BOOM!

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  RUMBLE!

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  "Eurghh, shut up Marlo!"

  Opening his eyes, Bob's sleep had been forcibly interrupted, with a series of resounding noises infiltrating his dreams. Rolling over in bed, he was met with a sight that only a mother could love. Marlo was still fast asleep, his dirty grey dreadlocks were splayed out and taking on the appearance of aged tree roots. His constant lip smacking revealed his rotten teeth, and left Bob feeling utterly revolted.

  It was a few moments until he realised it was not Marlo making the loud noises, as he had thought. Sitting up, he held his breath and began to listen attentively.

  No more noise made its way inside the makeshift home that Bob and Marlo shared. Even so Bob had previously adapted the cardboard laden house, it was only big enough for the two to sleep side by side, a veritable lovers nest if their genders, age, species and attitudes were different.

  Placing a hand on his stomach, he felt a slight hunger bang which made him glance to the side. A fat brown envelope contained all of the money they had LEGALLY acquired. Today was the day they were going to use some of that money and buy some food, something the local rat population was thankful for.

  "Mmmm steak, I can't wait....I wonder if they would do a delivery to the sewers?"

  Before he could fantasize anymore about the feast he would acquire later, a peculiar noise made its way into his ears. The noise of a wooden door opening, and then closing.

  "Huh?"

  Bob's face was that of utter bewilderment. He reached out and grasped the makeshift door of his house, that being a piece of blue plastic sheeting. Opening and closing it several times, the only noise he heard was that of the plastic sheet.

  Bob's mind then started thinking of everything around him in the sewers, and he soon confirmed there was no such doors. Just as that thought entered his mind, new noises emanated from outside.

  A short shout from a man's voice, followed by a loud crunch.

  "What the hells that stupid crocodile doing outside?"

  Rising to his feet, but still having to be bent over to avoid breaking the roof, Bob made his way outside, and what he saw next left him with nothing but questions. On the concrete wall of the sewers, he saw an old wooden door that had never existed there before, and then a second later it vanished, leaving the solid concrete wall there again.

  Then looking to the other side, he saw Mr Crocks happily wagging his tail, with a large man lying on the floor, his head cleanly bitten off. A large pool of blood was already covering the concrete, and spilling over into the basin. The undead crocodile looked at Bob, the man's head cleanly situated inside its mouth, with its terror stricken face also staring at Bob. A bite later and another crunch sounded out, followed by the head vanishing and a spray of blood and brain matter covering the decapitated body.

  Five minutes prior, Carmichael had successfully escaped through the door he created. Now within a space in the wall created by his Magic, he proceeded to use Earth Magic and simply create a tunnel. Aiming downwards, the tunnel closed behind him as it opened up in front of him.

  The Earth Magic he was using took a while to create, but was perfect for manoeuvring through solid objects. Where as his unique ability to create a door on a solid surface, was instantaneous, and created a void within the solid object so he could be safe.

  Before long he had arrived at the entrance to the sewers, that was situated deep below the restaurant. Almost like second nature, he used his ability and created a door to exit the wall. Opening it wide, he stepped into a large circular room with a central basin. Closing the door behind him, Carmichael proceeded to stretch his arms in the air and smile broadly, before muttering under his breath.

  "Another perfect escape...I really hope that bitch died....Huh, what's that?"

  Carmichael's eyes went wide when he saw what appeared to be a small shelter, erected by a homeless person, and next to it was a long dead crocodile. He immediately drew his pistol and aimed it at the beast, before he shook his head at the stupidity of aiming his pistol at a dead animal.

  He quickly came to the conclusion that the homeless person must of killed it, that or it died of natural causes after killing the homeless person. Several different scenarios played through his mind, unfortunately all of them were completely wrong.

  Moving closer to the crocodile, he found himself leaning closer to it, while staring at its eyes. All of the lustre of life was gone from them, they were most definitely that of a dead animal, yet he felt like the dead crocodile was scrutinized him. The feeling was uncanny.

  From his side, Carmichael heard the sudden noise of a plastic sheet being moved inside the makeshift home. Turning his head to look at it, he barely caught the image of the long dead crocodile lunging at him.

  Using his moment of distraction, Mr Crocks launched himself forwards, his mouth wide open and aimed for the man's head. A short sharp shout left his lips, before the vice like jaws of the crocodile applied pressure and ripped his head off, killing him instantly. Only the lingering the noise of his helmet breaking, skull cracking, and spine snapping could be heard.

  In the present, Bob stood motionless trying to understand the situation. In a short series of mental communications between himself and Mr Crocks, he understood everything, and then proceeded to give him a solid thumbs up.

  "Good boy"

  Looking at the body, he could tell he worked for the police, the bulletproof vest, police issued pistol, and even the standard police helmet that was crunched in a single bite, all told him of the man's identity. As for why he suddenly came to the sewers, he could only pray that no others would come stumbling along.

  Thinking on that though, he knew he had to dispose of the body and clean away the evidence, just in case more police came in the future. Not that it would effect him, him being a monster would only lead to a singular outcome upon being discovered, but he did worry about Marlo.

  "Now the question is, how to get rid of the body?"

  As if Bob's body already knew the answer to that simple question, it decided to inform him. Bob's stomach rumbled from hunger and a short stabbing pain hit his abdomen. The saliva glands within his mouth activated, as they greedily expected the meal before him, even before his rational mind came to that conclusion.

  For the next hour as Marlo enjoyed his dream of rainbows and cotton candy, outside of his home, Bob devoured the flesh of the unlucky Doreen Carmichael. The only part he did not eat, was given to Mr Squeeks as a treat, as he relayed to his master that he enjoyed the taste of sausage.

  With all of the clothes that he was wearing, and the police issued pistol, Bob placed them all inside Mr Crocks mouth, and gave him an extremely important mission.

  "Now listen well Mr Crocks, I need you to ditch that stuff far away. Go as far as you can before you feel my Necromancy powers beginning to stop working....I have no idea if his clothes or gun can be tracked, so don't leave any in your mouth, okay!........Oh, and hurry back because I need you to help Mr Squeeks lick all the blood up"

  Looking to the side, the undead rat was dutifully licking up the copious amounts of blood that had been spilled. Even so it was an arduous task, as an undead creature, he would never tire, nor bore of the assigned task. As to where the consumed blood would go, excretion was the only way, yet Bob had no clue as to how the digestive system of an undead creature functioned.

  Now with Mr Crocks gone, and Mr Squeeks licking the floor, Bob got on his knees and crawled slightly back into his house. He looked at Marlo and confirmed he was still fast asleep, a fact that he was thankful for. Ignoring him, he reached out and took hold of the large black spear that had been lying next to his bed area.

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  While lightly twirling the spear around, Bob stood in the centre of the basin and began to practice. Using his own memories from the Dungeon, and also the Humans memories of wielding a spear, when he trained to be an Adventurer, Bob proceeded to practise diligently.

  Several hours later, Marlo had long risen from his slumber and complained to Bob, saying that he had a nightmare and it was all his fault. It was because Bob was so ugly, that he dreamed Bob was magically appearing out of a door underneath his bed, and then proceeded to eat him.

  When Marlo woke, he was going to non stop berate Bob for his ugliness infecting his dreams, but he soon remembered what their plan was for that day, and so he calmed down slightly.

  Traipsing through the sewer tunnels, Marlo was riding Mr Crocks once again, and Bob was walking behind them. They were on their way to find a storm drain near a convenience store, that Marlo knew of.

  They had decided to go to one far away from their home in the basin, fully expecting a rumour about a homeless man in the sewers who gives money to kids, to begin to circulate at some point. Then if by some horrendous happenchance occurs, and the money they used was tied back to Julius Dinghurst, then they could say goodbye to their freedom, and probably their lives.

  "You really are a bastard, ain't ya ugly! Making me do all the work!....Why won't you just go shop, instead ya making an old blind man go! Tsch"

  This line of questioning had been happening repeatedly, with Marlo trying his hardest to just stay back and wait for the food to be delivered. Bob had a firm hand on the envelope of money while he replied.

  "Do you even listen! I'm too ugly and won't be allowed in a shop.....You're too filthy and won't be allowed in a shop....But at least you can ask someone to go in the shop for you....If I try it, they'll just run away and shout monster!"

  Marlo loudly sucked on his teeth, a black flake came loose and stuck to the back of his throat, making him cough repeatedly. Bob believed it was karma, especially seen as he had to self admonish himself, by leaning into the lie that he was ugly, and all for Marlo's sanity.

  In Bob's mind, he was not actually ugly, but in fact he was the most attractive Lizardman in his Dungeon, it is just that humans cannot understand that.

  Perhaps, apart from one.

  When they finally arrived at the storm drain, Bob could easily see the large size of it. It was big enough for a person to slide through, if they were so inclined, although that would be impossible for a creature of Bob's stature.

  With the weather on their side, and not a cloud in sight, the duo began to enact their plan. They had wrote down a simple shopping list, and had a rough estimation of the cost. They had also come up with a plan for carrying it out safely, they hoped.

  Bob put the hood of his cloak up, hoping it would be enough to obscure his face if he kept his head down. He dropped to his knees, with Marlo tentatively climbing onto his shoulders. In a single motion Bob stood up, lifting Marlo to the height that his face was level with the storm drain.

  To overcome the issue of Marlo being blind, and so not being able to tell when anyone was walking past, they recruited a certain rodent. Mr Squeeks fresh from his licking duty, would be the eyes of the operation, standing on the street just outside of the storm drain, he would look about for a passer-by who looked trustworthy. Bob kept his eyes firmly closed, and took charge of Mr Squeeks.

  It was at this time, that Bob knew what it felt like to be a parent on a long drive. Repeating the same thing for the fifth time, Marlo spoke again.

  "Is anyone there yet?"

  letting out a groan that was nearly a growl, Bob replied.

  "No Marlo, now stop asking!.......Ohh, there is, there's actually someone coming"

  "Who, who is it?"

  Using Mr Squeeks, Bob could clearly see the person who was set to walk past their storm drain. A woman in her mid thirties, wearing a beige trench-coat, and carrying a black handbag. She looked like a mother nipping out on an errand, at least to Bob she did anyway. After relaying that to Marlo, his next question was not what he expected, but also exactly what he expected from him.

  "How hot is she? Hurry up Bob, how big are her tits?"

  Choosing not to reply, Bob squeezed one of his hands that were holding Marlo's legs to keep him steady. The sudden yelp of pain caught the woman's attention, and immediately put her on alert. Marlo quickly pulled himself together and called out to her.

  "Hey pretty lady, down here!....Yeah, here in the storm drain"

  The woman had been looking around futilely, her hand rummaging in her bag for something, until she heard Marlo's words. She then noticed him and reflexively jerked backwards, before she calmed herself and approached. Crouching down, she was thankful for wearing pants and not a dress.

  "Oh my, are you okay sir? Are you stuck? I can call the police for you"

  The woman's good natured words sounded like the richest honey to Marlo's love starved ears. Unfortunately, it made him completely forget what his aim was.

  "No, no am good....I live down here, names Marlo the Magician! Come to ma crib, here, take this money"

  Marlo had seemingly regressed into his days of hiring prostitutes off street corners, and unfortunately his words did not work out how he intended. Bob could only scowl at what his friend was saying, but he was in no position to say, or do anything.

  The look of utter disgust on the woman's face was not seen by anyone, even so she was directly staring at the man in the sewers. From her perspective, she could see the face of a filthy, ugly, blind man who lived in the sewers, and seemingly thought she was a prostitute. The anger she felt in her heart at that moment could not be quelled by words, only actions.

  Withdrawing her hand from her handbag, she was clutching a cylindrical spray bottle, with its nozzle aimed squarely at Marlo's face. A second later and the woman shouted, at the same time as depressing the button on her pepper spray.

  "PERVERT!"

  The sudden insult shocked Marlo back to reality, and he understood what he did. He did not have any time to fix the situation though, as a powerful blast of pepper spray impacted his face, directly coating his eyes that were wide open.

  The woman took that opportunity to run away, leaving Marlo to flail about on top of Bob's shoulders, while he shouted nonstop.

  "Arghhhh! My eyes, my eyes! I'm blind! It hurts Bob, help me!"

  Bob began cursing internally, worrying that Marlo's little temper tantrum would attract the police, if the woman herself was not on her way to do so at that very moment. Making a decision, he bent forwards at the waist in a single, short, sharp motion. Marlo's head was driven into the sewer wall, knocking him instantly unconscious.

  "Useless bastard, you had one job Marlo...Damnit...I'll have to try it and hope for the best"

  No less than an hour later, Marlo was still unconscious, sat on the floor of the sewer pipe. The sewers were filled with the sound of idle chatter and laughter though, as Bob conversed with a teenage boy.

  Bob had disguised himself with a torn piece of Marlo's clothing, wrapping it around his face, in a futile attempt at hiding his monstrous identity. He had successfully coaxed over an 18 year old boy, with the promise of money. At first the boy had been wary, seeing Marlo unconscious, he initially thought it was his grandad who had been stolen by a clown, and he himself was being coaxed down to test out the water buoyancy.

  Bob had no clue what the boy was on about at that time, but he cleared up the misunderstanding of who Marlo was. Also at some point, the boy had seen through Bob's amazing, mysterious, hidden, exquisite, concealment technique. This task of identifying Bob was not difficult, as his hands obviously belonged to that of a Lizardman. So did the tail that could be seen swaying back and forth behind him, not to mention his eyes, snout, and any other hundred identifiers.

  "Is that food good enough for you Big Red?"

  Bob held in his hand a large carrier bag full of various foods, his saliva already being soaked up by the rag on his face. He handed over some money to the boy while he replied.

  "Yeah it's perfect, thanks Cody"

  Bob had made a deal to give him the money for the food, and he would get the same amount as payment for himself when he returned. The lure of the money on return, and this being able to be a repeated process, easily swayed Cody into the deal.

  "It's no sweat.....You good for next week, yeah? Same day and time?"

  Cody looked at Bob expectantly, his brown eyes glistening with anticipation. Even so it appeared the boy was not destitute, he still very much wanted the deal. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, his black skin and tight braids only helped highlight his sincere smile.

  This as well as his jolly mannerisms, had relaxed Bob, and also made him accept that his cover had been blown. Bob chose not to comment on it, and Cody also chose not to mention it, an unspoken rule had been implemented.

  "Definitely! Do me a favour though, keep quiet about this Cody?"

  The youth stretched out a hand to shake, and Bob matched his gesture, solidifying their bond of trust.

  "For real Big Red, for real!"

  If a passer by were to see this exchange, they would of witnessed a monsters hand reach out of the sewers, and take hold of a child's hand, yet the expected bloodshed would not come to pass, only smiles and laughter.

  At that moment, the sound of police sirens made its way into both of their ears, making Bob and Cody each think they were for them. Not wasting any time, Cody bid his goodbyes, and ran off into a nearby alley and out of sight.

  Bob then saw the police car come around the corner, with a familiar face sat in the back-seat, and pointing towards the storm drain he was in.

  "Eurghhh she came back"

  With an audible moan that did not make it out of the sewers, Bob decided to make haste now he had what he wanted. Looking at the large bag of food, a broad smile appeared on his face, and he could not help but be filled with joy.

  Looking at Marlo who was still flat out and in dreamland, Bob realised sitting on Mr Crocks would just lead to dropped luggage. Not wasting anytime, he scooped the passed out blind man up with one arm, and then slung him over his shoulder. With his other hand firmly holding his bag of spoils, Bob set off running down the sewer pipe, with Mr Crocks and Mr Squeeks running behind them.

  By the time the police arrived at the scene, they looked through the storm drain with their torches and saw no sign of anyone, but they did hear a creepy laugh that made them think it was haunted.

  Situated down a nearby alley, Cody was crouched down behind a large dumpster, his heart near beating out of his chest. Even so he had controlled his emotions well, and not acted strange, internally he was an absolute wreck. Now he was in safety and away from prying eyes, his emotions flowed freely. His skin was sweating, his eyes and hands were shaking from the adrenaline, and the smile on his face went up to his ears.

  "A monster, a freaking monster!...I've never seen one before, it was so close to me!....Oh shit, it could a eaten me for real!"

  Holding his hand out in front of himself, he stared at the shaking appendage, unable to control it in the slightest. Letting out a few breaths in an attempt to steady his emotions, he withdrew a small smoking implement from his pocket and inserted it in his mouth. A second later and a watery mist of bubble gum flavour filled the alleyway.

  "Why though, how could it talk?...Nar, nar, that don't even matter.....The fact is am gonna be rich!....The worlds first talking monster, I can start making videos!.....proof, I need proof first, a picture!"

  With Bob now happy he had made a trustworthy friend, the reality could not of been further from the truth.