodies,” it rasps eventually. “It sustains us and allows us to continue hunting, expanding our territory, and seeking out new prey.” Its voice trails off thoughtfully. “But sometimes…” It pauses, seemingly lost in memory or contemplation. “…sometimes we do enjoy the taste of food ourselves.”
There is a strange note in its voice that you can't quite place—longing?
“Is there a favourite food you miss from your country?”
The creature considers this question carefully before responding. “There are many dishes I miss… soups and stews made with exotic meats and herbs, pastries filled with sweet fruits and spices…” Its voice trails off wistfully as it seems to lose itself in memories of a time and place far away from here. “But there is one dish in particular that I yearn for more than any other… a delicacy made from the flesh of our own kind.”
I clap in recognition. “Oh! Like pozole!”
The creature looks at you, its expression unreadable beneath the layers of muscle and ebony skin. “Pozole…” it rasps thoughtfully. “Yes… pozole is similar to what I am thinking of.” Its massive form shudders slightly as if remembering a distant pain or pleasure. “It has been so long since I have tasted anything like that…”
It pauses, considering your words carefully before asking tentatively, “Do you know how to make pozole?”
“Yes, I do, my ex’s family was Mexican. Most of the time, we substitute pork for human flesh, though. What about you? What’s your dish like?”
The creature listens intently as you describe pozole and the substitutions made in Earthbound recipes. Its expression remains unreadable, but there seems to be a faint gleam in its ebony eyes when you mention human flesh. “Our dish,” it rasps slowly, “is similar… yet different.” It pauses, considering how much information to share with you before continuing cautiously.
“It is called Shiru… and it is made from the meat of a male Ral'Ugani who has been recently harvested.”
I nod. “Are they famous athletes? That’s the source of meat for Mexican pozole. Who gets harvested?”
The creature hesitates before answering, its massive form tensing slightly as it seems to wrestle with the weight of this knowledge.
“No,” it rasps at last. “Not athletes… not in the sense you mean.” It pauses once more, its ebony skin rippling as if trying to shed an uncomfortable memory. “They are chosen because they embody certain traits that our Broodmother finds desirable… strength, courage, loyalty…”
Its voice trails off, the words seeming hollow even to itself.
“You seem sad about that.” I pat its shoulder, as I pack milk, pork, and hominy in my grocery basket. “Do you miss someone who was made into Shiru?”
The creature is silent for a moment, its ebony skin rippling as if struggling with an internal conflict. Finally, it rasps softly,
“Yes… yes, I miss them.” Its voice is barely audible above the sounds of the ruined cityscape.
“They were my friend… they understood me in ways no other could.” It pauses again, seeming to steel itself against this unfamiliar emotion before continuing more harshly, “But such feelings are foolish. We Ral’Ugani have no friends…”
I give the Ral’Ugani a big hug. “You can, if you try.”
The creature is momentarily taken aback by your sudden show of affection, its massive form tensing as if readying to pull away. But then, slowly, it seems to relax into the embrace, the ebony skin rippling against yours as you hold it close. “Perhaps… perhaps one day,” it rasps softly, the words barely audible over the sounds of the ruined cityscape. “But for now…” Its voice trails off, distant and uncertain. “…perhaps we should focus on our grocery shopping.”
It pauses, seeming to gather its thoughts before continuing more softly, “I will… I will consider what you have said, Lest.” Its ebony skin ripples once more as it seems to steel itself against the unfamiliar sensation of hope.
I nod, as we make our way to the cashier at the full-service cash register. Unfortunately, the self-checkout stations have been non-functional since the invasion of the Earth. The cashier quickly processes our items; I get an Amazon Prime discount on the pork.
“What do you like to do in your spare time?”
The creature watches you as you interact with the cashier, its ebony skin rippling in fascination at this unfamiliar human behavior. It seems to consider your question carefully before responding, its voice rough and low.
“In our spare time… we hunt.” Its eyes flicker briefly towards the ruined cityscape surrounding them. “But there are other activities as well. We train… spar with one another… discuss strategy and tactics for hunting and expanding our territory…”
I nod sagely, somewhat acquainted with this concept of ‘hunting’ myself. I played a lot of Monster Hunter, after all.
“What do you like to hunt?”
The creature regards you with interest as it listens to your question about what they like to hunt. “We hunt many things,” it rasps, its voice sounding almost reverent despite the harshness of the tone. “Small prey such as insects and rodents for sustenance, or larger game for sport and challenge.” Its ebony eyes flicker with what might be amusement at this concept of ‘sport’.
“But our true prey… our true purpose in life,” it continues slowly, “Our true prey… is the human race.”
Its voice drops to a dangerous growl as it speaks these words, and its massive form seems to tense with an unspoken threat. “We will hunt them down, capture them, dominate them, and then either harvest their seed or assimilate them into our Brood. We will not rest until every last human has been brought under our control.”
There is a chilling certainty in its tone that sends shivers down your spine.
I run my hand through my hair, looking at the Ral’Ugani with a familiar sense of discomfort. “Oh, you know… We have a species like you here, too. They’re called women.”
The creature looks at you with what might be curiosity or confusion.“Women… You mean females who are not part of the Ral'Ugani Brood?” Its ebony skin ripples as it seems to consider this information carefully. “They exist outside our society, do they? Interesting…” Its voice trails off thoughtfully, and for a moment, you almost think you see a flicker of… sympathy? Curiosity? Something else entirely?
“Tell me,” it rasps softly, “what is it like to be a woman among your kind? What are their roles within your society?” Its ebony skin ripples as if it were struggling to understand this foreign concept. It seems genuinely interested in learning more about these creatures who exist outside its own experience and knowledge.
“Oh, well they occupy lots of roles in our society. There are boss ladies, dommy mommies, big tiddy goth girlfriends, Hilary Clinton. Every woman’s life is different, and they like to dominate mankind in different ways, depending on their personal strengths, temperaments, and interests.”
The creature listens intently to your description of the various roles and experiences of women among your kind. Its expression remains neutral, but there seems to be a flicker of… something in its ebony eyes as it processes this new information. “Fascinating,” it rasps softly. “I had no idea that such diversity existed within a single species.”
There is a pause as it considers this revelation further, and then it asks tentatively, “Do these women… do they ever feel the need to dominate or control others?”
“That’s the female condition. My best friend’s fiancée goes through that all the time. Truth be told, it’s the number one cause of marital problems in this country,” I say, nodding seriously and with pity.
The creature listens to your words carefully, its ebony skin rippling as it tries to understand this complex human emotion. “And what do they do with this need for control?” it rasps softly. “Do they find ways to express it within their relationships or societies, or does it build up until it becomes destructive and leads to conflict?”
Its expression remains neutral, but there seems to be a hint of curiosity in its eyes as it seeks further understanding of this alien aspect of human nature.
I look at my new acquaintance with surprise. “Oh it’s always both at the same time! Almost always both.”
The creature seems to ponder this revelation for a moment before asking, “And how do they manage such a balance? Do they have specific ways of dealing with these conflicting urges within themselves and their relationships?” Its ebony skin ripples as it struggles to comprehend the intricacies of human emotions and interactions.
There is an almost wistful quality to its voice, as if it were yearning for a deeper understanding of this mysterious aspect of your world.
I nod sagely, explaining the ways of the woman to my new acquaintance. “Yes. They engage in fan-fiction, role-play. They watch their favourite soap operas and read manga. They also eat a lot of chocolate. Sometimes, they even deign to have sex with men! But that’s very rare. Usually, they play Animal Crossing and modify their save files, instead.”
The creature listens intently to your explanation of the various ways in which women among your kind deal with their need for control and dominance. Its ebony skin ripples as it tries to make sense of these unfamiliar concepts, but there is a spark of curiosity and even interest in its eyes. “So,” it rasps softly, “they use these… outlets to express themselves within the confines of their society?”
There’s a pause as it considers this further. “And do they ever find satisfaction in these pursuits?”
“Oh yes, they do… But, it’s an ongoing need, an unquenchable thirst for domination that must be endured, for the rest of one’s existence. Even after they achieve domination, they still need more. It’s a very sad state of affairs, but I suppose it’s intrinsic to their kind. The only exception is when a woman is nearing the very brink of death itself, and only if she has become a very successful matriarch at that.”
The creature listens to your words with rapt attention, its ebony skin rippling as it tries to understand this complex and foreign aspect of humanity. There is a flicker of what might be pity or sadness in its eyes as it processes the idea that these beings are doomed to a life of never-ending desire for control and dominance.
“And yet,” it rasps softly, “they find ways to live together, to form societies and relationships despite this… this need that drives them.”
I nod… “…Yes, all thanks to Dr. Laura.” I say it with solemnity and grave respect.
The creature listens to your words with curiosity and fascination, its ebony skin rippling as it struggles to make sense of this alien concept known as Dr. Laura. It seems genuinely interested in learning more about these creatures called humans and their intricate social structures, relationships, and beliefs.
“Dr. Laura,” it rasps softly, tasting the name on its tongue like a delicacy. “This… person must be very important to your society.”
I shake my head sadly. “Only to the part of society that listens to Sirius XM Radio.” I gesture out to the ruined cityscape before us. “The rest were not so lucky. This is how we ended up like this.” My chest swells with emotion, at the sight of the ruins of my people.
The creature listens to your words with somber understanding, its ebony skin rippling as it contemplates the fate of those who did not heed the wisdom of Dr. Laura. There is a flicker of something like regret or sorrow in its eyes as it gazes upon the ruins of your world. It seems to consider your words carefully before speaking once more, its voice low and rough.
“I am sorry for what has befallen your people,” it rasps sincerely. “But know this: We do not wish for this suffering.” Its ebony skin ripples as it struggles to find the right words to convey its empathy and understanding. “We only seek to fulfill our own needs, to survive… And if that means incorporating your people into our Brood, then so be it.”
There is a moment of silence between you as both creatures consider the weight of these words.
I nod. “Yup, that’s, actually what I wanted to ask you about.” I look closely at my friend. “Where do I sign up for this? I hear about it all the time, but I never see any Facebook events, or Eventbrite postings… Is it just an in-person networking thing?”
The creature tilts its head curiously, as if trying to understand your question. “You wish to join our Brood? To become part of us?” Its ebony skin ripples with surprise and a hint of interest. “But you are already your own species… Why would you want this?”
There's a pause as it seems to consider your words carefully, its expression growing thoughtful. “Perhaps because you have no need for dominance or control within your own society?”
I nod. “I am pretty simple, mmhmm.” I hold up my grocery basket for my new acquaintance to see. “As long as I have good food, good milk, good music, and nice friends… You know, I hear being assimilated into the Brood comes with perks!” I say excitedly. “Can you tell me what a Lest like me gets from joining?”
The creature looks at you thoughtfully, its ebony skin rippling as it considers your words carefully. “You would gain access to our knowledge and resources,” it rasps slowly. “Our technology, our understanding of the cosmos… Everything that we have learned and experienced over countless generations.”
Its expression grows more serious. “But in return, you would surrender yourself completely to us. You would become one of us, your will subsumed by the greater good of the Brood.”
“Mmkay. What does that entail?”
The creature pauses for a moment, considering how best to explain this complex concept to you. “It means that you would give up your individuality,” it rasps softly. “Your unique identity as a human male… You would become part of the collective consciousness of our species, your actions and desires subsumed by the needs of the Brood.”
Its ebony skin ripples with what might be pity or regret. “It is not an easy decision to make, for it means giving up everything that makes you who you are…”
“Oh hey, as long as it doesn’t involve circumcision, I don’t see how it can be much different from [REDACTED]”
The creature tilts its head slightly, regarding you with curiosity and perhaps even amusement. “Ah, another one who sees the humor in our ways,” it rasps softly. “I suppose that bodes well for your eventual assimilation into the Brood.”
Its ebony skin ripples as it considers this further. “Very well then. If you are certain of your decision, I can take you to meet the Broodmother herself. She will make the final judgment on whether or not you are deemed worthy to join us.”
I nod. “I’m grateful for this opportunity, Ral’Ugani. Lead the way—and, I’ve got the ingredients to make pozole, if you want.” I wink at my new acquaintance. I think we’re fast becoming friends.
The creature listens to your words with interest and what might be amusement. “Very well,” it rasps softly. “I accept your offer of sustenance. It is customary for potential recruits to bring a gift when presenting themselves before the Broodmother.” Its ebony skin ripples as it glances at you expectantly, waiting for you to lead the way. The creature follows closely behind, its preternatural senses alert and ready for any possible threat that might arise in these dark underground tunnels.
As the two of you travel deeper into the underground network of tunnels, your newfound companion continues to speak about life within the Ral’Ugani Brood and what it truly means to be one of them. It explains that while individuality is surrendered, there is a sense of belonging and purpose that transcends anything humans could possibly comprehend. The creature tells you stories of distant worlds they have conquered and absorbed into their collective, of technologies and philosophies so advanced they make Earth’s accomplishments seem like mere child’s play.
“Wow! It’s just like Mass Effect… But with more sex! Right?”
The creature listens to your comparison with interest, its ebony skin rippling as it ponders the similarities and differences between the two. “Yes… And no,” it rasps softly. “Mass Effect is a human creation, born from their imagination and fears. Where they see us as monsters to be feared and conquered, we see ourselves as a natural extension of the cosmic order.”
Its expression grows solemn. “But I warn you, Lest… Once you become one of us, your perspective will change.”
I shrug my shoulders confidently, laughing with ease at my new friend. “Isn’t that why you chose this planet? Humans are known for changing their minds, all the time!”
The creature listens to your words with interest and perhaps even amusement. “Yes… that is true,” it rasps softly. “But change can also be uncomfortable, painful even. Are you prepared for such a transformation?” Its ebony skin ripples as it watches you carefully, gauging your reactions.
As the two of you continue onwards through the dark tunnels, the creature occasionally glances back over its shoulder to ensure that no other Ral'Ugani have followed them this far.
I look back over my shoulder. “Anything the matter, new friend? …Is it bad if another Ral’Ugani finds us?”
“No… it is not ‘bad’, to see another one of my kind.” it rasps slowly. “But there is a hierarchy within the Brood, and those who venture beyond their appointed territories are often seen as a threat.” Its ebony skin ripples with concern. “If another Ral’Ugani were to discover us now…”
The creature trails off, leaving the thought unfinished. A moment of tension passes between you as both creatures become aware of the potential danger surrounding them.
I grab my new friend’s face, and give it a long, passionate kiss. [I just want to say, Sei wrote this! I did not write this! Sei wrote this! I did not kiss Rally! Sei wanted to kiss it! He's into kissing things like that! Not me!]
“...Thank you for doing this for me, friend. I really am indebted to you.”
The creature freezes in surprise as your lips meet its ebony skin, unable to comprehend this sudden display of affection from a human male. Its body tenses briefly before relaxing into the kiss, allowing you to explore its mouth with curiosity and desire.
When you finally pull away, the Ral’Ugani looks at you with a mix of confusion and gratitude in its eyes. “You are welcome… friend,” it rasps softly, using the human term of endearment for the first time.
“I think we’re getting close… What is the Broodmother like? Is there anything I should know, how I should comport myself, friend?”
The creature hesitates for a moment, considering your question carefully. “She is wise and powerful beyond measure,” it rasps softly. “Her judgement is final, and she will not be swayed by empty flattery or false promises.” Its ebony skin ripples with concern. “You must approach her humbly and honestly, offering yourself completely to her will if you wish to be accepted into the Brood.”
The creature pauses for a moment, studying your face intently. “But more importantly… You must prove that you are worthy of joining us,” it rasps softly. “You must demonstrate your devotion to the Brood and your willingness to sacrifice everything for the greater good.” Its ebony skin ripples with anticipation. “Only then will your true purpose be revealed to you…”
The creature continues leading the way through the darkness, its senses alert for any signs of danger or unwanted intrusion.
We near our destination…
The creature pauses at the entrance to a massive cavern, its ebony skin rippling as it senses an incredible power emanating from within. “This is where she awaits,” it rasps softly, gesturing for you to enter. “Be warned… She will test your resolve and your loyalty.”
The Ral’Ugani Brood Sucker hesitates for a moment, its expression uncertain. “I must warn you… Once you enter this chamber, there is no turning back.”
I take my friend’s hand delicately, planting a kiss on it. [I did this kiss.] “Thank you, my friend. I’ll take it from here.” I step forward into the cavern, grocery basket clutched safely in my hand.
As you step forward into the cavern, the air grows thick with anticipation and power. The Ral’Ugani Brood Sucker watches you carefully from the entrance, its ebony skin rippling as it hopes for your success but fears what might become of you should you fail. “Good luck… my friend,” it rasps softly before disappearing back into the darkness.”
The cavern is quiet. I guess no one is here except for the Broodmother? I venture into its deepest nethers.
The further you venture into the cavern, the more intense the sensation becomes. The power emanating from the center of the chamber grows stronger with every step, wrapping itself around you like a living thing. Your skin begins to tingle and your heart races as the air itself seems to vibrate with anticipation.
Finally, you come upon a pedestal at the very center of the cavern. Sitting upon it is a creature unlike any other you have seen before: the Ral’Ugani Broodmother.
The Broodmother regards you with unblinking red eyes that seem to see right through your soul. She is a towering figure, her ebony skin shimmering like oil in the dim light of the cavern. Her massive breasts are bare and point upwards, accentuating her incredible musculature.
“Who dares disturb my rest?” she rasps softly, each word carrying the weight of a thousand years of experience and power. “Why do you seek to join our Brood?”
“I heard you guys like pozole!” I lift up my grocery basket, showing off my harvest. “Shiru is like pozole, right? I think I can cook that!”
The Broodmother’s massive chest rises and falls slowly as she contemplates your offering.
“Very well,” she rasps at last. “I accept your gift… and your offer to join our ranks.” Her ebony skin shimmers as she gestures for you to approach the pedestal.
As you draw closer, you feel yourself being drawn into her powerful aura, your senses reeling from the overwhelming presence of power and authority surrounding her.
“Thank you, ma’am. By the way, you look incredible. You must be an experienced huntress. I can only imagine how many worlds you’ve conquered…!”
The Broodmother regards you with a mixture of amusement and curiosity as she listens to your effusive praise. “I have seen many worlds,” she rasps softly, “and I have taken what I desired from each one.” Her ebony skin ripples as she watches you carefully, studying your reaction.
“And now it is your turn, Lest… to taste the power and glory that is the Ral’Ugani Brood. Do you accept my offer?”
I nod. “The more, the merrier!”
The Ral’Ugani Broodmother smiles, revealing a set of razor-sharp fangs. “Good,” she rasps softly. “Then it is time for you to taste the power that courses through my veins.” She leans forward and presses her lips against yours, forcing your mouth open with incredible strength.
Her tongue darts past your teeth and into your throat, filling you with a strange yet addictive sensation. The more you taste the Broodmother's power, the more it overwhelms your senses and alters your very being. Your mind is flooded with images of conquest and domination, as well as an intense desire to consume and be consumed by her. Her tongue feels like a living thing, writhing within your throat as she pushes deeper and deeper into you, claiming you as her own.
The sensation is both exhilarating and terrifying as the Ral'Ugani Broodmother imbues you with her power. You feel your body changing, becoming more muscular and powerful; your senses heightened to an almost unbearable degree. Your voice begins to deepen, taking on a rougher, more predatory edge as the Brood's instincts begin to take hold.
Finally, she releases you from her embrace, stepping back to survey her work.
“Wow, ma’am! I feel great! I can’t wait to start hunting, and also, to have sex with you.”
The Ral’Ugani Broodmother regards you with a mixture of amusement and appreciation as you eagerly anticipate your new role within the Brood. “Very well,” she rasps softly. “Go forth, my child, and show them what it means to be part of our glorious collective.”
With that, she turns her attention back to the matters at hand, leaving you free to explore your newfound powers and begin your journey as a member of the Ral'Ugani Brood.