Blue Potion #85

I look at him puzzled, but reply with, ”Back to normal, Ray. We keep Alph from bombarding visitors with questions, help Mineral and Charlie with the kids, and we kick Veneham’s butt in the next festival.”

He looked back at the city; the towers of the newly renovated buildings rose high into the sky, and the roads buzzed with life as visitors returned.

Ray lets out a sigh and waves himself from the heat. The noon sun shines right over us as he leans on the grass. The shine of sweat and the first strikes of grey hair make him look like a finely preserved wine. 

“Of course, Bell. But after that. When the kids grow up, and the town no longer needs us for everything, then what?” he said.

I grab his face with my other hand and let the orange hue of sundown adorn his features as I reply, “Even when nobody else is there to need us, we will always have one another.” 

He carefully pushes his fragile body up again. The sunset makes his eyes shine, revealing the pale blue film that covers them, while his silver hair blows with the wind.

His wrinkled hands grip mine as hard as they can. He looked at me with a pained expression, my heart pumped in my chest, and my breath became short and agitated.

With a gentle smile and a raspy voice, he said, “You know what I mean-”

The last rays of sunlight begin to fade in the distance as he coughs and adds.

“When all is said and done.”

“What will you do?”

“When I'm gone.”

Wait, what are you saying? When you are-

The night sky is filled with stars. I turn to my right, and nobody sits beside me. The metropolis that stretches in front of me, as far as the eye can reach, glows with life, but my chest aches with anguish. 

The ground below me opens up slowly. I can feel myself sinking, falling, burning up. I should do something, but what's the point? I'm nothing without him.

When I open my eyes, I'm in bed again. Rayleigh is soundly sleeping beside me, and tears run down my cheeks as I wrap my arms around him. 

I'm tired of waiting for things to go back to normal. I will reclaim my life and make sure it stays that way, this time forever. 

That means taking the reins of my team, once and for all.

“Where do you want me to put these?” Veneham said with a smug grin.

“Just put it by the-“

“Oh, I know, just besides yesterday's order. Come on, everyone,” he replied happily. 

He comes with a team of seven of his demons carrying a literal hill of red brick, curated wood, and nails for us to use.

They have moved fast lately, curing everyone in town, producing more material we can use, and even rebuilding the old wood mill to increase production. Mineral is not far behind; his team rebuilds the entire farmland, now focusing on treating the animals for winter.

The constant rewards and acclaim from the townspeople have an obvious effect. Veneham’s muscular body lost most of its definition, leaving a beginner's belly to flash from beneath his vest; his chest starts to flesh out, and his arms thicken with a layer of fat. The rest of the demons in town might not be growing at his rate, but by all hell, they try.

And while his team got all the love from the humans, mine was even more isolated. They start to see their appetites grow with Rothwell's delectable food, so they try to, ugh, diet.

Just the thought makes me sick. 

Of course, the humans saw it as an insult, which only increased their mistrust of them. It’s almost as if they thought that the enmity of the townsfolk would help them to keep their waistline under control. But nothing changes their slow waddle into fatass territory. 

My team felt more convinced they could overeat as long as they didn't eat more than the colosseum champion. After all, he was so puny compared to the rest of us; the power of perception is incredible. 

To say their morale was on the floor would be an understatement. I don't have to turn around to feel their dead stares as Veneham flaunts his team’s strength. 

“Oof, do you guys need a hand? You could use a break for some snack, everyone here looks rather famished,” A demon that looked like a minotaur descendant, with grey fur and thick horns, said.

His friends laughed while putting down their materials

“Sip it, Fitz, we can do just as good as you and the horde of fatasses,” Hagen shouted from afar.

“Prove it then, I can carry twice as much as you, right here, right now,” Fitz said with a confident smile.

“I’ll show you who's the boss!” Hagen growled.

He was ready to pounce when Alcor got in the way.

“You need a repeat of last week? We are still working to repair the damage you caused when you tried to show them who is boss. Stay still!” he said. 

“We are thankful for your help, darling, but we shall pass the opportunity this time,” Alcor shouted back to Fitz.

They laugh, while Veneham got closer to me. 

“Are you sure you can manage this? they don't seem to be advancing that much. It's not your fault they can't keep up with the winner of the eating challenge,” Veneham said teasingly. 

“You didn't win shit, you ran off before we could finish,” I replied.

“Says the guy without a single ribbon,” he teased back.

“This year I will sweep the floor with you,” I said 

“You wish, I can eat three times your weight in food,” he replied

The rest of the site stayed deadly still as we argued. 

“Fine, suit yourself with the work. Come on, guys, I invite the rounds tonight!” Veneham said, followed by the cheers of his team.

“Okay, that does it, get here, everyone!” I shouted.

Everyone looks at me, studying my next move as they make a circle around me.

“Aren't you tired of being everyone's laughing stock? To see every other demon in this town get the cheers of the crowd? I thought that we were a proud and eager kind, ready to take what was rightfully ours! We were all summoned on equal footing, so why can't we all do just as well as them?” I shouted.

“We are the proud spawn of hell, Belfort. We just doubt earthling’s methods,” Alioth said, standing strong in front of me. 

“You haven’t even given them a chance. You all resign to victory the moment you set foot in here,” I replied.

“You can’t expect us to just go down the route of hedonism and forget years of hard work. Demons strive for strength, not whatever you and your friends are doing here,” Zigurd added.

“Because you all are the epitome of strength, uh? Every demon in Mineral or Veneham’s camps could snap you all in half,” I replied.

Zigurd was fuming at the comment. I flash him a grin and continue, “Everyone in Rothwell strives for strength; this realm requires it. Those humans with their short lives and fragile bodies have survived Djinn attacks, plagues, starvation, fires, and a flash flood. None of you has the right to look down on them.”

“I heard a tale of heroism like that from the humans. A great evil attacked them in their time of joy, and Veneham came to defeat him, with a single hand and fried vegetables.” Alcor said.

“Veneham wasn't alone that day. We subdue a hell bison, put out the fire, and help that egotistical asshole to finish the job with the Djinn. Or you think he ended up that fragile and flimsy out of his own volition?” I said.

“Wait, you don't mean-” Hagen asked.

“He was just as big as us, well, smaller than me, of course. We all followed the same training regimen. Sol, for any of you still doubting it, this is what strength looks like,” I said proudly.

The crowd of demons still hesitates, muttering amongst themselves.

With the wave of my hand, the water from the river gushes out like a geyser. It flies into the sky and comes raining down on the entire worksite. Added a snap of my fingers, and all the water drops freeze in place midair.

“Any doubts? rookies,” I said.

Alioth's eyes were wide open, but quickly relaxed as the demons around asked how I was able to do such a thing.

“Unlike some of you, I don't reject the nature of our kind. We are demons for fuck sake. We should eat, fuck, and laze around as much as we please. And our bodies react to those cravings, the more we say yes to ourselves, the stronger our skills become!” I said.

Most of them looked marveled at such a revelation. But there are also some hesitant gazes. 

“I know some of you feel like this is a hindrance,” I said, patting my belly.

Some look at their softening bodies with disdain, others with indifference, and a few with the same longing eyes I had. 

“But let me ask you, don't you feel a thrill run down your spine when you defeat someone in a bloody battle? And felt a rush, like you could defeat anyone in your way with a blow?” I asked.

They agree, some of them sharing their experience in battle.

“In hell, we dumbly focus on one sin for power; it was wrath, pride, or even envy. Here, we can absorb the power from all the other sins: lust, gluttony, greed, and sloth.” 

They whisper amongst each other, glances being taken of my form.

“What about wrath?” a demon with red feathers on his skin and a lion's head said.

“You can only fight so many times before it gets boring. Compare that to the torrential loads of food Rothwell has?” I said.

“You can waste away with diets and sparing, let every other demon here to take your spot and be sent back to hell. Or follow your deepest desires and become a force to be reckoned with!” I added. 

Some demons hesitated; I could see in the corner of my eye a couple stepping aside. Zigurd was about to leave, but Alioth gave him a stern look, and the soldier stayed in place.

“For starters, we have to lay some ground rules,” I said.

Rule number. 1: 

You will help humans with anything they need. 

And if they give an offering, you must accept it no matter what.

“Thanks for your help, dear. I couldn’t carry all of my husband’s groceries without some help. You know what, I have some scones here that I'm sure you'll love,” an old lady said. 

“We just had lunch-” Hagen said, looking at his overstretched middle.

The humans gave us everything they had after the flood, their own food and work as a sign of gratitude. Take it with pride, and it is a sign of respect. If you lack the fortitude to accept them, then you are weaker than the other demons in town, even less than the other humans visiting the area.

“But how can I say no to it?” he added with a sigh.

“That’s the spirit, sweetie, you know what I will send you back with a cake I did last night, you deserve it,” she replied.

 Rule number. 2:

 You will make each other accountable.

“I can’t stomach another bite,” Zigurd said. 

“Oh come on, you haven’t had enough buzz, Zig,” the owner of the inn said, offering a barrel of beer.

“Why would I drink a full barrel?” he said through gritted teeth.

“Who drinks less than that?” One of Mineral’s teammates said, before grabbing a barrel himself and chugging.

“What are you waiting for, soldier? If I can stomach it, so can you,” Alitoh said.

The giant demon grabbed a barrel himself and balanced it over his head, drinking in quick, desperate gulps. His stomach pushes forward, inching over his lap with each gulp. Zigurd looks in awe as the general finishes, throws the barrel aside, and belches unfazed.

Zigurd grimaced, his stomach grumbling under the assault of food, but took the barrel and gave a strained smile at the inn owner.

The tavern cheer as they gulp, with other patrons offering to buy them more for their enthusiasm.

Rule number. 3:

You will use your demon skills as much as you-

“Wait, what if we don't have demon skills awakened then?” a tall demon with the sides of his head shaved, with white and black feathers, said. 

“Good question, how many of you are still unable to use your demon skills?” I asked.

Some raised their hands, but I imagine there is more to it than meets the eye. 

“Did you find your skill here?” another demon asked.

“No, I awaken my skill back in Samoa. Voyaging around the Pacific was what my body needed to awaken this power, but it wasn't until Rothweel that I realized it. So, for any of you who haven't awakened your demon skills. Meet me up in private, and I’ll ensure to awaken your power!” I shouted.

The horde of demons resonated with that more, shouting and howling at the top of their lungs. 

“For the rest of you, I want to see those skills at work starting today,” I added.

Of course, I cannot let them work without improving myself. The same night I had that nightmare, I made arrangements with Ray. 

We waited until everyone went to bed after dinner. Once the coast was clear, I led him deep into the woods, right by a clearing with a wide pond.

“Okay, Mr. Mystery, what is the surprise you have for me?” Rayleigh said.

“Oh, you will like it, don't worry,” I replied.

I unveil a four-level trolley filled with treats, courtesy of Zackary, and Ray just gasps in delight.

“I know we haven't had that much time for ourselves lately, but we can't skip on training any further I said, stepping closer to him. 

“Oh, I didn't imagine you wanted to explore the woods while we trained,” he said, shrinking the gap between our bodies.

“I hope you don't mind?” I said with a grin.

“It's oddly exciting, actually. Now get this party started, I could do with some dessert to tide me over after that walk,” He said.

He fell to the soft ground with a loud thud. My tongue tastes his skin from his belly button all the way to his double chin, leaving a bite in the tender flesh. 

Both our dicks throb hidden under mountains of fat, with every touch and jiggle stimulating them. Sex at this size is like nothing else. Even as we walked here, I could feel my dick spew pre in excitement, but now I can feel the constant flow of liquid as we bounce off each other.

My hands grabbed the fold that spread under his moobs, teasing his expanding nipples until they were engorged. My hands stretched to feed him a slice of berry cake while my mouth was busy suckling on his ample breast.

He takes a handful of chicken and shoves it in my mouth while rubbing my sides. And I moan over the taste of the juicy meat. 

He feeds me mashed potatoes, and I bite his neck.

I feed him steak, and he teases my tip.

He melts under my touch as I lie on top of him, my body covering him perfectly.

“We are perfectly sized for each other,” I said between mouthfuls of buttered veggies.

“Bell, feed me more. I'm so full…But I still need more,” he said, his eyes filled with desire.

“You are my perfect half, Ray. I will make sure we both become unstoppable,” I said.

A current of power rushes through me; I can feel the pond beside us as an extension of me, just like that day. I follow my gut, and with a wave of my hand, I call forth the water.

The water tendrils rose slowly, they took the shape of my hands, massaging Ray’s body and running their fingers over his skin like a current.

“This is new,” he said eagerly.

“And it's only the beginning, darling,” I said with a grin.

The tentacles move Ray around, hanging him over the floor in all fours. His belly drags across the floor, and his tits jiggle with the sudden movement, but all I hear are his needy whimpers.

“Come on, man, I need it. " It's been too long,” Ray said.

My belly flopped on top of his back like a shelf, and I started to maneuver to get my dick inside. At this point, we struggle to find that position where we can connect, but as our bodies crash, our excitement only grows. My belly engulfs his back fat, but I can feel it moving like the waves in the sea under all my flesh.

Finally, my dick feels his hole, and I can feel it pulse as I enter him inch by inch. 

His moans flood the forest around us, and I get the water to push a batch of scones to his face. Like a pig in his trough, he starts to eat mindlessly. Fuck, I love to see him like this.

I can feel the jiggle of his body and the tenderness of his skin under the water’s touch, the fingers entering him and the ones teasing his buried cock. 

As I pound him, the same group of hands teased me; they pinched my nipples and shook my gut while handfuls of turkey entered my mouth. The heat inside us grows as I explore more of his heft with one hand and feed him with the other. 

I continue to rock back and forth, feeling our worlds collide, every roll and fold rubbing against each other until we blow. But I crave more, oh so much more of it.

The food in the trolley banishes from our mouths faster than I anticipated, and soon we are both panting from our stuffed guts. A chorus of whimpers, moans, and belches echoes through the desolated woods.

But my belly still rumbles greedily, knowing the crown jewel still awaits us in the trolley. A mix of buttermilk, spices, cream, rum, and fruit, all thickened with flour and butter, for the most decadent drink I have tasted in my life.

But the best thing is that its water content lets me control it just like the pond. The jar shakes as a tendril of thick liquid stretches from it, flowing into our mouths in a constant stream.

I can feel the sweet concoction coat my throat as it goes down with ease; the thick liquid coats every corner, fills every empty gap left in our stomachs. 

My eyes fixate on Ray’s growing middle, as if he grew with every needy gulp he makes. When he opens his eyes to see me, his grin tells me I must look just as delectable.

The stimulation of my hands, the feeling of tending to Ray’s huge gut, and the almost endless cream filling my insides put me into a state of ecstasy I haven’t matched since heaven’s times.

Finally, we both reach our limit, moaning loudly and spewing a tidal wave of cum. The jar is empty, and we both have had our fill, so we lie on the ground side by side, letting the food settle for a moment.

“That was great,” he said.

“I want to use my powers more in our sessions, you know, as practice. Did you like it?” I said, knowing dam well he loves it.

He leaned on me and kissed me before saying, “I hope you are ready for another session tomorrow.”

And oh, how we practiced, every night was a delight. Weirdly enough, I could feel myself getting more control over my skills as the days passed. I could lift him over my dick and fuck him without moving a muscle, or summon a water bed to mess on top of. 

Enjoying our growing bodies has never been more fun and waaay less exhausting. 

The lack of movement does wonder for my gains as well, the few reinforced chairs around town, start to squeal under my weight and the normal ones are not even an option. My belly continues to fall further down making walking a hassle, and my neck pads up making it hard to turn around quickly, but in my current line of work is not like I need to make quick movements anymore.

The sessions sparked an idea in my head. Veneham’s methods have worked for a long while, but I can tell they have their limits. I need to make a new strategy to improve, and if the energy boost I feel with Ray is anything to go by, this might just be it.

Rayleigh finished the last blueprint for the improved town, and with his newfound free time, I enlisted him to help. He comes with a massive cart filled to the brim with food courtesy of Zackary and gives a proper recharge to every demon he sees. If you are not doing anything, you might as well eat right?

My team uses their abilities while they work. A shark-like demon uses a skill over magnetism to shoot the nails into the floorboards. A demon with a thousand eyes opens portals between the first and third floor to transport materials, and Alcor flaps his wings, sending demons flying upstairs with a strong current of wind. 

But the real training begins after work. 

“You will pair up and help your teammate grow. Everything there is in your world is the person in front of you and their capacity,” I said.

Alcor sat in front of the shark demon, who remained stoic as the raven brought a piece of cake to his huge maw. His partner opened the cake and bit down on it in a single gulp before reaching for a full turkey and offering it to Alcor.

“This is going to be a lot, isn’t it?” the raven said nervously. 

Only getting a nod from the shark.

A demon with a thousand eye tattoos adorning his skin opens portals to send food from the table straight to Alioth’s open mouth. At the same time, Alioth used his control of rocks and minerals to make the silverware fly up and stuff his partner.

Hagen and Zigurd refuse to join us, but I don't worry. Demons are mischievous creatures, and if there is anything that we like more than competing with one another, it is fucking with each other. 

They will make sure those two keep up one way or another.

“Hey, Mr. Monroy, don’t you need some help with those blocks of salt? Zigurd is free; he could help you out,” Hagen shouted.

The massive baker waved for the demon’s help with a wide smile. With Hagen’s group of friends laughing at the prank.

“What is wrong with you, old mut? I'm still stuffed from lunch,” Zigurd said.

“Hey man, I'm just worried about your progress. Thank me later,” he said with a laugh.

The humans were happy to see them engage more, but they also quickly caught up to their playfulness. 

 “Hagen darling, I just came up with this new catalog of recipes, and I would appreciate those three heads of you for some reviews,” a cook said.

“Oh, I need someone to help me load up my carriage.”

“I heard they need someone to help seal a hole in one of the tanks at the brewery.”

“And I need someone to fix up my roof.”

Before long, a crowd had formed around Hagen and his friends, who sighed before getting to work.

The days passed with them slowly but surely submerging themselves into the townsfolk's culture, one job at a time.

“It's good practice to stay and have another serving while everyone on the table is still eating,” Ray said, handing Alcor a plate.

“But, I'm pretty full, my honest man,” the raven said.

Alcor’s belly starts to press against the table as he tries to leave, but Ray presses his bulk against the back of the chair. The raven demon’s talons are the only part of him unaffected by his growing body, so as he pushes back, he only manages to sink more into my man’s bulk.

Ray lets out a belch and adds, “Oh, you are good with that, but I would stop and get back to your meal, you don't want it to get cold.”

The more he stares at the food, the more it assaults his senses, the decadent scent of the still sizzling meat, its intoxicating. 

His stretched gut rumbles lazily as drool fills his mouth. Finally, his plump wings reach out for a piece of venison and fill his beak greedily.

Hagen’s three heads laugh at the scene, unaware that his hands reach for another basket of scones. His head has started to mash together with the added neck fat, just enough to make him seem less intimidating, something that makes him boil with anger. 

“And we always finish with dessert, it helps you settle your stomach,” I said, passing a basket of bread pudding to Alioth.

He remains stoic as he grabs it and eats unflicnhingly. His grey fur hides the fading definition of his muscles, but his thicker neck and cheeks can't hide the reality of his growing frame.

Besides him, Zigurd tries not to attract attention, fearful of an offering.

“It's customary here to share recommendations, right?” Alioth added.

“Oh sure, if you know of a good spot to fill up, you have to share,” Ray replied.

“Then eat some of the bread as well, soldier, I can’t be the only one to enjoy this bounty,” Alioth said.

“But, sir, I-” Zigurd said, taking the huge tray of berry pudding his general offered.

The tray was classified with his how armor without spilling a drop.

Even under the metal plates of his armor, you can see changes; the thin, sharp features in his complexion fill out, giving him a more blunt appearance, almost as if the metal deforms under the pressure from within.

I continued to use my skills at night and at the work site, and my abilities improved rapidly. I know how much water something needs for my powers to work. Drinks and sauces are a good to go, but anything drier than a piece of cake is out of the question.

The skills of my team improve as they grow, making work move faster, and in no time, we have the first house ready to show off.

Something sniffs at my leg, and I notice bacon munching at my pants.

“Hey, boy, what do you have for me?”

Veneham has been using his pet as the de facto delivery system here, and even with the constant construction, he remains reliable.

I take the letter he keeps in a pouch around his pink body and the oinks happily. As I’m about to read, the pig pulls at my leg again.

“Okay, I know,” I said, giving the little extortionist his pay of berry scones.

Like owner, like pet it seems.

The letter is a fancy invitation from Wilkin for everyone in town. Apparently, he is organizing a housewarming for the first habitable home in Rotwell, followed by a massive BBQ. Wow, the man is fast.

------------------------------------------------

“The first floor of every house is an open space capable of being used as a kitchen, studio, or craft store, depending on the owner, with reinforced flooring and furniture for our strongest neighbors. A durable patio roof to place chairs outside in case of extra clients, and sturdy rock stairs for the second and third floors,” Wilkin said proudly.

At the mention of stairs, many humans deflated. With everyone in Rothwell getting bigger, it has become harder for them to waddle their way around town without a refreshment, let alone to use traditional stairs. 

When I saw them on the blueprints, I thought they would add a charging station in the middle of the house, just in case.

Instead, they came up with the unthinkable.

“I know what you are thinking, and I'm not cruel enough to make you walk all the way to the third floor! I present to you the lift,” he said, pressing a panel by the entrance. 

From the ceiling came a panel the size of a carriage hold by a reinforced chain. A group of portly humans steps into it by Wilkin’s request, and with another push of the wall panel, they rise to the second floor.  

The intricate system of pulleys and counterweights was a miracle of ingenuity, which, of course, was a bithc to build, but seeing everyone's shocked expressions made it worth it.

While everyone marveled at the ingenuity of the houses, the plane that separated Wilkin’s home from the town, filled with humans and demons alike, had been there since early morning, all of them getting ready for a feast of meat. 

Mineral cooked by the fire with Charlie and the boys.

“Let me fan the flames for a bit,” Eliah said.

“No, I want to fan them,” David added.

As they grew older, the brothers only got more competitive with one another; I wonder if we are rubbing off on them.

“Why don't you two go to the back of the house with Alph and bring more wood?” Charlie said with a smile.

Alph was drinking a cold mead with Ray and me until he saw Charlie’s demanding stare. 

“Duty calls,” Alph said, getting back up. 

We moved close to the fire as Wilkin and Veneham joined us.

“The new guys are fooling around by the field. Hopefully, they can tire themselves out. We could do with some time for ourselves,” Wilkin said.

“I don't know, man. It seems like Veneham, and you are getting plenty of time to fool around,” Charlie added.

Wilkin blushed as he waved his friend away. We all noticed Wilkin’s thin frame was finally putting on some meat. His fragile arms flesh out, his beginner belly barely showing under his shirt, and his trousers stretched over his widening hips.

“I don't know what you are talking about. I'm the same as always.” Wilkin replied.

“Suuure, and all this extra Wilkin was always there,” Ray added, poking at his growing sides.

He is ticklish, laughing at the touch. But quickly trying to act serious, with a bothered face.

“Okay, we might be testing some training techniques before offering them to the group, of course,” he said. 

Veneham beams with pride as we laughed it off.

Charlie wraps his arm around Wilking’s shoulder and says, “There is nothing to be embarrassed about, Will.”

“This is just a testament to the bond with your partner,” Charlie added, patting his belly.

Mineral turns around and winks at him with a cheeky grin before handing him the first steak of the evening.

“The first one? Someone wants a price later tonight,” Charlie said, taking his plate. 

Even Charlie has continued to put on considerable weight. His belly drops over at least a foot over his waistline, his legs rub against each other as he waddles for his food, and his double chin shakes with every ravenous bite of juicy meat.

“Aren’t those Veneham’s guys?” Ray said, pointing at the field.

A sort of rivalry between our groups started a while back, but it grew in scale after my team began training for real. With their results so noticeable, they became the center of attention for challenges. 

“It's good to see- you guys finally- understood the source of- true strength,” A demon from Venehams team said to Hagen and his friends. 

He looks like a bundle of shadows wrapped in a black cloth that fitted him two sizes ago. 

“Yeah, it’s just a shame they can’t keep up with us, but it's to be expected having Veneham as our leader,” Fitz said.

“Okay, cow head, you, me, here and now,” Hagen said.

Hagen’s new body looked imposing with the added fat, his giant stature casting a huge shadow under the new love handles and the belly that now hung a couple of inches in front of him.

His friends cheered from behind as Fitz got into position. Mineral had to deal with Veneham’s competitive strike before, and he suggested that they resolve their disputes as they used to do in his last summoning.

Veneham came back right as the two demons stood in front of each other.

“Oh, right, I'm not missing the action! Go Fitz, you better win this!” Veneham said.

The townsfolk and the other demons notice the commotion and crowd them. The chants for their names drowned the field; even Wilkin and Charlie could hear the cheers all the way here. 

At the signal of Alcor, they clashed into each other like a couple of bulls. They grabbed onto each other's flimsy clothes and fat rolls. Trying desperately to push the other one off their feet. They start to huff for air as the battle rages on, with sweat rolling down their faces.

Finally, Fitz takes a strong step forward, and Hagen makes a feint to the side. Making Fitz lose his balance and fall to the floor.

Of course, Veneham is teaching them how to fight, but no one knows his tactics better than I do. So I trained my guys in the perfect counter to him:

Be ready for a straight front attack.

know your weight and use it against them. 

My team howled loudly with the human crowd while Fitz and his friends went away.

“Maybe Belfort was right, there must be something to this thing,” Alcor said to Hagen. 

“Ooor, the last heir of the Cerberus house reclaims his rightful place at the top. Their last few wins were just lucky shots, you know?” Hagen replied proudly.

“Sure, but just in case, let’s keep up with the training,” his friend replied.

“Okay, let’s get back to the fire. We can’t let that meat burn,” Mineral said.

My eyes stayed on Hagen, even after winning for the first time in a month; the joy left his eyes quickly.

“I told you to stay away from my pyre!” Mineral said, racing back to Veneham.

Veneham was eating the still-red meat from the fire with a delighted expression. 

I saw his back banish in between the trees when nobody noticed.

The townsfolk rejoice with every new home that gets finished, and they show their gratitude with tons of food. Ray spends most of his day bringing the carts full of offerings back and forth, happily giving them out.

“Hey, no need to move from there, I will pass you what you want. The fried dough? How much, just kidding, I know you really need it all.” 

“Oh, you finished for the day? Help me get rid of these roasted chestnuts. I have a full sack of them, and it would be a shame to dump them. Besides, don’t you have a big sweet tooth?”  

“Don't you have metal powers? Just summon more iron from the ground. There is no need to walk all the way across the site for more.” 

“I think you found your true calling in life,” I said as he brought me more pastries.

“I’m starting to see what everyone in town likes about this. There is something exhilarating about helping them see things our way,” he replied. 

“As long as you help me the most, I don’t mind,” I reply, stuffing him with a pastry.

Of course, their appetites only increased with the influx of food, and the once reluctant demons started to crave more and more of their treats.

“Ey, there is this place doing deep-fried cake slices, wanna come?” Alcor said.

“Just a slice? Boring, let's see if they will fry a whole cake for us,” his friend replied.

Their bodies expanded, finally listening to their desires. Bellies pull forward, shoulders broaden, and legs thicken up. 

“Darling, you are finally looking healthier,” A woman said.

“Oh, it’s only our duty, Madam,” Alioth said.

Alioth's fuller cheeks make his fangs and horns stand out as the only sharp features in his physique. The patch of black fur on his neck bunches up, pushed by his second chin and ever-sinking neck. His chest inflated like perky balls of flesh, so big they can’t be held in a single hand. His belly doesn't push forward as much, but it compensates by bulging out to his sides, giving him a wide look that could blind any human in front of him.

“It's a shame some of your teammates are still struggling so much,” the woman said, looking at Zigurd.

His metal armor continues to bunch outward, with his love handles and overhang starting to be weighed down. The metal bends and curves as if fire had melted it into that shape from the get-go. His arms look like stuffed sausages fighting with his expanding moobs for space. 

“Don’t worry, madam, we are all helping them catch up. But thanks for your worries,” Alioth replies.

I start to worry about Zigurd and Hagen; as time passes, they become the only two unable to join the rest of the group for training. Alcor has tried to speak to his friend plenty of times, and Alioth seems determined to keep his soldier in shape, yet they refuse to speak.

If we finish the repairs and they stick to this bad rep, they might be the only demons sent back. For a while, I try to let it go; if they want to self-sabotage, so be it. 

But one night, I had the same nightmare as a couple of months ago. This time, as I sink into the earth, I see hell. After a year and some change, I can see the same lava pit that we came from, and the sight stuns me like never before. 

No clear skies, no warmth of the sun, or the green of the grass, just oppressive, lonely hell. I can’t in good conscience let them fail and go back to that.

That morning, I went to the site determined to convince both demons to join us.

“I’m telling you people, they are setting us up,” a demon from Veneham’s group said. 

His stubby horns and draconic body adorned with metal plates pop out in my group. The rest of his team walks away from the worksite, since they have finished their delivery for the day.

“Don’t be so dramatic, they have told us everything we need to know,” Alcor said.

“Hey, let’s hear what he has to say,” Hagen replied. 

“A few nights ago, a couple of demons and I went to the woods for those reunions,” Kaiser said.

The group looks at each other knowingly, and Alcor sighs in exasperation. What reunions?

“It was very late, so nobody should be out, but from the greenery, we spotted Alph pulling a cart filled to the brim with food. He was going deeper into the woods, so I left Alioth and the rest to train while following Alph down. Eventually, we made it to a lonely house almost at the other end of the woods. Alph pushed the cart inside and-” Kaiser said.

“Come on, man, cut to the chase!” Zigurd said, shaking Kaiser up.

“Alph was feeding all of that food to a single demon. The thing was the size of a room and made of pure lard. We saw him feed that thing plate after plate. The demon just sat there eating giddily while Alph chatted with him. And once the food ran out, he took his cart and left. You know what that means?” Kaiser said.

Nobody said a word. So he replied, “They are waiting for us to get that big, and once we can't move. They will put us into little cabins in the woods, all we're going to do is eat and eat.” 

“You found the Djinn they defeated?!” Hagen said incredulously.

“Even after what he did, Belfort and the rest spared his life. How honorable,” Alcor added.

“Everyone in town forgave him after that? No wonder they are so welcoming to us,” A demon with long horns and wooden skin said

“We were so lucky to be summoned here,” someone else replied.

As the group of demons chatted over the story, Kaiser quietly walked away with an expression of panic on his face. But my attention was drawn to Hagen, who rushed to the woods. 

What is he planning to do? I waddle my way behind him as fast as I can. He runs for a while until he finally stops in a clearing and falls to his knees. I stop leaning on a tree, huffing for air, my weight made the tree groan, and Hagen turns to me.  

“What do you want?” He said bitterly.

“I could ask you the same,” I replied.

“Save me the act, you are just as selfish as any of us. Cut the sanctimonious crap and leave,” he said, turning his back on me.

“I’m not going to act and pretend as if I don't benefit from this. If you all get stronger, I get what I want faster, my home, my life in paradise, my safe and secure future,” I said.

The growls at the comment, still avoiding my eyes.

“But I can’t ignore that I see some of myself in all of you,” I added.

“I’m nothing like you! You can’t begin to understand any of our struggles from your perfect pedestal. You and your friends had no lives before, no expectations, no goals beyond your mundane lives in hell. With the one exception of that lousy colosseum champion,” he said.

One of his heads contorted with anger, huffing for air, agitated, while another tried to hold back the tears that welled in his eyes. With the center one screaming at me still, his eyes glassy with despair. 

“His miserable ass came to the coliseum, defeated everyone at sight, even my father, and after screwing us all over, he just retired. And while he sat on his ass in hell or ate like a pig here, some of us had missions to fulfill, a legacy to uplift!” He said.

“You can still have a legacy, defeat him in the one battle he still wants to have here. It doesn’t need to be a bloody fight in the colosseum. Hagen, you have grown a lot since you arrived. Your friends look up to you. Why force yourself to stick to the old ways of doing things?”

“Because if this was always an option, if my powers could have awoken millennia ago by just sitting on my ass and eating, then all of this suffering, training, and slaving away was for nothing!” he shouted.

He grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it up, showing his body; the sweat from the run dripped down his belly, pooling on his overhang.

While Alioth is perky and wide, Hagen is soft and even out. His belly is as wide as it is thick at the front with an overhang that rests half a foot over his waistband. But his most prominent feature is his chest. The two slabs of meat rest heavily over his belly with the nipples growing to the size of salamis. 

“I’ve worked my ass off to make my family proud as a Cerberus, to throw it all away for a semi-decent meal. If this shit doesn’t work, how can I go back to hell like this?” he shouted angrily.

“Then make it work, you heard the rules. If you grow as big as me, we’ll let you stay,” I said, stepping forward.

He looked at me with angry eyes, determined to stay unyielding.

“I was like you, chasing a dream, trying to become something I’m not. And Rothwell showed me there was so much more I could be. You can do the same,” I added, taking another step.

My belly pushed into him, but he stayed strong on his feet. My body is a couple of inches taller than his, fully obscuring the view of anything ahead of him. His breathing turned agitated, and for a moment I thought he would push me aside, but he stayed immobile.

“Bring back a victory that trophy, that not even your father or his father could take from the heavens. Life on Earth! And when they come, because believe me, this is a flame that can’t be turned off anymore, they will see you as a hero,” I said.

His eyes turn red, and I see tears fall as he looks away.

“I do- I want this in a way. But how can you give up on everything you were before, so easily?” he said.

“Nobody said it was easy, but it will be once you accept what you truly want. If you let me help you, I promise you won't regret it,” I replied.

He looked at me, his left head still looking scared, gritting his teeth.  The right one looked sadder, almost grieving his old self. But I kept my focus on the middle one. His eyes burned with determination as he reached for my hand. 

“You'd better make this work,” he said.

Before we made it back to work, I asked, “What do you know of Alioth’s meetings?” 

Hagen looked puzzled; he may not know what I am talking about.

“Oh, we all assumed you knew of them. Months ago, we all got together to train at night. You know to prevent this,” he said, pointing at his belly.

He looked absolutely defeated, looking down at his heavy belly. I’ll make sure to change that expression in due time.

“Most of the group left when the training began, and I left when Alioth started to spout about Lucifer’s return and such,” he said.

Lucifer’s return? Just what in all of hell is happening here?

Hagen continued explaining the situation, and as we made our way back to work, I started to plan how to tackle this issue. 

That night, I planned to camp out until Alioth and his group showed up. I explained the plan to Ray, and he offered to make me company as I waited. Of course, we ate and fucked until we both saw white. For a second, I almost heard heaven’s bells, but I doubt they ring for dry orgasms.

The hours passed, and nothing happened. Ray eventually fell asleep while I rubbed his belly. I remained there under the moonlight waiting. It was closer to sunrise than midnight when I finally saw their lantern.

Massive bodies slowly make their way to a patch of woods damaged as if by an asteroid. 

I looked quietly as Alioth pulled metal from the ground and punched the dirt, making the crater he stood by even deeper. 

By the trees, Zigurd punched trees down with small, concentrated punches. They were so deliberate and precise that it was almost as if a saw cut through the wood.

After he took down another tree, he groaned in anguish. Alioth comes to him, the ground pushing his feet forward almost as if hovering over it. 

“What's the matter now, boy?” The general said. 

“This is not working, sir. It's been months, and we haven't found it yet. What am I doing wrong?” Zigurd said.

“You are getting distracted from your mission, lad. Your purpose is not to find your demon skill but to reclaim Earth. And the more you get stuck on your own way, the further away you will be from the finish line. Now go back to work,” Alioth said in a dry, looming tone. 

“Bullshit!” I shouted.

I make my way towards them as I add, “You know why you haven’t found your demon skill? because you keep fooling around at the crack of dawn, instead of doing as I say.”

The soldier stood strong in front of his general, almost ready to pounce at me. 

“You know the pact you made prevents you from doing something stupid, Zigurd, so unless you want a one-way ticket to hell. I would cool down,” I said.

He relaxes, looking away angrily but staying right in front of Alioth.

“And you! What do you think you are doing here?” I said, pointing at the general.

“We are doing what we were meant to do from the get-go,” Alioth said.

“ A public pool? We have a river. This is just trying too hard,” I replied.

“A way to get our army back, you moron!” he shouted angrily.

His sudden outburst takes me aback; his scream was so loud the birds woke up and flew away in fear. But I stayed still, there is nothing he can do to harm me or anyone, just himself.

 “You have any idea how much I’ve been biting my own tongue as the four of you wasted the triumph card to our war and just decided to waste it? What happened to the coliseum warrior, to the proud engineer of the seas, and the protector of the woods?” Alioth said.

Why does he know of my old work? 

“We thought we lost paradise forever, general, then we found it here. There is no point in risking the best thing we ever had since heaven, for a war that's been lost for millennia,” I said.

“You think those humans will just sit back and let us live among them forever?” He said.

His voice became erratic as he continued, “Once their lives are perfect, they will dispose of us as any other summoner has done through time.”

“You have seen it by yourselves, this people are not like other summoners. They have accepted us as their neighbors and friends. If they were looking to just dispose of us, why not after the festival? We had a demon blast through their homes, and still they allowed us to summon your asses here,” I replied.

Zigurd looked at me, doubt settling in his face.

“They are so forgiving, they have allowed the Djinn to live here, Alph is feeding him to awaken his skills so maybe one day he can stand back up, move with us, and live among the rest of the town,” I said.

“Oh, please, the same Djinn who set the place on fire will just waltz its way back and sing with everyone. Not even the heavens are that forgiving, and we know it by experience,” Alioth said.

“Some of the townsfolk visit him, you know, they pity him and his reasons. Who do you think cooks all the food Alph brings there?”

Zigurd looks toward the cabin; he must have seen it plenty of times now. I wonder if he ever saw a human walk in and just now realized why.

Alioth's breath becomes fast and agitated, taking a step closer to me, pushing Zigurd out of the way as he says, “Let’s pretend these humans are dumb enough to let us stay. Then, you think the heavens will sit back and let us live like this forever? Or you think that flash flood was a pure coincidence?”

The memories of that day come back to me, the nightmares and Rayleigh’s last days. What if it’s all part of heaven's plan to torture us even more?

“Nothing that happens here is out of his ratchet sight, boy. We already lost once; no matter how strong you get, you can’t win with your strength alone. You will need numbers,” Alioth said.

“I’ll die trying to protect them then, but I won't waste my life pretending it's already a lost battle set in stone,” I said.

His face turns red with fury, but before he gets to continue, Zigurd finally speaks.

“If heaven knows everything, if they can stop us no matter what. Why are we doing this then?”

“Don't you start giving me attitude, soldier,” Alioth said.

“If every disaster will rain upon us, no matter what we do. Then why can’t I fight for myself? Why should I let every other demon enjoy and thrive? while I starve myself every day and night!” Zigurd said, tears rolling down his cheeks.

They don't have the sadness of a fall but the anger of late realization. 

“Everyone else in your deserters' camp has given up on this; you two are the only ones still here, and I won't force you to stop. If you want to dig a hole all the way back to the center of the earth, try and see how far you can get before Wilkin zaps your ass back to hell,” I said.

I turn around and start to make my way back to the base, but before I go, I say, “Hagen joined us to train, you know? He might be able to get his skill soon, but he needs a partner. Should I count on you?”

Zigurd looks at his general, the man who led him through every step of his career and all the way here. And even as he shakes on his metallic boots, he replies, “Yes, at first hour, sir.”

-----------------------

With Zigurd teaming up with Hagen to find each other’s skills, our sessions became a bit more rowdy.

“That's what you call help? I could feed myself faster,” Haggen said.

“Can you hurry up with the cream? I think a sloth would make better use of my time,” Zigurd said.

At some point, we just got used to their bickering.

But even if they struggled to find their powers, their gains compensated for it. 

Hagen's head starts to fuse with his sinking neck as his fat pushes more and more outwards. His chest blossoms, pushing his arms out and making his already imposing belly push a full foot down. 

Zigurds' armor bulges out like the curves of a barrel. His sides are filled with no one or two but four clashing rolls that struggle for space with his love handles and moobs. His chest is flaccid, drooping over his belly lower and lower by the day. While each connection and old sharp angles soften, leaving soft, supple flesh. It's weird to the touch; it retains its roughness even as it's hot and malleable, like melted steel. Just less mortal, I guess.

Having everyone working together boosts the team's spirit; now they boast of their newfound strength to every onlooker who passes by the construction site.

Wilkin offered to make some small additions to the town to make the demons comfortable. The one they enjoyed the most was a smaller version of the Colosseum. 

We built a stone circle with brimstone we brought back from hell. I'm just glad some of them offered to go instead of me. I would have died if my fat ass had to endure that heat again.

Every other day, they go to challenge one another in feats of strength, but no matter how much they clash, they always end up in an eating challenge. 

“They are not too different from us,” I said.

“At least mine are, getting my masterful advice, they can't be too far away from success,” Veneham replied.

“Oh, really, did you say that about my teammates? The ones who whipped the floor of yours in the last three rounds?” I said with a grin.

“Yeah, you haven't shut up about it. It doesn't count if we lose due to Kaiser, the man is a twig,” Veneham added.

“It seems not everyone can handle your masterful regimen,” I said.

“No shit, the man is so stubborn, but whatever. Everyone else in my team is now on high-level healing magic.  Did I mention we healed a group of sick cows? They are giving five times their regular output of milk, and they are gaining weight in record time,” He said with a grin as well.

“And did I mention my team 

“My group summoned a couple of hellhounds and some boar of the damned. We expanded the farmland and added an irrigation system with the River behind Charlie’s house. We can go fishing there soon,” Mineral said with a smile.

“Very well done, Mineral,” Veneham replied.

“Always giving good news, big guy,” Belfort said.

“Okay, I'm gonna get going. Wilkin has a need funnel system, and I'm dying to try it,” Veneham said. 

As Mineral and I continued to watch the last few fights of the day, he asked, “Is everything okay on your side of the fence?” 

“With my team? Sure,” I replied.

“It's because you continue to stare at that guy, and it's starting to worry me,” he said calmly, pointing at Alioth.

He is quietly looking at Zigurd enter an eating challenge against one of Mineral’s demons.

After explaining my situation and the ever-growing crater in the woods, he leans forward and sighs.

“You did the right thing,” he says.

“I want to believe so, but I still feel I'm doing something wrong. You and Veneham have every demon in your groups already up to speed. But this guy is so hard-headed,” I replied.

“Listen, Bell, we all struggle in our approaches; you are not the only one who realized Veneham’s methods had a ceiling,” he said.

“And here I thought I was original,” I replied.

“He pushes his team as much as he pushes himself, and some of his teammates just can’t have that level of demand. One of them might just go back to hell willingly for all I know,” he added.

“No way, really?” I asked.

“Yeah, and you didn't hear it from me, but Kaiser. The punny one hasn't meshed too well with our ways, and Veneham’s approach didn't help. But even after your conversation with Alioth, he stayed, he is still training, he is still developing, with enough time, he might realize you were right all along,” Mineral added.

Zigurd belched in the distance, claiming victory over his challenge, and the rest of the team came to him to celebrate. 

Team bell, team bell, team beeeellll!! they howler through the colosseum.

“Besides, I think you are doing a great job so far. You took the most stubborn group of demons any of us could ask for and managed to make them a team,” Mineral said.

“They are a group of idiots, but they are my idiots. Thanks, big guy, you always know what to say,” I replied.

“I know my calling in life and know how to do it. And for all its worth, I think you found yours,” he said, standing up.

Now, let's get going. I want to see if we can get dinner while Veneham is busy with Wilkin,” he said with a laugh.

---------

“Stay still, little bug, I can’t work if you keep struggling,” Hagen said.

Zigurd moaned under the weight of his partner, who tried to shove another funnel cake down his throat. 

“Think how fattening this is, how every gulp you take makes you bigger. The tightness in your stomach is not discomfort, but a pulsing alert that you will become more than what you are now,” Hagen said, pushing another pastry. 

Hagen pushed the last piece of food at the table off to Zigurd when the chair the armored demon was seated on split in half. The two of them stumble on top of each other trying to recover themselves. 

Hagen looked at Zigurds sprawled body, and for a second, his hands lingered on his partner's folds. Zigurd suppresses a moan, and all we hear is, “Oh, wait, did you just burn me?”

Hagen recoils, and vines sprout from the ground to pull him back. They both looked in shock as Zigurd's body continued to emit heat like a natural furnace, and the vines now wrapping around Hagen bloomed into lilies. 

For a moment, I worried they would deflate at the revelation, but I gasp as they tackled each other in a passionate embrace.

The group cheered as the last two demons in our camp finally got their powers.

“Hagen, my dear brother, you have finally, oh no- not like that-” Alcor said, rushing away from the couple.

“What's the problem?” I said, stepping forward until I saw Hagen drop his pants and reach for Zigurd’s ass.

“Okay, everyone, let's just give these two some time,” I said, pushing everyone away.

If the three teams were determined to win before, after that episode, my team was dead set on the prize. 

“Is that all you’re having? I ate more than that for breakfast,” one of Veneham’s guys said.

“How can you tell? All you people do is turn off your brain and eat,” said one of my demons.

“You all are just jealous we got trained by the Axe Legend and festival all-time winner!” another demon replied.

“Belfort will kick his ass, just like we will kick yours!” they replied.

They would continue like that for hours, eating more and more just to make a point. Of course, my team won every time, or so they tell me. 

The humans picked sides, cheering on their favorite teams. Soon, the townsfolk filled the new areas of town with flags and banners bearing our names in preparation for the next festival. 

Even as we continued to repair the damage from the flood, they had eyes only for the future, and so did I. 

My water powers continue to improve, and as a kid with a new toy, I keep using them for everything. I barely move as we finish another lane of houses, or put up the new border wall for the town, or even as I fuck Rayleigh senseless.

I push mead and beer into my team’s mouths like a floating fountain while they work. Or use a current to take us all back to the camp like a portable chariot.

My team takes the hint and does the same, using every opportunity they have to show off their skills. Haggen raises wood from the earth as the base for a house without moving a finger, while Zigurd melts metal bars into the wood by just leaning into them. 

One of the new guys, with a compression ability, reduced a full table of food to a couple of mouthfuls. Just to see the food expand inside everyone's stomachs.

Mineral's team doesn't stay behind, going all-in on their displays. They would summon trees and vines filled with fruits to their tables like they were waiters. Gorging themselves with fruit and vegetables the size of tables 

Meanwhile, Veneham’s team uses healing magic to mend their strained stomachs after a feast, just to keep eating once everyone is full. They make a point of letting themselves enter a zombie-like state where all they see is the food in front of them.

Our rapid progress is so notorious that some demons change groups and join us. That is when we heard Kaiser had jumped ship. 

“He just said he couldn't do it,” Wilkin said sadly after sending him back.

“Goes to show we have the better leader, right guys!” One of my guys said the following day.

“Yeah, we’ll show everyone in town we are the best team at the festival!” Hagen replied.

He punched up to the sky, sending his underarm fat jiggling. In the last few months, Hagen managed to catch up to his teammates. even surpassing some of them. He looked like a sack of melted butter, with a belly that knocked his knees and arms that constantly stayed at an angle due to his breasts.

Those things are the size of my head, really.

His boyfriend, cheered by his side, with his metallic body rounding out like a wrecking ball. His legs stay far apart in a wide stance because his thighs have grown the size of a newborn calf; folds of lard make them spread to his size, way past his shoulders. 

“We can't lose,” the shark demon said, giving me the biggest grin I have seen in my life.

The imposing wall of flesh has so many teeth, I wonder, how he hasn't eaten Alcor’s hand yet?

While my heart flutters with pride, I had to ask, “Okay, guys, I'm sure we’ll kick everyone’s asses no matter the challenge. But for now, I need a couple of you to help me with some extra work. Wilkin wants to extend our territory to match some new blueprints, so we have to move the limit wall.”

They all stayed silent until Alcor replied, “I'm sorry, boss, I have to help at the brewery. Mr. Ferguson wants my wind to keep a steady fire in the furnaces.”

The raven demon looked at me apologetically while taking a bite of his late afternoon pre-dinner snack. His wings look more like fat folds, with how thick they've gotten lately; his neck and face balloon, making his beak the only part of him that stays solid, along with his talons. 

We all feared they would bend under such weight, but with his wind skill and natural strength, he managed to stay mobile through it all. His belly is flaccid even when he is stuffed, ready to burst, wide as Alph of all people. If not by his height, I would say he is ready to stay. 

“I have to help at the inn's kitchen.” A demon said.

“I have to help Ms. Constance with the deliveries to the neighboring town.”

“My humans want to move their father off the couch,” Alioth said.

Just like Mineral said, the last man in my group threw the towel on his military ambitions. I think it was seeing The Djinn float back to town, to a big welcoming affair, or the fact that Lucifer didn't get in our way when we went in and out of hell to gather brimstone.

But regardless, it made him click. I never expected an apology, but he still prostrated himself before me just in case. It was hard to see him try to do that at his current weight. His boulder of a belly is as wide as mine but as solid as Mineral’s. 

His legs are packed tightly like sacks of potatoes, with a bottom that could take down a tree if he is not careful. All with a pair of tits that could suffocate him if his neck wasn't this long.

“When did you all become so popular in town?” I said proudly. 

“Hey, we have high demand since we are the beeeeest!” Hagen shouted, followed by the cheers of his friends.

“Okay, okay, we can schedule this for tomorrow, go make me proud, you idiots,” I said.

As we started to wrap up work on the houses and continued down the town’s map to the roads, stores, and Inn’s. Voyagers started to come back.

The flood ravaged most of the river's course; elsewhere, mudslides and even famine struck, but once they heard rumors of a town blossoming amid the chaos. They just couldn't resist.

They came looking for help and found food they couldn't leave without, even in better times. What can we say, Rothwell is addictive. They couldn't pay, and we had more food than we could feasibly eat even now. So we gave it away for nothing. 

Carriages came and went, bringing food and assistance back to their towns. Alph, Charlie, and Mineral even went to the closest villages to send aid. That week, Ray and I stayed to take care of the boys, and oh, how they run around. I had to set up a floating pool for them to settle down.

The constant influx of people made it impossible to walk down the streets, especially as we continue to expand. So we needed to double the width of the streets and the size of eateries. 

The number of demons with free time to help us build decreased, since some families grew accustomed to specific demons over time. They would call them constantly for any tasks; bonds grew until they made new contracts and eventually moved with them. 

Finally, Wilkin determined the only choice was to summon more demons. Since we didn't have space to keep them at night, they were sent back to hell and resummoned every morning. In hell, they would share the stories of our heroic deeds, the tendencies at town, and of course, the true nature of our strength. 

With more fresh demons desperate to learn our ways, the banter between our teams grew on the streets.

“That's what you call a lunch? No wonder your leader is so scrawny,” one of my guys said.

“This is a small offering, beanpole! And you know Veneham is bigger than any other leader!” his rival replied.

“Who are you calling beanpole? I'm three times your size!”

“Neither of you stands up to us in size; only Mineral has the true secret for strength, haha,” one of Mineral’s guys said, followed by his group shouting and cheering.

“We will show you at this year’s festival who has the better boss!” One of my guys said.

Every day that passes, they make me prouder, and make my fear of a bleak future all the more distant. 

Between upgrades, plan changes, and additions, we barely had time to work on our houses.

Mineral, Alph, Veneham, and I agree to leave our respective places last once everyone has a roof over their heads. With how frail humans are, it only made sense. 

Ray and I went to the place we used to call home every weekend since the flood to rebuild. And even almost a year later, we still have a few details to tune. Every time we think we're finished, we find a new feature or an old knack we could fix. 

The month before the festival begins, Ray calls me to meet at our house, and I get ready with tools, nails, and wooden boards to finish the reinforced balcony we had in mind.

“Surprise!” Ray said, standing in front of a finished house.

“Wait, what did you do?” I said.

I was fascinated with the mansion standing in front of me. It's the home we worked on for months, and every coat of paint and every detail has been finished just as we said we would. 

“I've been spending some extra time here this week, while you train the guys. Do you like it?” he said confidently.

“I love it, Ray,” I said, hugging him. 

With titanic strength, I lift my man off the ground. 

“Hey, wow, careful there, I'm not as small as I used to be,” he said as we entered our new home.

“And you are only going to get bigger here,” I said with a laugh. 

My eyes welled with tears as I saw what awaited me inside. Putting Rayleigh down, I got close to the wooden figures Ray did for me back when we first started dating.

“I could only find a couple in the wreckage, but I made some replicas to complete the set,” he said.

The bookshelf I used to store my books was full of copies of the ones we planned to read before the flood. 

Even a copy of his wooden stove brings life to the kitchen. And right as we enter the bedroom, I see the set of pillows he sew for me. 

“More than recovering the tattered clothes, sewing them back was the real hassle,” he said with a laugh.

He showed me his hands, all covered in little bandages from the stings he got while sewing.

“I know you have been worried about what we lost that day, and recovering our lives as soon as possible,” he said.

My eyes open widely as he smiles at me. 

“You talk in your sleep, babe,” he added.

“You have to be kidding me,” I said, rubbing my temples.

“I know you only wanted to save me the worry, but you don't have to carry that burden, Bell. I'm going to be here by your side forever, and if another flood sweeps this house away, I’ll make another set of cupboards and sew more pillows. Because you deserve them all,” he said, wrapping his arms around me.

My eyes are so drenched in tears that I can barely see him as I embrace him in the tightest hug I can give him.

“I don't deserve you, Ray. You are the best man to grace this earth. I don’t want to ever face a day without you,” I said.

Kneeling in front of him, I fetch the small box Miriel made for me, I open it, and a small silver band shines as I present it to him.

“Would you do me the honor of being my husband for eternity?” I said.

He looked at me, stunned, before falling to the floor as well and sobbing by my ear as he said, “Of course I will.”

I stepped back and placed the ring on his left hand just like we saw happening in that wedding last spring. His face was covered with tears as he looked at it. But I had to ask the heaviest question.

“Ray, when I say eternity. I mean eternity,” I said.

He looked at me with a pleased expression, wiping his tears and adding, “You want to use that demon spell that binds us for life, right?”

“Just how much do I say asleep?” I said.

“Mineral and Charlie are talking about it. Charlie asked me my opinion on it months ago. I’ll tell you the same thing I told him. When you are truly in love, no amount of time is enough; eternity just seems the bare minimum to me,” He said. 

I try to hold myself from crying even more. So I clear my throat, hold his hand, and say, “You make me the happiest man in the world, Ray, thanks.”

We stayed there in our space, cuddling, enjoying the beauty of the moment. The world outside doesn't feel bleak or fearful cause no matter what comes for us, heaven, time, or Lucifer himself. I can count on facing it with the best man ever.

I really have the perfect life.

-------------------------------------------------------

Like some of you know, I've been through a lot in the last six months. I had all the intentions of extending this part of the story into a couple of extra chapters. But sometimes things don't align as we originally planned.

“Bacon, what's wrong? Where is Veneham?” I said, trying to calm the pig down.

The pink creature is never too far away from his owner, but looking around, I only saw an empty street.

I get ready to walk the pig back to his home, but he is restless, struggling to release himself from my grasp.

“Bacon, stand still,” I said before he ran off.

He continued to oink and shrill wildly down the street, waking everyone in its path. 

I saw his form until he went up the hill towards Wilkin’s place. I guess he had a nightmare. 

Looking up the hill, I saw the source of the pig's anxiety. The mountains that tower over town are covered by a massive dark cloud that is slowly moving towards us. 

“What's the matter?-,” Rayleigh said.

His eyes go blank at the massive dark mass that pulsates with every lightning strike, almost as if it were alive. 

“I haven't seen a storm cloud this big,” he said quietly.

I look at Charlie’s place; if anything is going on, Mineral would know. He is more in tune with nature and stuff like that. Focusing on their house, I see Mineral already out.

He is… talking with a bird of a feather; his pale blue skin looks ghostly as he rushes into the house.

I grabbed Ray’s arm, and the two of us lumbered our way to Charlie´s.

Forsaken is the day they chose to live so far away from us. The block walk was hell; my legs rubbed together like turkey legs, ready to burn up in the oven. My belly sways with each step, making me waddle even more than I already do. My moobs bounce, blinding me from anything below my second chin, and my lungs scream for air to support the arduous procession.

While I have learn to love this feeling, I can't deny that it doesn't help me move any faster.

Rayleigh, beside me, is not doing much better; he has managed to keep up with my size, and even with all the healing magic in the world, he looks like a stuffed sausage trying to run a marathon. 

By the time we reach Charlie's house, we are both covered in sweat, panting for dear life. 

“Mineral, what's going on?” I shouted. 

Alph came down with Davie and Eliah on his shoulders while Mineral carried Charlie like a sack of potatoes. 

“Alph, put me down,” Davie said.

“What's going on? It's still dark outside,” Eliah added.

“A flash flood is coming down; we have to get everyone out of town now!” Mineral said.

“A Flood?!” Charlie said in disbelief.

“What are we waiting for? Let's go!” Alph said, pushing past Ray and me. 

The thunderstorm reached us as we made our way to the main street. The curtain of rain hit us like a slap on the face, leaving us drenched in a matter of seconds. 

“Everyone out, we have to evacuate!” I shouted.

“A flash flood is coming. Don't waste time, go up the hill now!” Mineral said.

With most people already awake thanks to bacon, the streets became a bloody mess. Everyone flooded the way up the hill to the Lord’s manor. Their hearts resound in my ears; they pump like drums ready for war. The downpour hides their sweat, but every person flooding the streets is in the same exhausted march as ours.

Mineral put down Charlie and said, “I have to rescue the animals from the farm, you have to make sure everyone makes it to the Lord’s mansion. It's the highest point in”

A flash of light blinded us all, and silence permeated the space as our eyes adjusted to the sudden burst from the skies. When we finally managed to recover our sight, we saw the Lord’s mansion ablaze. Or well- what remains of it.

The thunder that blasted the mansion into pieces roared through the air. I look around, desperately trying to figure out where to go now. 

“Follow me, let's go to the sawmill!” Wilkim said so loudly that even I could hear it across town. Well, I assume my demon senses helped as well. 

Mineral rushed to the farmland, and we gathered ourselves to follow the march of people, when the earth started to tremble. Everyone hurried in fear, gathering the little strength they still had.

It's here.

“Ray, Charles, go ahead, I have to buy everyone some time,” I said.

Mineral looked back at us, and I shouted, “What are you waiting for? Go get those animals, or we won't have anything to eat tomorrow!”

There was concern in his eyes, and yet, he nodded and rushed to his own mission.

“Wait, Bel, what are you doing?” Ray asked.

“I will hold this off for as long as I can and then meet you back in the woods,” I replied. 

“You have never used your powers for something this big. There is no guarantee it will work,” he said, fear filling his eyes.

“Ray, do you think I'm strong enough for it?” I said.

“Eh?”

“We train, and we struggle, and we conquer every challenge we have found so far. Do you think I can do this?” I shouted.

“Bel, it's not about-”

“Answer me!”

“Of course you can, you can do anything! But I don't want to risk you!” he shouted.

“And I won't risk losing you to my own element. I have this skill, of any of us, it's my duty to save you all,” I said.

“Belfort, this is not the time to play hero. We have to run,” Alph said.

“You can’t just hold off a flood, let's go!” Charles said.

“Ray, trust me,” I said.

He looks at me and I see the fear change in his eyes, to doubt, and finally to courage. He wraps his arms around me as he whispers in my ears, “I won't be whole until you are back, so don't make me wait, love.” 

With a kiss, he steps aside before adding, “Show mother nature who is this town’s fucking protector.”

“But, Belfort!” I heard Davie said.

“Come with us! Please,” Eliah said through tears.

“Alph, take them already!” I said before rushing forward. 

With a resolute nod, he grabbed the trio of humans and rushed up the hill as fast as he could.

I get in the center of the empty street and spread my legs. Taking a deep breath, I steady my stance, trying to stop my legs from trembling. I have used my demon skills for housework or my feeding sessions with Rayleigh, never anything this monumental.

But as memories of my days basking in the sun with Ray, letting water flow around us like an extension of my body, I feel my power exploding, boiling inside me like never before. 

The wave finally entered town, crashing against the watchtower, tumbling it down with the alarm bell, giving one last resounding bang before it sank into the muddy waters. It crashes into houses and drags the town’s entrance like it's nothing, until it comes to a halt with a roaring boom. 

The water ripples and struggles aggressively against the invisible wall of my making. 

“Fuck, this is heavier than the Bison at the festival!” I scream, feeling my leg muscles scream.

I can feel the pressure from the river pushing against my powers, slowly inching closer. 

The wave tilts the windmill in its path, and the sound of crushed wood fills the air. But I try to drown it as I focus on my titanic task. The blades of the Windmill spin with the strong wind like never before, and I can hear them growing closer to me. 

Against my better judgment, I look up. The water is propelling the towering building, and it is now leaning towards me. The thing looks like a mad giant flailing a sword, and for a second, I almost ran away.

But I can’t, my legs are frozen, out of fear or determination, I don't know which. The windmill blade finally snaps and flies straight to me. 

Suddenly, someone appears at my side. He jumps high into the skies and slashes the blade, saving me by a hair. 

The man, not satisfied with saving my life, continues his attack, splitting the windmill in half and smashing his axe against the ground in front of him. 

The earth shook and trembled as a massive fissure opened up in the direction of his attack—even the water split as the energy traveled forward. 

Water gushes into the cracked earth, slowing the wave's advance, and I feel my arms relax a bit. 

“You can thank the Djinn for this move later,” Veneham said, finally facing me.

He doesn't waste time with explanations and makes two more attacks, creating a vast chasm between me and the roaring wave, before rushing to help people evacuate.

I see from the corner of my eye, Alph picking up people from the streets and their own houses. He moves like a blur, flying through town and putting them in a carriage to pull uphill. To the naked eye, he is a speeding arrow, but to my demon eyes, I can tell he is the world’s fastest speed walker. 

Even with his ability, his burgeoning body makes running as much of a hassle as ours. I restrain the laugh that's building in my throat as I continue pushing the water back.

The chasm is filled, and the river continues in its raging course. Every fiber in my body is burning up as seconds feel like hours. At some point, I completely lost track of time. All I can use as a reference is the destruction the wave causes. It crushes buildings open like they are made of paper, dragging them with its might. Eventually, my sight is entirely blocked by crushed wood and people's stranded belongings drifting in the wall of water.

After what felt like eternity, my sight started to blur. The wall of water engulfed me, and I felt my body being trashed in the current. I was drifting among shattered furniture and clothes. People's whole lives surround me in the chaos, as the darkness entirely takes me.

--------------------

I'm half asleep, pressing my face on the soft fabric of the pillow that Ray sewn for me. The cold foggy breeze enters through the window, and I can feel him beside me pulling more of the covers towards him.

The sun shines on my side of the bed, never failing to wake me up. For a creature of hellfire and brimstone, I'm easily disturbed by light. Rayleigh, on the other hand, could sleep through a tornado.

I open my eyes and look around, to our nest. The small cabinet with our oversized clothes, the wooden figures Ray has carved in his free time, and the collection of stones I have gathered on every trip to the beach. Even the mirror that hangs on the wall, the one we fetch from the neighboring town, since it was the biggest one we could find.

I got a bookshelf months ago, with the few books I've managed to buy. Ray insists that I read his construction manual, but I want something less arduous. The rest of our home can be his small repair shop, but the bedroom is work-free.

Still, I keep one of his books nearby just to see him smile. 

I finally stood up from bed, hearing the creaking and groaning that's usual to us. Make my way downstairs to the small kitchen to start breakfast. The small wooden stove he crafted comes to life, and I feel his arms wrap around me. 

Well, he tries. We are both too big for a full wrap, but it's still warm. Not a word is exchanged; we just bask in the moment, enjoying our early morning ritual.

That was yesterday; today I stand on the half-flooded ground that we used to call home, and all I see is. 

Nothing.

The water dragged it all away, every crushed slab of wood, every nail and plate. Not even a shattered piece of glass remained. The only thing I keep from our old lives is the clothes I'm wearing. 

That first pebble. It's tied in a firm knot around my neck.

The water still reaches all the way to my knees, grasping the overhang of my belly. While I soak in the misery, Rayleigh wraps me in a hug, and I can feel the tears rolling down his cheeks. 

Not too far away from us are Charlie and Mineral, experiencing their own version of this. Charlie's home—the one his parents built and his brothers grew up in—is now gone. 

Alph waits for us at the base of the hill, in the same spot he fished me out of the water that night. The exact spot he saw Ray resuscitate me. 

“Any good news?” he asked without looking away from that spot on the ground. 

I shake my head, and he sighs. We got together and prepared to make a choice: what to do now?

“This is worse than I imagined, half of Rothwell no longer exists,” Wilkin said.

His voice is cracked, and his eyes are swollen from the tears he’s trying to hold back.

While we looked down at the wrecked town. 

“The water dragged most of the farming land; it's more of a swamp than anything now,” Mineral said.

“We had no casualties, but there are at least a couple thousand people needing treatment,” Veneham added. 

“Most of the town’s homes are ruined; for all intents and purposes, we are homeless,” I said bitterly. 

“Even at our speed, we won't be able to rebuild before winter arrives, let alone for tonight,” Alph said.

“We can look into the refueling stations for rations, and- We might need some extra help.” Wilkin started.

--------------------

We gathered in the pottery shop in the not-flooded side of town for the summoning. 

“This is insane…Did you bring the bribe?” I asked.

“Yeah, pretty much everything is here,” Wilkin said, lighting up the ring of candles.

“Does he need to be here for this?” I asked, pointing at bacon. 

“He doesn't want to stay alone at home while we summon the spawns of satan,” Veneham replied, trying to take a scone from the pile. I smack his hand away, and he almost growls at me.

“Ey Wilkin, control your mut,” I said.

We used some of our limited stock for this. So, it better work.

“I still can’t believe everyone agreed to this. After the festival, I imagined they would oppose it,” I said.

As soon as the first fire pillar emerges, the pig runs in the opposite direction; maybe calling him bacon wasn't a great idea. 

From the fire, a demon with purple skin and tentacles sprouting off his head appeared.

“The stories were real then, the coliseum champion is raising an army on earth,” he said.

Veneham looks to his pig before saying with a shrug, “Yeah, sure.” 

“Here is the deal: you help us rebuild our town, in return, you get infinite meal offerings and freedom to roam the town, but if you try to harm anybody, your ass goes back to hell,” Wilkin said.

“By the end of the contract, if you have assimilated with humans or reached Belfort’s size, we can talk about a renewal,” he added.

“Who the hell is Belfort? I hear the food is good, but no way I'm working my ass off for -” the demon said.

I took a scone and shoved it down his throat. Letting his demon senses take care of it. His eyes open widely, but he tries to remain stoic in his posture. 

He remained still, too stunned to speak.

“We understand you have pleeeenty of things to do in hell. We can ask someone else for their support,” I added dryly.

“I will take the deal! Just don't send me back,” the demon said.

Wilkin reaches his hand inside the pentagram, and they seal the pact. 

“Is that the Coliseum champion? Can you burn down a forest for me? I heard you can spit fire,” A Satyr-looking demon said.

“Are you the secret eighth deadly sin?” A demon covered in red feathers with a lion's head and a snake as a tail said. 

“No way, those stories were real! How can I be like you?” A delusional demon looked at Veneham.

You barked at the wrong tree, buddy, I thought. He’s old news; I'm the fatter one now. 

By the sixtieth demon, the sun has already set, and Wilkin is at the brink of collapse from all the pact magic.

Instead of going to work, we decide on our accommodations. The undagamed areas of town would serve as temporary residences for the elderly and children with their mothers. At the same time, the rest of us stay in improvised tents by the sawmill in the depths of the woods.

Ray and I work together to put together a semi-decent tent. We found some spare wood for supports and the most flimsy floorboard we could find from the wrecked town, covering everything with a raggedy cloth and some patches. 

It's not fancy, but even when our make-shift bed of cushions and leftover wood snapped on the first night. Even when the wood’s humidity seeped into my bedsheets every night, I would rather stay and sleep here another hour than work with those rascals.

Mineral took any demon with skills revolving around nature or who could manage animals in the fields as his team. They are making sure we all have food to feed a gluttonous population, plus a new army of demons. 

After curing the injured, Veneham took his massive fan club and started making materials to build the new houses. 

And I ended up with the team of demons who had no skills or didn't have a boner for Mister Colleseum champion as the construction team. They can’t be trusted with anything for two seconds before an argument breaks out. Who can carry the most? Who can dig the deepest? Who can punch the hardest?

For all the time they spent competing in hell, you would imagine they would have had enough. But demon competitiveness has no boundaries.

Thankfully, Alph decided to join me; he works fast as always, but whenever things get boring, he bounces to hang with the humans. And things get boring here a lot lately; we are only draining the streets one bucket of water at a time.

With all of that in mind. I can't help but yearn for the extra hour or two of sleep.

Okay, a frog just jumped into my ear. Fuck this, I'm up, I’M UP!

“Quit messing around, Bel,” Ray said with a chuckle before giving me a loving kiss. 

What starts as a single peck on the lips continues. Our eyes meet, and he leans in again. His hands wrap around me, grabbing my love handles and shaking them tenderly. Even under the weight of my gut, I can feel blood rushing to my dick. And from the hunger in his embrace, I can tell he feels the same way.

I don't have to say it, but cloth walls and wooden beams don't give the best privacy. So, we have been forced to refrain from any action since the night of the flood. And changing from three sessions of food and sex per day to just lingering kisses is making us go mad.

My hands explore his body, letting my lust guide me. His perky moobs bounce at my touch, and his ass is so big it can’t be encompassed with just my hands. My tongue continues exploring the inside of his mouth. 

“Okay, we have to stop. I'm at my limit, and I can’t cream these pants,” he said, parting away from me.

I let out a heavy sigh and get into the tiring hassle of putting on my clothes. At our size, putting on pants was a pain; now imagine doing it on a mossy floor and a glorified tarp for a bed as support. 

“I need these new guys to work faster. I can't stand another day of this, let alone another month. When do you think the new blueprints will be ready?” I asked, fighting against my shorts.

As the handyman that he is, Rayleigh was more than excited to teach the ropes to the new guys. But most of his days were busy taking requests for people's homes and adding them to the ever-expanding master blueprints.

Yeah, the new homes he is planning will be bigger and better than anything we had before, but it's my ass who has to build them in the meantime. 

While the humans plan the new town's layout and home designs, my team and I work on draining the water and cleaning off the disaster zone.

“They should be ready soon. I'm sorry for the delay, Bel. But you know how everyone gets at the prospect of an upgrade. I think they justify the tragedy in their minds as long as they can get something better to replace what's lost,” he said, putting his notes in a carrier bag. 

“You and them, you can't fulfill every wish, Ray, and nothing will replace what’s been lost. Right now, we should focus on delivering something before winter,” I said.

“I know love, I will have them ready soon. I promise,” he replied, giving me another kiss. 

-------------------------------------

We continue working on the flooded areas of town. We barely finished draining the streets, and I can say goodbye to muddy water for a while. Oh, I have never missed the clear blue sea waters of Motu o Sāmoa more in my life. 

The task in our list of duties is to fill the massive chasm that saved my life and now ruins it. 

We gathered at the riverside, digging earth and rocks to dump at the fissures while also redefining the riverbanks. Just in case another sudden rain decides to pass us by. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. 

I drag my feet across the road between the river and the chasm. Six sacks on each shoulder, and sweat rolling down my forehead. The load is light as a feather for me, but the fucking walk is killing me. There must be a better way to do this. 

My steps are slow and laborious as I swing in a wide waddle; my gut slaps my knees on each step, giving a rhythm to my march. The sacks of dirt packed to the brim look comically solid compared to my many rolls, jiggling under the weight. 

My eyes try to look down at the path, but between my double chin and my shelf of a chest, I can't look much farther down. 

While I try to focus on dumping this as soon as possible, a demon with three rottweiler heads over a muscular physique passes by me running. He has thick patches of fur that cover his back and arms. I wonder how he did with the heat back in hell. 

“Hey, boss, keep up the pace. You are slowing down the road,” he said with a laugh.

Hagen, the last descendant of the Cerberus house. Egocentric as he is impulsive. Every day is another chance for him to try to show off his superior status. But besides having the record for more accidents in a single day, I can't imagine what he is so proud of.

He keeps looking back at me with a shit eating grin when he crashes into a couple of demons. The two sacks Hagen carried spilled over the road

“Ey, keep up with the pace, beetle boy,” Hagen shouted.

Zigurd, one of the demons he crashed with, took his empty sack and replied, “Watch where you are going next time, and would it kill you to do your job quietly. We can hear you laughing all the way to the chasm.” 

He has long, thin horns on his forehead and a thick, black armor that covers his entire body. His face has two sets of eyes and fangs that flash out of his mouth even when it's closed. He was a renowned soldier during the war, known for his determination to see a task done according to plan.

He is also quiet and reserved, which makes Hagen pick on him nonetheless. 

“If you could use your little antennas for something, you would just get out of my way,” Hagen replied.

 The second demon who walked by Zigurd finally spoke, “And I told you to quit it with the beetle names, unless you want me to show you that family crest of yours doesn't work for anything here.” 

Alioth, one of the six generals of Lucifer. With a bat´s face and thick grey fur covering his heavy, muscular body, and a crown of six horns adorning his head. One of Lucifer’s most loyal subjects, and the general Zigurd served under. 

Even when he knows we have the same pact terms here on earth, he keeps trying to boss around the other demons. 

Every demon on the road looks at me with wide eyes as I lumber my way there. Reach them just in time to prevent a stupid fight. 

“Alioth, this is not Lucifer’s army, you can't solve everything by killing it, and Hagen, how many times do I have to tell you to pay attention to what's literally in front of you!” I growled.

I don't drop the sacks on my shoulders, dreading having to pick them back up. So while I shout at them, my face is mashed between my thick cheeks and the payload.

“Now pick this up before someone else trips over your mess,” I added.

The General’s eyes glare at me before he replies, “My apologies, Belfort, now if you excuse us.”

He took Zigurd with him, and they resumed their walk back to the riverside.

“I can't believe I’ve been reduced to following the orders of a sack of lard,” the general muttered to Zigurd, knowing damn well I could hear him.

“It beats following the orders of a human,” his soldier replied.  

“Not by much, my friend, not by much,” Alioth replied.

I debate the reasons I haven't sent some of these guys back to hell, but I keep coming back to Rayleigh's words. 

“If I sent Veneham back to hell when he arrived in town, we wouldn't have met. Sometimes you have to tolerate a real pain in the ass to reach something special.”

With a sigh, I get ready to help Hagred to his feet when a dark figure rushes to his aid.

Alcor, a demon with the head of a crow and jet black feathers all over his body. He has long and scrawny legs with sharp, menacing talons to match. He used to perform before Lucifer’s court as a dramatic artist.

He stretches his wing to help Hagen up, and the three-headed demon takes it reluctantly. 

“Hagred, you can’t expect someone to save your ass every time you get into an accident,” the crow demon said.

“Pfft, whatever. No son of Cerberus needs a savior,” Hagen replied bitterly. 

“Oh sure, no need in a fight with one of Lucifer’s generals. I swear, one of these days, someone will send you to the deepest circle of hell with a single punch,” Alcor retorted.

Alcor brushes the dirt off Hagen and then bows in front of me and says, “I'm deeply thankful for your help, boss. Please forgive my friend's carelessness.” 

“It's okay, Alcor. No need for so much formality,” I replied.

The crow demon perks up like a spring with a broad smile as he says, “Oh, Belfort, you really are a forgiving boss.”

“Suure, Hagen, just get this cleanup and please get moving, you are clogging up the road,” I said with a grin.

His three heads turned red, but before he could get himself into another fight, Alcor pulled him to get started with work.

By the end of our workday, I'm not the only one exhausted. The new guys continue pushing each other in their constant need for competition. 

Thankfully, Zackary and the rest of the townsfolk make sure we have a proper feast to recover. 

They use the pottery’s oven as the de facto kitchen for the town and the street in front of it as the town hall, and as our dining room every night.

They took several of the wash-up tables and chairs from the wrecked inn and fixed them for us. They gathered pieces of shattered glass and welded them into lamps, and even carved plates, utensils, and cups from wood. 

Every night, some of the townsfolk will join the new guys and us for dinner. After the festival fiasco, some of them have reservations about the newcomers. Nonetheless, they all ensure these moments are possible.

With so many spices and ingredients lost in the flood, we had to work with whatever survived in the farming lands until we could go and trade with neighboring towns. So we expected simpler dishes than those we are used to. But, as always, Rothwell and its cooks have surprises in store. 

Seared meat, stew, glazed vegetables, and buttery bread stuffed with mushrooms. Our eyes glisten at the display of food, and our stomachs growl like beasts. 

“Zackary, you have to tell me how you guys are making these meals possible,” Wilkin asked with joy.

“It's all about technique, my man, technique,” Zackary said with a grin. 

As Zackary starts to ramble on about how he cooks every dish, Veneham doesn't wait for anyone else to sit down. He just snatches a plate of meat and starts eating from it without a care in the world.

Not wanting to be left without a portion, I race for my seat and get started as well. 

“Yeez, isn't there enough food for everyone?” A demon with dragon features said.

“Yeah, man, every night is the same thing,” A demon made of a cluster of tentacles replied.

Charlie sat beside them and took a plate just as fast, then started eating before adding, “And like every night, you guys will miss out on something if you don't hurry, ha ha.” 

Mineral and Zackary distribute enough food to satiate even our appetites, but while the new guys argue over who can carry more stones across the river. We are more concerned with the actual test of strength, who can eat the most per night! 

If I can keep stuffing my gut like this every night, maybe I can withstand this for a while longer.

Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying the story so far. The following chapters will take a little longer to update, but I hope you stay for the ride.

I stopped and gasped for air at the tent where Charlie left his brothers. This was the place where the smell came from, but no sign of fire or smoke in sight.

The kids play around without a care in the world, but the scent of Hellfire is all the more pungent. That's when I see a glow at the other end of the tent, a flickering of light behind it. So small it's almost invisible.

I rush as fast as my waddling thighs allow me, and I lay eyes on someone.

 A kid.

He is crouched behind the tent, covering something with his hands. 

“Hey, what are you doing there?” I said. 

The kid turned around quickly, his hands closing on whatever he had. My voice startled him, but he recovered fast and smiled at me.

“I'm sorry, Sir, I was exploring, but I will get back in the tent now,” the kid said.

In a split second, he turned around, ready to leave. 

The smell of hellfire dissipated. We have a sneaky weasel here. 

“Wait!” I said sternly. 

He scanned around us like a cornered animal. 

“Cool it. I just want to see what you have there,” I said, stretching my arm to grab his hands.

He struggled, pulling away from me for a second until he snapped. 

His fists opened, and a hellish flame burst out. He grabbed it as it formed a crimson lance that he swung to my face.

Letting go of him, I dashed back and avoided the lance's tip by a hair. 

Landing on my ass, I saw the kid in front of me transform. Gone was the scared kid; in his place was a tall and slender Djinn with striking yellow eyes, silver hair and sky blue skin. 

“I knew it! I could recognize the stench of hellfire anywhere,” I said.

I haven’t seen a Djinn in ages. What is he doing in the human realm? 

“Getting your attention was the plan, it took you long enough to get here,” the demon said, stepping closer to me and drawing his lance.

I tried to get back on my feet, but my stuffed middle made it more than a challenge. The Djinn laughed while I struggled, and I knew I would make a trophy with his head once I was done with him.

The Djinn gets distracted by the pig squeal coming from within the tent. I took the moment to build some momentum and get back up. 

He noticed and rushed forward with his lance. With a flickered my fingers, my axe appeared in a fire blaze. My arms moved fast enough to intercept his attack just before he could impale me right in the chest.

He pushed with all his might, trying to finish me fast. We struggled for a minute until I let out a roar and diverted the lance away. 

He was caught off guard, and his weapon got lodged on the ground behind him. I rushed forward, delivering my signature fast strikes. My fat rolls and the extra flesh under my arms got in the way of the attacks, making my moves imprecise. If that wasn't bad enough, the stupid run here drained me. I can tell my movements are sluggish. 

I try as hard as I can to deliver a solid blow but he manages to evade all of them. 

“This is pathetic, you really fatten yourself up like a pig for slaughter. It makes waiting this long worth it,” the demon said.

He took a leap kicking me right in the chest. Some of my strength left me as the hit connected. Stumbling back I managed to keep myself on my feet. 

“I love my fans, but a stalker? Since when?” I said between panted breaths. 

“I've been here since the beginning you big red idiot,” he replied with a cocky grin. 

Wilkin is the only person dumb enough to call me that since I was summoned. Somehow he’s been here the entire time. 

“Only one human in all of Rothwell knew how to summon us,” I added.

“Nobody said anything about being summoned,” he replied. 

He started circling me like a predator sizing his prey.  

“Unlike you, I wasn't summoned by some fool. The energy from your summoning made a breach in the magic that bound me to the land. And after god knows how long, I was finally released!” he said. 

He stopped in front of me again, his face filled with bitterness as he continued, “Sadly that means I don't have a contract to keep me in this realm. So, I need someone’s energy to keep this physical form; or else I’ll vanish to the earth again,” 

“Aye, let me finish-” he said as I struck him.

I don’t have time for this shit.

“I’ve waited a long time to tell you this, you will listen! I was in no shape to stand in a fight with a colosseum champion, but when I noticed you were fattening up so nicely. I saw my opportunity. All I have to do is kill you and become this town’s new hero,” he said, blocking my attacks.

With his monologue out of the way, he charged at me. His movements were fast and calculated, I tried to use my usual moves. But close combat is no longer my forte when I can't bend my arms past a certain angle. Thankfully my extra heft reduces the impact of his attack, take that sucker. 

Making some space between us is my best bet. We’ve been fighting for a couple of minutes, and I barely managed to deliver a proper blow. I won't last like this for much longer.

He gripped his lance tighter as he approached me, but I was prepared. With a strong throw I launch my axe his way. He manages to avoid it by a hair and watches in shock as the weapon cuts a row of trees like butter. The Axe trajectory takes a curve coming back to me before I catch it. 

Even I was surprised by how far the axe went. I learned this move ages ago but never made it fly that long. Not to mention, most people die before I use it.

Could it be-? No, this is the result of all the training. 

He glared with pure rage as he flew to me full force. Our weapons clash and I struggle to keep his blade away from my face. He looks confident until I lean forward, putting my body’s weight into the attack. With greeted teeth he pushes again but I don't budge. 

“Why can’t you just die already, you fatass!” he said, pressing his body against me.

As soon as our skins touched, I could feel my energy slipping away from me. Even my disguise veil started to flicker, as he continued to suck away.

“You cheating bastard,” I said, using all of my strength to push him away. 

His attack was much stronger, projecting us both against the tent where the kids played. We struggled mid air as the fabric blinded us both. Splintered wood and screams drowned our ears as we crashed on the floor. 

The both of us stood up, looking at our surroundings. We landed in the middle of the festival street. With most people at the eating competition, the streets are half deserted but there are enough humans to notice our presence. The cloth that covered us caught fire from the Djinn Lance, making our presence all the more noticeable. 

“Fire, get some water!” a man yelled.

“Forget the water, there are monsters! Run for your life,” said a stall owner. 

I look down at myself feeling the color drain from my face. The veil around me crumbled, and my wings were out for everyone to see.

His jaw slackened as the people ran, reaching out with his hands to them.

“No wait. It's not what it looks like,” he said desperately. 

The cat is out of the bag, this is the worst case scenario. A million thoughts flood my head but one pops over the rest. I have to kill this bastard.

“Cut it out asshole, keep your eyes on your enemy,” I said.

“You-” he replied, turning back at me. 

He charged forward, getting some cuts on my left arm. I tried to evade his moves again, but they were more erratic and harder to read. He became reckless in desperation, with attacks flying off to people as they ran away. My focus diverted to intercepting them.

As if this wasn't bad enough, his fire-up lance cut through tents and wooden stands, igniting them in a blink. The decorations Wilkin put up last night spread the fire, turning the festival grounds into a miniature hell site. 

“You had your chance to live here. Do you have any idea what you just started?” he said.

What is he talking about? I need to finish this before the rest of town comes back. I threw my axe at him and he avoided it before rushing for me.

“Once the word spreads that demons lived among humans, paranoia will explode. Neighbors will suspect each other, then there will be witch hunts to find us. My chances of a relaxed existence are over, all because of you!” he said.

As my axe returned it slashed his back, making him stumble to the ground. He avoided the brunt of the attack but screamed in pain from the gaping wound. 

“You really thought you could kill me so easily?” I chuckled.

“Shut it, pig” he replied, shaking his head before standing up.  

“Let me show you what all this strength can do,” I said.

Getting beside a burning stand of friend veggies, I bent down to grab the wooden base and lifted the structure over my head. He looked in disbelief as I threw the fully loaded stand his way. Thankfully 

“This is no hindrance to me, but the source of my power, idiot,” I laughed.

He tried to avoid the massive stand but as it crashed beside him, the oil inside ignited and blew. Shards of glass and splinter wood fire against him, leaving him a mess of cuts and bruises. 

He panted for air, rising from the carnage, looking down at his body. Who can blame him, he now must smell like a fried asparagus. 

Maybe my body can’t fight in the same way it used to, that doesn’t mean I can’t kick some major ass. As long as I have this heft, I won’t lose to a twig like him. 

We move through the streets of the festival in a frenetic hunt. He fires one erratic attack after another, while I throw every wooden beam my way to disorient him. When he gets too close to me, I shove my gut against him, firing him away. 

“I can’t believe a fucking swine is giving me a run for my money, uugh,” he said, falling to his knees and grabbing the sides of his head.

I got ready to launch my final attack when he stood up and reached for my throat. His touch drains more of my power but I shake him off with a swing of my axe.

“I will use all of your strength and take everything you hold dear. If I can’t have this, no one can,” he said.

Our dance around the festival continues as he tries to get his hands on me. The fire continues spreading around the festival and with the corner of my eye, I see Wilkin and the workers trying to extinguish it two streets ahead.

In my distraction, the Djinn grabbed my arm and I felt light-headed. Fuck I can’t let him near them. Suddenly the idea pops in my head.

I grab the hand of the pest and launch him with all my strength across the street in the direction of the outskirts. He flew off a few meters before redirecting my way. 

My step feels lighter and I recover from his last touch, but something feels off. I scan myself for injuries but don’t see any significant open wounds. Whatever, I have to focus on this.

He continued to get his hands on me, drying my energy more. But I noticed something; his movements started to become more sluggish. As we finally reached the farmlands, it dawned on me. 

He is not only draining me of energy, but my weight too. No wonder it’s been easier to run all the way here. I looked down in horror as I noticed at least a hundred of my pounds abandoned me.

The Djinn got close again to grab me by the arm but I swung my axe, almost cutting his arm. Damn it, why didn’t I notice earlier. Regaining this will take me forever. His face had a shit eating grin as I saw where my missing pounds went. 

The scrawny fighter who followed me here has filled out. His pecs have softened and started resting on his stomach, which bulges into a proper belly. His arms have thickened with the excess fat pulling them down, and his rib muscles soften till all the definitions are lost. I would've been impressed by his gains if the fucker didn't stole it.

He looks more capable but definitely slower. From his expression, it seems like he hasn't noticed yet, so I didn't give it a second thought and ran for the Carters' farmhouse. We ran out of the festival grounds, going across the winter crops and tall grass.

“What's the matter, Veneham? Bored of the festival? Let me make it more interesting for you,” he said.

I turned around just in time to see that the worm muttered a chant under his breath. A pentagram formed on the floor, with hell fire spewing upwards. It's impossible; only mortals can summon other demons, right? At this point, I'm not even sure. 

In the blink of an eye, I was face to face with a wild hell bison. His nostrils flared with steam and fire right before me, and I took a second to register what happened. 

The bison doesn't give much time to think about the situation. He trots towards the festival, leaving a trail of blaze in his path. I can’t let that thing stomping around in a rampage.

The Djinn gets in my way with a crazy laugh, before saying “Keep your eyes on the enemy, remember?” 

The fight raged on, while the crops fired up around us. 

“Getting tired already? You’re getting weaker, sloppier and soon I will have your head,” the Djinn said.

He wasn't completely wrong, each of my blows became more accurate, but they lacked that strength from before. This needs to finish this fast before I end up like the beanpole I was. 

“What? angry that the power you built up for a year is now mine? Just you wait, I will drain you in a second,” he added.

He might have my weight, but he certainly isn't used to it. His center of gravity moved as he struggled to keep a footing like an amateur. Finally he stumbled on a rock behind him and I delivered a fatal blow across his chest. Blood gushes out and he falls to his back, his eyes are transfixed on the sky above.

I turn around and look up for the Bison. It wasn’t far from here. 

I have to get it under control before-

Something pushes me from behind and we roll down the crop line. When I opened my eyes, I saw that we landed closer to the Bison. Moreover, that dirty Djinn has his hands tight around my throat. His body continued to expand as my energy flowed to him. 

I could hear his clothes stretched against his ballooning body. Rips started to plague the patch up cloth, as his belly pushed against me. Then the  love handles grew wider than his shoulders. The two boulders size buttcheeks weighed down harder agaisnt me, and they only inflated by the second. His weight pressed against my chest, making breathing even more difficult. The blubber in his body wobbled as I struggled to push him off of me. The worst part is filling my own body shrinking under his mass, feeling his body slowly envelop me. Harder to lift, harder to push out, harder to subjugate. I’m the one who should flatten this runt, not the other way around.

Finally the remaining clothes shreds in one sudden blast, leaving his naked body exposed. But what shocked me was seeing the wound I just delivered him healing up in front of my eyes.

“What are you looking at? I’m fucking chiseled compared to you!” He said.

With a laugh he added, “Thanks for the patch up sucker, did I mention that I can copy demons abilities?” 

I can’t let it end here. I won’t go back to hell for fucks sake!

That’s when we heard a crash. The Bison's body came crashing back, pushing us apart. The animal stood up fast, looking confused. 

“Sorry, I didn't see it coming,” said a voice.

“Mineral, how can you miss a giant hell bison?” someone else said.

“Guys, focus. Incoming!” another voice said. 

The Bison tackled forward just to be intercepted by- is that fucking Mineral?!

Right in front of my eyes, Mineral intercepted the wild animal with his bare hands. While Alph rushes towards the fired up crop line; making a sonic boom that extinguishes it in a second. What shocked me the most was watching Belfort move his arms and controlling the water in the irrigation system. Whips of water stretched from the canal towards the Bison cooling him down while keeping it in place.

I haven't seen these idiots in months, and they somehow showed up at the right time. I was grateful to see them again. I can't let them know I just thought that. Ever.

The Djinn came back to attack and I refocused on my own battle. He must have absorbed half of my size by now, but in his shorter body, it looked all the more cumbersome. His belly overhang sits low on his lap, almost touching his knees. His moobs got in the way of his attacks and his legs struggled like a newborn buck.

We both stop in our tracks when the Bison falls to the ground with a sigh. Mineral scratched his ear lovingly as it rested on the patchy field. That man is crazy, but I surely owe him a pint once this is over. 

“Eyes on me big guy,” The Djinn said angrily, lashing my arm with his lance.

“You motherfucker, die already!” I shouted, delivering a blow to his lance that snapped it in half.

“Wait no-, I need more time,” he said.

He gripped the half with the blade and left the other on the floor. 

“This is nothing, I will kill you even with my last breath,” He said, jumping at me. 

An arrow of water smacks him in the back and he lands on my chest. Taking more of my weight and healing the fresh bruise he had on his back. 

“Need some help?” Alph said as he appeared in front of me.

“No, I can handle this and get your grubby hands away,” I said, slashing the Djinn away. 

He stumbled back until he crashed with Alph. The Djinn grabbed onto him, healing up but making his belly even heavier.

“Wait a minute, is he- ?” 

“A Djinn?” Said mineral hitting the Djinn off Alph’s front with a punch.

That blow could have broken his jaw for all I know. The Djinn grabbed Belfort with super speed just as he showed up. 

“Get your hands off of my you moron!” he said, kicking him away.

The Djinn looked dazed as he moved his arms. Tiny streams of water came to push him back to his feet. 

It didn't matter how many abilities he copied; this fight was over.

With every instance of him touching us he grew larger and larger. His rolls exploded in size, pushing his arms upwards. His belly hangs, dragged over the floor and his neck disappears in a ring of fat.  

“I can't die, I won't go back. I can't go back to that loneliness,” the Djinn said as he lumbered towards me.

Only by his demon strength could he continue to carry that bloated body towards me. His legs were so full of fat they could barely bend any more. Each step shook the earth, making his entire body jiggle and bounce dramatically. Even his fingers looked like sausages as they reached for me. 

With a roar I slash the front of the Djinn, sending him to the floor. He lands on his titanic ass with a loud thud.

“Wait, Doreon!” Alph said. 

I look at Alph confused while the Djinn struggles to get back up. 

“He is a friend, we met in the woods months ago. Please Veneham, let me talk to him,” Alph said. 

“Alph, are you crazy? Look at all the chaos he has caused. We have to put an end to this,” Belfort said.

“We can afford him a goodbye at least,” said Mineral.

Alph's eyes suddenly fill with tears as blood gushes out of the Djinn’s wound.

Between a full ton of blubber and anger, I couldn’t ignore the obvious. If he’s me from back then. In his circumstance wouldn't I’ve done the same?

It was everyone's effort that helped me grow into who I am now. And I robbed them of the same opportunity—not only my friends or the menace, but everyone.

I know what I have to do, it's not Belfort’s duty or Alph’s but mine. 

Taking a step closer, I took the Djinn's hand before he lost consciousness. He opened his eyes and healed up fast. His stomach rolled forward taking over more ground, getting larger than his body. His ass continued to expand, lifting him higher off the ground. His moobs grew, pushing his arms forever in place. Even his legs ballooned uselessly, stuck in the same position. He whimpered and moaned, trying to stand back up. 

He was alive, but he would lie on the floor unable to move. Likely Never again.

Alph looked at my shrunken body and gasped realizing what just happened. 

“Veneham, are you okay?” he asked, concerned. 

“You look sickly,” he added.

“I'm all right, buddy. Talk to your friend. Just don't touch him,” I said, crashing on my back.

The sky filled my view with the cloud of smoke rising from the fire still going at the festival. I could hear my friends calling for me but their voices became quiet. After that everything went dark.

***

“The fire-”

I took deep breaths taking in my surroundings. I was back in my room. Wilkin is sleeping in a chair beside my bed. Right in front of him, the pig snored quietly. But most importantly there is no fire.

The most furious hunger pang of my life strikes me. I groan in pain until my nose catches the smell of food. Like the starved animal I was, I sniffed around until my eyes landed on my bedside table. Somebody left a basket filled with scones.

In a swift move I bend over to the basket. That's when it hit me. I can bend forward…there's nothing to stop me. Looking down I saw the remnants of my body.

By the grace of my ass, I was back to square one with only a small pouch left.

The sign of all my hard work vanished in a single evening. The work of the entire town- Oh no the town. There must be people or buildings dismantled…

They saw who I am. 

How did I let this happen to me again, god damn it! I had it all. For once in my life I was fully happy. To get everything stripped from me, must be some twisted trick of god. No wonder he let me stay for this long without intervention. This was just another part of his torture.

Soon the mob will come and my days will be counted. No- even worst, I will return to Hell for an eternity of hunger and lava pits. No feasts with Wilkin or the drinks at Zackary’s. Just lava and rock and-

“Veneham!” Wilkin said, throwing himself at me.

I flinched for a second, I forgot he was there.

The pig oinked happily trying to climb up the bed. Great, even the pig looks bigger than me now. Suddenly I heard Wilkin’s sobs against my neck.

“He, hey, l’m- okay,” I lied, tapping his back.

“I'm so glad you are awake,” he said, stepping away from me.

Not a second later we heard the door downstairs slamming, followed by a storm of loud steps leading up to my room. I recoiled, dragging Wilkin with me, back against the bed headboard. 

“Veneham wait, it must be-” 

“Is he awake?!” Alph said, bursting the door open. 

Belfort pushed him out of the way and my room flooded with the staring eyes of Charlie, his brothers and my demon friends.

“Would someone care to explain to me, what the fuck is going on?” I yelled.

A knocked downstairs made a shiver run down my spine. 

Alph dashed to the window peeking out, he quickly drop to the floor with an expression of horror in his face. 

“I think the entire town is downstairs,” he said.

Wilkin stood up first, marching to the door.

“We shouldn't leave them waiting,” he said, before going downstairs. 

I was the last one to come down. Every step on the wooden stair felt like eternity, as images of what's to come flooded my head. They will call me a monster. Throw rocks and disgusting vegetables at me. What if I run? We could start over somewhere else. No- nothing matches up to this place. Even more, what Djinn said is likely true. Most likely word has already spread of our little fiasco yesterday. For all I know they could be debating if Wilkin, Charlie or even Rayleigh is a demon. No place is safe now.

My body had moved all the way to the front door, but refused to open it. My hand was tightly wrapped around the doorknob but it wouldn't budge. 

“Veneham,” Wilkin said. 

I flinched as he placed his hand over mine.

“I'm not bailing on you, okay?” he said. 

I chuckled nervously and replied, “Don't get ahead of yourself little guy, I'm the only one that can bail in this agreement,” 

We both laugh for a second. I don't know how he does it, but he radiated calmness for that moment. As he turns the knob I feel my hand move with his. And just like that we ventured outside with my wings and tail out.

Rayleigh was the person knocking the door, he was sizing me up and down like a piece of meat in a slaughterhouse. 

The crowd was dead silence after that, everyone looked at me with wide eyes. Some of them gasped, other whispered among one another, but nobody moved an inch. At least they didn't had pitchforks and torches. You know a mob means business when they bring fire at noon. 

“So it's true, you are now a shrimp,” Rayleigh said. 

“Don’t try me Rayleigh,” I replied.

“Okay cool it. I don't know why they keep choosing me for these things. Besides I already told them, you look fine. Well, Uninjured,” he rambled.

“Rayleigh, you are not making sense,” I replied.

“Everyone was worried about your sorry ass, and wanted to come check on you. They brought infusions and- crap, like chicken heads. We don't know what helps a demon to heal,” he added. 

Wait, are they for real?

The rest of our group rushed out pushing me out of the way, looking shocked to the crowd.

I was holding the tears from flowing out of me. How can they do something like this? 

Wilkin came behind me patting my back and saying, “doing okay doc?” 

“Of course,” I said, feeling the weight lifting from my shoulders.

The crowd came crashing at us, with questions and the thousand home remedies they brought. 

“Is red your skin colour or is this like a massive bruise? We might need more ointment,” a woman said, poking my sides.

“Can you breathe fire? Oh that's just a dragons things…Do you know any dragon?” a young man said enthusiastically.

“I thought you would be an orc,” a guy said, sounding disappointed. 

We spent a long time answering their questions, of course they were idiotic. But it's my job to guide these people in the right way. What should have been the best day of the entire year turned into a massive crash fire. But today, I couldn't be more happy to be alive. These people I call my own, have shown me once again their generosity. 

And that makes the many sacrifices taken, all the more worth it. 

“The guys and I knew you were okay, but we have to take you out for a meal mate. You are looking hungry,” one of the lumberjacks said.

I also have to regain my perfect physique, asap! I won't let all of these small fries surpass me in my territory. 

There is still a lot that needs to be done. The festival grounds are a mess. People need to be treated for their injuries, and the crops land are burned down. Even with four demons at hand, this will be a hard task. 

But who is better suit to fix up this place than us?

Ready for a new beginning?

Editor: @bee-wg

Just thinking of what’s in store leaves me drooling, so I put on some clean clothes and run downstairs, shaking the entire mansion.

The street looks deserted on my way there, the few people still on this side of town are walking to the event as well. At least I'm not the only one who overslept today.

Something pulls on my leg as I walk, Davie, to be precise. I pick him up by the leg, and he laughs and asks me to play with him. 

“What are you doing here all alone, little menace?” I ask, using my growly demon voice.

“I'm going to beat you at everything today!” he said laughing as I shook him around.

Looking around, I see Charlie running with Eliah. 

“Thanks for catching Davie. He ran off with the crowd,” said Charles, trying to catch his breath.

“It would be nice if you don’t throw them around like a lasso,” he added. 

“They seem to like it,” I say, grabbing Eliah and shaking them in front of Charlie. The two kids agreed with me. Sadly for them, their brother was undeterred. After taking them on my shoulders we got going.

My brain shut off at the scent of smoke and open roast from the festival grounds. The aromas from everyone's cooking saturated the air, making my mouth water even from here. 

It only took us a couple steps to face the grand archway welcoming us to the festival. 

While a crowd of outsiders and locals gathered in front of the entrance, I marvelled at the freshly harvested wheat, acorns, and autumn leaves decorating the archway. 

“This thing is huge, I wonder how they got it here?” Eliah asked.

“Yeah I wonder?” I said sarcastically, flexing my arm.

Charlie laughed and said, “Never took you as the decorating type,”

“Nah, that was Wilkin’s doing. He insisted on leaving that to the last minute to ensure they wouldn't wither.” I replied.

That show off decided to go all out with the decorations. From wreaths interconnecting roofs, to the little carved turnips with silly faces on most doors and windows. 

Charlie told me people use them to scare spirits away during this season. It's a stupid concept, but the kids seem to love them, so I give them a pass. 

Speak of the devil. The little rats kept sliding off of my sweaty shoulder, so I released them.

The streets are filled with other kids running around, jesters doing magic tricks and telling jokes. Even troubadours playing music with some taking on the street as their dance floor. 

Of course not everyone has the energy for all that frolicing, I’m getting tired just looking at them. Thankfully every other meter has benches with shade to laze down, I already had a good workout walking here, we don’t need more of that in the festival.

“Hey new guy, stop dancing there like a fool and come get a beer, you look famished,” said a lady at a food stand.

The guy in question stops in his tracks and fetches a huge pint, “Haha ya people in Rothwell are too inviting,” then he chugged it on the spot. A crowd of men sat under the tent beside the stand, cheering for him to chug faster.

We joined in, taking drinks of our own and letting the kids play by the shade.

“Shouldn't you be looking for Wilkin?” said Charlie before sipping from his beer.

I chug mine followed by a burp and reply “He will be fine,” He probably won’t be, but I’ll be worked to death if he finds me now, I want to take it easy today.

He chuckled then we saw a determined Wilkin cutting through the crowd of drinking men. I’m pretty sure I didn’t cast a summoning spell.

“Hey, I’ve been looking for you. We need your help,” Wilkin said, grabbing me by the hand and pulling me.

“Wait-but- I…” I guess that was the end of my relaxation.

We had installed small stands around town, just with the essential food for a refueling station. They became popular quickly and we doubled their number in less than a month.

Of course it would be downright inhumane not to have a few at the festival ground in case of emergency. I set up the pieces of equipment for the stand, and brought a few essentials for ingredients like stew, roast, skewered meat, pastries, bread, pudding, cheese, nuts, beer and fruits to start. 

A group of humans laugh among each other as they approach the stand. 

“People here are insane, how can they eat so much?” one of them said.

“Can you imagine people back home eating this much?” another one added.

“No kidding. We would be blubber balls by the end of the week. No wonder everyone here looks like a cow,” one of them said with a laugh.

“Eyy guys, bet I can find something you like here,” I said.

“I doubt it, we don’t like greasy rubbish,” one of the brat replies, eyeing the food. His eyes linger on the glistening meat a little too long.

“Here, have some deep-fried turkey legs,” I said, waving it in front of his face. 

The other friends continued laughing, but I could see some of them swallowing drool when they smelled the meat. So I shoved the leg into the guy's hands.

“Try the fish and chips, too,” I said, pushing the dish to another one.

“More butter? No thanks," a taller one replied. But he caught the fish dripping with butter with no sign of giving it back.

“We aren't paying for any of this,” he said.

“It's free. Help yourself out,” I said. His resolve broke once his stomach growled so loud everyone could hear. 

“We don't want any of this, but we won’t waste food so callously,” he said, rushing away with his friends and their loot.

Stands like this only have a humble amount of food since we’re stretching our supplies. But they are worth it in the end, since it helped the skinny people in town to reach a healthier weight like me. They just need a little guidance to see it.

“Wait, what are you doing? I'm not done yet!” I said to Wilkin as he nudged me away. 

Wilkin knows I have a certain effect on a crowd, especially on the visitors. After all, they haven't seen someone this strong and influential in their lives. So, he wants me to be a mascot at the events. 

By the time we reached the crop competition, a small parade had formed behind us. Once we entered the tent, cold air permeated the space.

A few weeks ago Wilkin came up with this idea to keep the crops fresh during the event. So he made me dig holes that would be filled with ice. 

The tent has rows of tabletops filled with carrots, turnips, pomegranates, onions, lemons, and other crops. 

The crops take up most of the venue's space, except for a small stage at the other end of the tent, which has a sign that says, “First crop competition of Rothwell.”

“Well, let's get to work,” said Wilkin with his journal.

They got to work fast, reviewing details I wouldn't care to see in vegetables, their colours, shapes, size, and texture. No wonder Wilkin doesn't want me as a judge. I would give the price to the biggest cabbage and call it a day.

People flowed into the tent for the results. Wilkin announced the winner while I gawked at the biggest pumpkin I have ever seen. But who cares about the rabbit food? I'm off to get some meat.

The moment we step outside I could feel the blazing heat of the sun right above us, damn we are suppoused to be in fall. We hurry to take cover in the next event’s tent.

The livestock competition had a bigger plot of land. A canopy tent covered the fenced animals, granting them some shade. The animals lazily rubbed against me while Wilkin and the judges worked. 

Amongst the animals, one giant pig sticks to me like glue as soon as we enter his pen. I pet him for a minute and continue to work. Now with a pig following me with his eyes and oinking whenever we get close to his pen.

“I guess he likes you,” said Wilkin snickering. 

The winner of the competition was announced. I was not surprised when the giant pig won. Unfortunately for my porcine friend, the participants of these events will be used to cook the massive feast for the eating competition. I bid farewell to the winner, and we left the tent. 

Wilkin told me he needed to make sure things were running smoothly for the next event. So I have some time to rejoin the party and get some grub. 

“How did it go?” Charlie said handing me a stuffed pasty.

“Some Pumpkin won the crop competition and a pig won the livestock one,” I replied shoving half of the thing in my mouth.

“Cool, is that where you got that fat pig?” he replied.

“Excuse me?” I replied.

Then I felt something nudging at my boots, looking down, I found the damn pig! He must have escaped from his pen once the competition ended. 

“Where did you come from, you tasty bastard? you should be bacon by now.” I said, petting his head.

He got closer to me and rested his weight on my leg before oinking happily. 

I walk toward Charlie, and as soon as the pig senses my absence, he moves back to my side.

“So, you own a pig now?” Charlie said, returning me to reality.

“No. This is the pig I was talking about, but he somehow followed me here,” I replied.

“What do you want to do then? Take it back now?” he asked.

Charlie’s brothers pet the pig as he rolls around the ground enjoying the attention.

The animal managed to keep pace with us regardless of his size, and people got another thing to gawk at while we walked.

Wilkin eventually came for me, and while he insisted Charlie come along, he seemed oddly distracted. 

“I found someone teaching the kids how to make corn dollies. She agreed to keep an eye on this two for a bucket of Mr. Karmichael's candied apples,” he said ruffling his brother's hair.

“So, get going you two, we can catch up later,” he said before running off.

He doesn't get too far when I see a lumbering tan man with dark hair approach him. Looks like he came from another land, unlike other visitors.

This guy was taller than me, which was shocking enough. But he also sported a big beer gut. Damn, not all newcomers are malnourished then. 

The man planted a kiss on Charlie before taking the kids in his arms. 

What in the Satan’s ass? 

Oh! they opened a new stand, maybe I can convince Wilkin to stop for a treat.

Nevermind, Wilkin didn’t let me stop for a treat. And he prohibit me from getting near the cooking competition.

“Because you will eat every morsel at sight,” he said.

Wilkin has been all over the place today, he didn't even let me argue before he takes off.

The sun is starting to set, and people get ready for the main event of the night, before the gorge fest. That means any spare ingredients were sold for cheap to make sure there is little waste.

“Guys! they opened a new stand, let’s go!” a human said waddling to a nearby stand. 

A group of guys follows him with dopey smiles, looking at their march I recognize them. They are the scrawny bunch that we saw in the refueling stand. From their distended bellies I knew they were seeing things better now. They even upgraded those constrictive clothes for some of our own, of course our smallest size looks like a tent on them but I'm sure they will fill up soon enough.

I could have gone to the main stage now, but I have an hour or so before sunset. So, I let curiosity take the best of me and follow them to the stand.

After getting battered, deeply seasoned and fried the leftover vegetables from the crop competition will lose the stench of bland greenery.

They looked at the menu, reasoning with their stuffed middles for what to order. 

“Already full?” A local said.

“Kind of, but everything looks so good,” one of the guys said.

“I know the feeling, but restraint is what sets us apart from the rest of town. I take a lot of care for my figure and I'm sure you all do too,” the local man said before taking a huge bite of a deep fried ham leg.

“For example, this ham, just my third dinner. Some people here go as far as having five full dinners,” he added, dumping the clean bone of his ham and rubbing his large middle.

I restrain the laugh from forming at the notion of just three dinners. 

As this town doctor it's my responsibility to help everyone in Rothwell see the proper meal sizes, I can't let these people starve themselves. 

So I take a bucket of fried onion rings, shoving a mouthful in my mouth.

“So light, it's good they are just vegetables,” I said grabbing another handful.

Their eyes gleem with the obvious realization and order bucket after bucket of fried food. We move to the seating area and I watch proudly as they ate recklessly.

“Mission accomplished, I did another good deed today,” I said to the oblivious pig licking the ground.

Wilkin was waiting for me by the stage, we made our way to the back stage and I skim around the line of participants. Nobody seems like a true challenge to me, so I promised Wilkin to give them a breathing chance. 

That's when I see Charlie and his friend from earlier walk towards the registration table. Of course someone of his size would participate. Okay, one good challenger makes the event more interesting, but I still can't wrap my head around them together.

I don’t have the time to figure it out when two other towering figures come close behind. One of them has brown skin and dark hair with a short beard, while the other looks like he could be Charlies distant cousin with dark orange hair and a shitload of freckles. 

The trio of tall humans walk across the crowd with even the shortest of them still having his head a solid meter above everyone else.

For a moment I thought they could be the new guys people had mentioned at the town, but that couldn't be the case. This trio is hard to miss. 

People from town enthusiastically greet them, some of them even give them gifts and good. 

So they are the new guys! How did these three manage to escape my eyes for months? Is it what Wilkin is saying? That I zoom out whenever?

Before my head could process the situation, I saw a familiar figure walking closely to one of the new guys. Is that fucking Rayleigh? The man has blown up like a whale, when did he grow so much?

“Seems like there will be a challenge after all,” said Wilkin.

“I wouldnt worry, your bet is safe on me. And don't even deny it, I’ve heard of the under the table bets for this event,” I replied smugly.

His face was red after getting caught. 

We were interrupted by one of the staff workers in the event, he whispered something to him and left. 

“Your meal is here, let's get going then,” he said.

Once we got behind the stage Wilkin was approached by the coworkers helping with the event, he was about to leave when he turned around. 

“Oh true, I should take the pig for this, we don't need the extra weight on your side of the stage,” he said, patting his leg. 

The pig looked at us both for a minute before squirming closer to me. Maybe I can just have him by my side through the event. But before the idea could sink in, Wilkin made an intimidating look that made the stocky animal move like a soldier.

“Good boy,” he said happily as the pig cheered up again. 

“Since when did you know to do that?” I asked.

“I have some practice, He isn't the first pig I have to deal with, you know,” he said with a mocking smile.

“Pfft, fine pig whisperer,” I said.

He got going with a pig walking diligently beside him as he directed everyone on what to do next. 

In their absence, I was assaulted by the smell of the food waiting for us. All the best dishes of the cooking competition were here, tantalizing me.

“I will call for everyone to gather up and get seated. When I call your name, just take a seat at the main table, okay?” Wilkin said.

His voice was a distant mumble while my mouth was filled with drool. 

“Earth to Veneham, are you listening?” Wilkin said, snapping his fingers in front of me.

“Name, table, me, sure” I replied.

Finally, Wilkin started to name the competitors and my attention shifted to the stage. 

The structure is framed by tall wooden pillars that Wilkin decorated for the occasion, in the center, they have a cloth that reads “First Eating Competition of Rothwell” 

A long table is set for a feast in the center of the stage, with a single row of seats all facing the crowd. 

Fire lamps illuminate the space while mirrors all over the stage reflect the light, making this the most well lit spot in all of town. 

The participants slowly sat at the main table, when I say slowly I mean it. Of course that happens when most of the locals double their weight in preparation for this competition. 

“Our next competitor is the man with the biggest appetite in town, or at least till last year, Mr. Randolph,” Wilkin said.

The burly lumberjack waved to the crowd as he climbed the stage.

“What was that about, until last year, boy?” the man said, slapping Wilkin on the back.

The boss of the lumberjacks grew to match his coworkers, he always said had to be the biggest of them in more ways than one. Now a round belly matched his arms and shoulders giving him the form of a boulder.

“Our next contestant is Ralph,” said Wilkin.

The man who climbed the stage was one of the trio from before. Most of his weight is on his lower half, with logs for legs struggling for space against each other as he makes his way to the table. 

“This is going to be great. I am starving!” said the guy, knocking the chair that was set beside him with his hips. 

“Up next is Rock,” Wilkin continued. 

Charlie’s boyfriend appeared rubbing circles over his gut as he sat beside the other contestants. 

“The next participant is Bell,” Wilkin added.  

He was the shortest of the trio but he outweighed them by a landslide. His belly hung low hitting his lap with every step, with moobs that bounced in circles as he waved at the crowd and a second chin his stubble couldn't hide.

“Give a cheer to Rayleigh,” Wilkin said enthusiastically, knowing this name firsthand.

He moved with a sense of confidence in his step that looked new on him. Maybe he finally loosened up a little with the added weight; he certainly looks less like a stick in the mud. 

He sat beside the newcomers and they embraced him with cheers and howls like the crowd.

I haven't seen the people in town react like this to anyone but me. Just how popular are these guys?

Wilkin left the best for last, once he called me, I appeared from the backstage area. The crowd went wild, their claps resounding even after I sat down. 

I was placed in the right end of the table. 

When the crowd got quiet, Wilkin cleared his throat and said, “First, we will run through the rules,” 

My feet tap the hardwood floor. Can he hurry and get to the food already? I've been starving myself the entire day. A group of volunteers came from backstage, pushing trolleys to our table.

“The competition will be divided into three rounds. Whoever eats the most plates of food in a round wins a ribbon. The person with the most ribbons by the end of the game wins!” 

I won't complain about the menu change through the competition, but would it kill Wilkin just to let me have my food without interruptions? 

“For our first round, we have Pork chops and red wine stew in a trencher,” Wilkin said.

The volunteers placed dishes from the trolley before us, before Wilkin flipped a sand watch and screamed,”We begin wiith twenty competitors, lets see how many we have by the end. In your marks, Let's begin!” 

As soon as the sand starts flowing, my hands reach for the pork chops. 

I pulled a chunk of the tender meat, right from the bone and brought it to my mouth. It broke down over my tongue, almost melting in a second. Leaving just a trace of honey and wine from the stew behind.

From the initial taste I move to stuff the rest of the pork chop in me without giving myself the time to breath, my entire body is more focused on getting the meat in than air itself. 

When the bone is clean, I throw it over my head and bring the bread bowl to my lips, I take gulp after gulp of the thick broth. The pleasant heat soothes my gut and wakes up more of my appetite.

From the corner of my eye, I notice some visitors in the crowd looking at me worriedly as I stuff myself like a turkey. They better get ready for the real deal, cause I'm just getting started. I wanted to enjoy its taste and texture, but before I could notice, I had swallowed the last bite. My gut is really taking over but I'm not complaining. I rub it and feel the broth sloshing inside me, yeah, this is a good starter.

A volunteer put another plate of stew in front of me, and I could take my time enjoying the taste of my meal. The rest of the small fries are most likely still nimbly eating their first course of pork.

“Urrrrrppp…Ha, easy!” a loud belch at the other end of the table catches my attention. 

The freckled guy was finishing bowls; like they were nothing. 

His whole body jiggled as he grabbed plate after plate, downing them in a blink.

He works without a care in the world getting drops of stew and pork all over his face and vest, as he demolished the pork chops. 

“Can I pick up my own plates? It would be faster,” he said with a smile and a bead of sweat rolling down his face. 

With his belly pressing forward, the freckled guy snatched the plates from a staff member as quickly as the wind and downed them.

I look in disbelief at the inhumane speed and I noticed the shortest of the trio looking at me.

He downed his stew so fast, it moved like a river flow. Whipping his mouth clean he flashes a fangy grin that makes a chill run down my spine. It's a familiar look, I can't understand why.

Beside him, Rayleigh, of all people finishes his plate. He notices me and adds to the glaring contest. Since when can he eat this fast? 

While I know the guy with the freckles sucking pork chops by the second is my obvious opponent, these two ate with a fire in their eyes I couldn't ignore. There was a sense of determination that rivals the look only seen with my opponent in battle. 

I won't pretend like I don't miss those days, the pride and glory of my first victories in the Colosseum. And while I decided that I would stay in this town for as long as I could, I also had to give up on that thrill ever coming back to me. Except, the same feeling is back now, but this is more fulfilling than smashing skulls.

With a new drive to gorge myself, I push forward.

“Slow down mate, It’s over for us,” said the guy to my left as I reached for my next plate.

“Take this seriously or scram pipsqueak,” I replied, before going back to my feast.

“How dare you, I'm no pushover,” he said grabbing his plate and downing it in a few gulps.

He moved to his next plate trying to match me. Them trying to beat me is laughable.

I'm down my seventh plate when the feeling of fullness starts to creep on me and I reconsider if having those treats before was a good idea. Cursed fried vegetables. This is all your fault.

I get my hands over my gut, nursing my grunting stomach, managing to get a window chattering belch.

The crowd started to chant Rayleigh’s name. 

Looking at him, I saw the man eating like his life depended on it. His eyes stayed focused on his plate, only occasionally drifting to mine or one of his new friends. 

His already tight pants looked ready to burst as he continued to push more chicken into his plump cheeks.

I imagine he was proud of himself for the public's reaction. But he seemed more invested in his friend’s wide open eyes.  

The guy with the dark hair was mouth gape open drooling at the sight of Rayleigh. He got back to his senses when Rayleigh shoved a drumstick into his mouth. 

I have downed ten plates and the first competitor lost consciousness from the fullness. 

His face crashed upon the stew, and some volunteers saved him from drowning in two inches of soup. 

Other three humans tapped out after that, fearing for the same scene. The guys beside me were struggling, rubbing their middles with pained expressions. 

“Lightweights, did ya’ll even know what you were signing up for?” I said, shaking my head, before licking my fingers clean from the pork sauce.

They look at me enraged until one of them speaks up, “I don't know how he does it.” 

“He is still going strong, after seeing that crazy ginger,” another one said between labored breaths.

“If you can talk you can eat, now shut up. You are spoiling my appetite little guy,” I replied.

“Aaaand that's time. Hands up, contestants; we are counting everyone's plates to announce the first-round winner,” Wilkin said.

“Oh, come on, already?” I sighed.

He went to each contestant's seat and counted the plates, leaving my end of the table for last. 

“In third place, we have a tie between Rayleigh and Bell with thirteen plates,” Wilkin said.

They waved at the crowd before Rayleigh wrapped his arm around the new guy. When the crowd calmed down.

“In second place we have Veneham, with sixteen plates,” Wilkin added.

What in Beelzebub's tits is happening?

The crowd cheered on, but all I was too dumbfounded to react beyond a simple smile and wave.

“And finally, our winner for the first round finished with a whopping fifty plates of stew in less than 10 minutes, Ralph!” Wilkin shouted.

The man stood up with a huff to bask in his victory while the volunteers placed a new set of dishes for the second round, and my attention was back on the table.

“I Gurrrp w-won!” Then he fainted on the floor.

“Well, we still have two more rounds to go,” Wilkin said, calming down the crowd.

“For our next round, we have roasted chicken wrapped in bacon served with mashed peas,” Wilkin added.

That must have been beginner's luck. All I have to do is keep my head on the price and the juicy meat, still sizzling on the plate in front of me! 

The scent of smokey roast filled my head in a second. The garlic and coriander were so strong in the air that it became all I could smell.

Except.

A gust of wind left a trace of something else.

Something faint in the distance, with a disgusting aroma. Somebody must be using some awful wood for their fire.

And yet, it felt oddly familiar.

“Ready everyone, the second round is on!” Wilkin shouted.

Whatever it is, it can't make me lose the lead in the competition. For all I know, it's just my imagination.

My belly pushes more against the table, and I feel sweat roll down my spine. This feeling is what I worked for so long, the pleasure of consuming everything I can get my hands on. 

Who cares if my belly eats up at the table? My lap is so powerful it dwarves this punny table and any pair of pants. 

I'm trying to get into my usual rhythm but can't focus on my meal with that smell. It comes and goes like a flickering flame. 

My eyes move around looking for the source of that smell, but all I see are the other competitors. 

“Oh yeah! Bring me another one, my good man. I still have space for much more!” said Percival, as his wife screamed from the crowd.

“Could I get two plates at a time? These ones are just a bit small for me,” said Charlie’s boyfriend. 

He grabbed a chicken and bit it in half, gave it a couple of munches, and swallowed it without a sweat. He might be going pretty cool and collected, but in this round, he is the new tread to overcome.

My own clothes start to dig deeper against my skin, my pants stretch holding on by a thread. So I unbutton them trying to get myself some space. 

The remaining guys beside me took my display as a sign that decorum was less than an option if they wanted to win, so they unbuttoned their pants and lost their shirts in hopes of making space.

“I think I'm full now,” Charlie’s boyfriend said, stifling a belch.

I looked in disbelief as the tall man took his plates, gave them to the staff and got off the stage.

My biggest opponent just threw the towel, I have to take this chance. But the fullness in my stomach is on the tipping point. I could stop now but the smell of the food is so divine I can turn it down.

A stomach, like any muscle, gains mass with tear and repair. If I use my healing ability on my stomach right after a good stuffing, my capacity increases.

It's not like I empty my stomach or anything, but it can give me that second wind I need. Some would see this as cheating, but those people are idiots. This ability is a skill I honed after many hours of nursing my taunting stomach. 

Even then, I have only done this a few times before, I can't deny that I enjoy the feeling of a full meal. 

Regardless, I only need this once to swipe the floor with these people. So, I get my hands over my stuffed gut and rub in circles letting my healing magic do its thing. The soothing sensation envelops my belly like a cold shower on a hot summer day.

The healing process almost makes me moan but I suppress it by stuffing a chicken drum down my throat. With a stomach ready to be stretched again I get back to work.

My nose gets another whiff of that repugnant smell and I look around, hoping to find the trail of smoke that keeps distracting me. If I get a glimpse of it, I could ask Wilkin to put it out. 

“And that's time!” Wilkin shouted.

Like before, Wilkin counted everyone's plates while the volunteers cleaned the stage and table.

A volunteer took away the remnant of drumstick bone from my hand, and I felt my stomach groan in advance to the next round.

“We counted the plates; in third place, we have Rayleigh with ten plates,” 

Rayleigh receives his applause with a proud smile, getting slaps on the back by his new friends. Even the freckled guy rushed up the stage to congratulate him. 

Even with fifty plates down he rushed to Rayleigh like it was nothing. I winced at the sight, I can’t imagine myself walking too much after this meal. I’m going for a power nap to help these gains and let my taunt stomach to settle down.

While Rayleigh waved to the crowd, Percival looked about ready to give birth, red face and all.  I'm used to eating this much on any Tuesday. But it's surprising to see this many humans keeping up with me for this long.

I can't stop myself from smiling, they are making this interesting. 

“In second place we have Bellfort with thirteen plates,” 

The man clashed with Rayleigh and howler proudly as if they had won already.  

“And our winner is Veneham, with fifteen plates under his belt!”

Take that, nobody is making me look like a bitch today.

“We are approaching our final round, ladies and gentlemen! Our next item is dessert!”

Wilkin’s words didn't register in my head, all I could feel was the pain of my stuffed gut. It churned loudly saying it had enough. But the thought of that dessert still made me drool. How can I feel so full and yet so hungry? 

Trying to nurse my still gurgling gut I got my hands under the vest, rubbing big circles around it. The soothing sensation of that touch makes me go under a sweet haze. 

Hard to believe it’s been a year since my first bite of food, it feels longer than the thousands of lifetimes I’ve lived. 

My abs were a medal of honor, the sign of a millennia of work. I was confused once they melted down under that first layer of fat. I have never seen my figure without them.

Was it possible that I was losing my edge? Pfft- No, it couldn't have been. Earth can't undo a century of hard work. This must be a progression to my already immaculate physique.

I mean, Demons don't fear Hell Bison’s due to their strength but their size. 

This extra heft is strength that goes beyond what muscles can do. 

My one craving in hell was that soreness of the training, the pump of a workout. Now, in the human realm that craving is back with a vengeance. 

Each mouthful and gulp, testing the limits of my stomach is part of rigorous training. As the months passed, my body adapted to the new regimen. Two lunches became a breeze, and no fighter improved under the same routine. 

Everyone in town looks up to me. They see me as their hero and goal. So I take it upon myself to help them improve as well. It’s only fair, after all this gut is the result of their offerings.

They didn't seem to get it at first, the poor guys were blinded like me. It’s weird to think I assumed my body was so immaculate, especially looking at my titanic form now. 

Lucky for them, I already know what's best. A little push here and a second serving there starts the process. Before long, the entire town has a new set of clothes and portion sizes.

By their satisfied expressions I knew I was on the right track. To say I was motivated was an understatement.

My previous summonings always had boring deals. Kill an enemy, spite an ex lover, take down a government. But helping the people of Rothwell reach their true potential was much more fulfilling.

I was never meant to fall from the grace of heaven. A little hand to the wrong person and those puritans mark you as the enemy. Who needs them when I can make this small part of earth my personal paradise.

Even in heaven I never cared for other people’s bodies, they were unappealing to me. So, I never got that buzz people had with sex. 

Of course I still had a sexual appetite, but who could please me better than myself? What can I say, I’m a champion even at jerking off.

Realizing there was anything that could give me that rush has left me astounded. While I mourned the loss of my abs, I couldn’t ignore the heat that spread in my chest as I felt my hands explore my new-found chub.

After that, I ended most days jerking off with one hand, and exploring the small changes of my body with the other. 

It would be a lie to pretend this didn't affect my already growing appetite. When I arrived at Rothwell, I was roughly four hundred pounds, with most of that weight being muscle. In just a couple of months, I managed to pile on fifty extra pounds, and every touch and movement made those pounds more noticeable.

The jiggle of my beginner belly as I climb downstairs, or the bounce my hip had as I close the door with it.  

Those days, I would go back home almost religiously with a gut packed to the brim, letting the feeling of fullness fill my desire. The thing that always drove me over the edge was the idea of how big I could get.  

When spring came around, I had added 125 pounds of blubber to my frame; it was easy to notice. My legs fought for space as I walked, making me take wider steps. My belly led my way as it expanded, bouncing with each step. And my chest struggled to break free of every shirt I owned.

As the town embraced my way of seeing things, it extended to this as well. The larger people in town became the hot new thing. I got plenty of suitors, and of course it was flattering but they wanted more than what I was willing to give. So, I continued to push forward on my own.

With a new vest to flaunt my expanding gut, we started summer. At the time, I was pushing seven hundred pounds. My waddling became more prominent, and accidents around my weight became more common. 

Wilkin reassured me with a wide smile that the cash on extra clothes wasn’t a problem, or the changes in furniture or the expansion of the house main door. I noticed how much he looked at me, but unlike the rest of town, he never suggested a desire for something beyond what we had going on. So I pushed his buttons on purpose, seeing him melt.

We would struggle in the hallways, unable to pass together. Or would turn red as my bulk mashed against his tiny body. It was fun, seeing how my ballooning body could cover most of him without problem. 

My sessions at night became more of a struggle. Even with all I'm packing down there, I could barely see with the mountain of flesh in between. After some searching, I would finally grasp it and go wild.

The fight for space was all the more exciting. The way my belly sprawled as I lay on my side was invigorating, while my rolls mashed against each other at the rhythm of my pumps. 

That struggle extended to strenuous tasks outside the bedroom, from running around town to reaching stuff off the ground. But I was more than ready to give up some flexibility if it meant another serving at the inn.

All I had to do was avoid strenuous situations, like walking. My laziness caught up to me and I reached seven hundred by fall. The town couldn't keep up with my growth in some ways and that struggle made me heat up every time.

I chuckle every time someone looks smaller than my thighs. Those people will never understand the pleasure of being this massive. Maybe other demons could understand it, sadly they can't enjoy my paradise.

To think we were all innocent enough in heaven, believing we had it all, we were missing so much. Like the excitement I felt when my belly fully obscured the view off my dick. Or when my hands could only touch the tip of it. 

How did I lived for so long ignoring the possibility of fucking my own fat. To moan as I got off just rubbing my gut against my cock and fatpad. And even with all those nights of magnificent pleasure, as I panted with glassy eyes and my belly covered in my own seed. All I could think was, how much more I can grow- 

“Veneham?”

That though, always makes my skin heat up.

“VENEHAM!”

“Eh what? Is dessert ready?” I asked.

“Yes, if you could stop day dreaming. We are the final round,” Wilkin said, wiping the drool off my face.

“For our next round we have sour cherry pie topped with sweet cream scones,” Wilkin said.

The staffers brought out a massive pie pan the size of a family table. The decadent smell of cherry is intoxicating, even the people on the crowd drooled just looking at it.

We all rushed, digging into our pies, the sour cherry filling had the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The toping was crispy and warm still and the scones were so soft I thought I was biting a cloud.

My excitement was short lived when I got another whiff of that repugnant smoke. Fire is all over the festival, and open roasts are in full force in most tents. But this is different, and it hits me.

A cold sweat runs down my spine as I recognize that distinctive disgusting smell of rotten.

Of sulfur.

“Ready, set and go!” Wilking said, before flipping the hourglass.

If Wilkin managed to summon me, someone else could do the same.

Who knows what they are trying to do? I have to find the source of the fire and put an end to it.

The crowd clamored for me to come back. Their voices crying for my return made the whole thing even more bitter. 

“Don't worry, guys, I'm coming back. Hold the ribbons!” I shouted as their voices became distant.

The festival is here, enjoy the festivities to your heart's desire.

Editor: @bee-wg