Monster Girl Family

The portal shimmered in the early morning light, a crystalline circle suspended in the air and slowly turning on its axis. Its faint glow pulsed rhythmically, casting strange, fractured shadows across the ground. Oliver stood before it, feeling both a pang of longing and a weight of finality as he took in the strange sight. Silver light from the moon above bathed the scene, making the crystalline structure seem otherworldly.

Standing nearby, Nina was practically bouncing on her heels, her bright smile the only truly warm thing in the otherwise cold moon dawn. Her blue skin shone under the light, her wide, curious eyes glistening. This eldritch beauty a constant reminder of the world he was leaving behind.

“Nina…” Oliver started, his voice soft as he approached her. She beamed, throwing her arms around his neck, and he could feel the cool, wetness of her skin against his, her strange yet endearing scent of saltwater and seaweed filling his senses.

“It’s okay that you’re going home,” Nina said, her voice a mixture of happiness and regret. “But you’ll miss us, won’t you?”

“More than you can imagine,” Oliver replied, giving her a squeeze before pulling back.

Nina giggled, her smile widening, and she leaned forward to plant a quick, almost childlike kiss on his lips. Lilith sputtered beside him but didn’t say anything. It was innocent but lingering, her fingertips trailing gently along his jaw as she finally stepped back, her eyes sparkling.

Oliver chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Take care of yourself, Nina.” With a final squeeze of his hand, she stepped aside, giving him a playful wave.

Then, drifting nearby, was Misty, completely unclothed and entirely unbothered by it, as usual. She floated above the ground, half-present, her translucent body fading in and out of focus as if she wasn’t entirely in this moment. Her lips curved into a lazy smile when she noticed Oliver looking her way.

“Your realm calls to you and you may go,” she intoned. “It is…most unfortunate.”

Oliver laughed softly, scratching his head. “I thought I was a plague?”

“You are,” she responded with a slow blink. “But one I have grown accustomed to.”

Before the young man could continue, Misty’s mind wandered and she slowly floated away towards the edge of the Tortured Forest.

Oliver watched her fade, shaking his head, and turned to find Lilith standing off to the side. She had been silent this whole time, her usual energy subdued, her eyes downcast. He approached her, reaching out to gently tip her chin up, meeting her gaze. Her cheeks were flushed, her fingers twisting together as she finally met his eyes.

“It’s time,” Oliver said, his voice catching in his throat.

Lilith nodded, blinking back tears. “I can’t believe I’m letting my trophy go.”

“You’ll survive,” Oliver assured her, managing a smile. “There are other trophies for you to find.”

She stepped closer, and without another word, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a fierce embrace. He held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against him, her heartbeat quick and strong. She nuzzled into his neck, her breath warm and uneven.

He drew back slightly, looking down into her eyes. “Maybe… maybe you can visit sometime. I’d love for you to see my world.”

She shook her head, biting her lip. “The Bone Lord… he’s forbidden me from crossing into the human realm. He says that it continues to upset the balance.”

Oliver’s chest tightened, and he took a deep breath. Lilith smiled, though tears glistened in her eyes. She pulled him close, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that was gentle and tender, yet filled with a longing that made his heart ache. He could feel her fingers tangling in his hair, her warmth wrapping around him, pulling him closer until he felt like he might melt into her.

When they finally parted, she rested her forehead against his, her breathing ragged. “Goodbye, Oliver,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Be safe.”

He brushed his thumb along her cheek, wiping away a tear. “Goodbye, Lilith. I’ll never forget you.”

With one last lingering look, he stepped back toward the portal, the shimmering ring still in his hand. He took a deep breath, feeling the world around him start to shift as the portal began to activate. The last thing he saw before the light consumed him was Lilith’s tear-streaked face, her eyes filled with hope and sorrow.

Then the world fell away, leaving only the promise of home, and the memories of the strange, wonderful world he was leaving behind.