#papython lamia

I’m working on one of the last boxes of knick-knacks that I have collected over the years. Just things that felt to have meaning to me or just appeased my aesthetic. We’ve been in the new home for a few weeks now and definitely had a few misadventures. 

Third day in to living here, while I was starting to teach Munchkin how to swim in the big pool, Hero managed to accidentally fall in. Waves began to form as Hero thrashed about in a panic. I quickly got Munchkin out of the pool before shifting into a crimson red Dragon and helped Hero to right himself in the shallow end. Turns out Hero takes after his King lamia side and never learned how to swim. As a hatchling, Hero had a bad experience in a river, his heritage made swimming difficult for him and he feared drowning. I helped him out of the pool, using my dragon breath to help dry and warm him up. I nuzzled his cheekbone and encouraged him that there was no shame in having a fear of the water and if he was ever ready, I’d be more than happy to help teach him to swim. Maybe watching a few more lessons with Munchkin might help encourage him. 

On the eighth day, Eevee managed to bolt out of the house while I was out grocery shopping. I arrived home to a tale of Hero attempting to chase down the agile pup, who found a rabbit to chase after. Guardian and Moonstone attempted to call her home with treats and squeakers. Unfortunately Eevee’s focus was all on the chase. She nearly followed the rabbit into its hole. Hero managed to catch her, picking up the wiggly pup as she whined to get back to the rabbit hole. Both of them needed a bath that evening. 

On the tenth day, we had to instil a curfew for Guardian’s wandering. He got the whole household worried when he stayed out past midnight. It didn’t sit well with Butterscotch who deemed that the young Chain should go without dessert for the rest of the week. Guardian attempted to smoothe things by offering a shiny rock and a half wilted flower he found.  Butterscotch stood his ground and threatened to add another week. 

Butterscotch finally allowed the twins out of their room on the fourteenth day. Nightwish, the little red Honey-bo rode on Butterscotch’s back while Tempest rode on Alpha’s back. The pair showed their offspring around the house, the twins peeping and chirping in delight. There was a tense moment when it came time for the twins to meet Eevee, Hero having to hold the eager pup back so she didn’t rush at them with her enthusiasm. Once she got her sniffs in, she laid down and gave small gentle licks on the baby lamia’s heads, much to Butterscotch’s approval. 

After all the excitement, Butterscotch and Alpha had Guardian and Moonstone sit on the couch and gave them the opportunity to hold their little siblings. Tempest squirmed wildly in Guardian’s grasp, grabbing his face and the fur that lined his jack and pulling while Nightwish curled up in Moonstone’s arms, giggling at the face’s the Papython made. Munchkin was placed between the two pairs. He glanced from Tempest and Nightwish, eye-lights growing wide with wonder. Munchkin looked up at Hero and proudly declared “I pr-tect bro-ters!” 

Now here we are, the last box to be unpacked. As I’m putting a dragon statue onto one of the shelves, I pause and blink at the random can of Pringles sitting in front of the books. I don’t recall placing a can there, nor snacking on them recently. “Hero, did you have any Pringle recently?” He’s pretty much the only one who would be able to reach that height.

Hero slither’s around the kitchen island, donning his Hiss the Cook apron that I got for him not too long ago. He looked at the cylinder and shook his head. “I didn’t even know we had any.” 

I hummed curiously, putting my statue down before picking up the Pringle can, feeling some weight to it. I glanced from the can to Hero, back to it before raising my other hand and began to open the lid.

“raaaaaaar!” Out sprung out a Bitty-sized Coral, springing out of the canister much like those snakes in a can gag toy. 

I shriek, startled enough to jump backwards, tripping over a pair of my boots that magically appeared right behind me. Swiftly, Hero lunges forward to catch me before I hit the floor. The Coral laughs his fool head off, hanging halfway out of the can. I look at him in surprise until I hear another chuckle, causing Hero and I to look down at my boots. Sprawled out of the fallen boot laid a gently chuckling Bitty-sized Corny, looking very pleased with himself

I looked stunned at the two laughing comedians until a chuckle began to build. “There’s a snake in my boot!” I laughed out as the Corny gave me double finger guns. I hear another chuckle coming from the hallway and turned to revealed Guardian peaking around the corner, watching the show. 

“Guardian, do you know something about this.” I hold up the still laughing Coral in the Pringles can.

Guardian blushed at being caught, slithering forward with a sheepish smile. He was holding a long stick with something round tied up in some cloth at the end. “Maybe.”

I give him a look as Hero pulls me to sit on his coils. 

“don’t keep your momma waitin’ kid” the Corny comment, I never saw him move but he was just chilling on one of Hero’s coils. 

Guardian sighed, scratching the back of his head as he came forward. “Well, I was out in the woodsss when I saw a moussse and thought I could try hunting it. I followed after it asss quietly asss Alpha ssshowed me and when I thought I was clossse enough to ssstrike, I wasssn’t the only one to get him. The Coral sssaid it was hisss mousse while I ssstood firm that it wasss mine. We went back and forth that it was mine and hisss and then he sssaid it was mine and I accidentally sssaid it was hisss and he sssaid,”

“finally youssse sssee it my way” The Coral barked a laugh as I placed him next to the Corny.

Guardian nodded and continued to  “and he took the mousse. I was ssshocked and sssaid that he cheated. He then threatened to fight me for it, sssaid that he and hisss mate hadn’t ssseen prey in about a week.” The Corny waved at the mention of being the mate. “Ssso we ssstarted talking and the Corny came out of the bussshesss with a sssatchel.”

“he told usss all about ya all.” The Coral reached down to grab the satchel on a stick from Guardian. “he invited usss for a meal. maybe a warm place to sssleep for a night.”

“if it’sss ok with ya, i believe the kid called ya Crysssta.” The Corny leaned against the Coral. He peaked into the satchel and seemed satisfied by what he saw before pulling it close and curled his tail around it. 

“After I invited them we kept talking and came up with the prank.” Guardian mentions, swaying innocently. “Wanted to make a grand entrance.”

I looked them over, both lamias looked low on magic, even if they had a mouse meal before coming over. They definitely looked to be in rough shape for wild lamias. “I don’t mind you guys staying for a bit. Will have to talk to the others to make sure they are ok with guests.” I look up at Hero. “How do you feel about it?”

Hero glanced down at the two bitties. “I hasss no problem, ssso long as you don’t make Crysssta trip again. Or bring harm to anyone elssse here.”

“promissse no harm.” Corny crosses over his chest. 

“ssso long asss no harm comesss to usss.” The Coral positioned himself in front of both the Corny and the satchel. 

Hero smiled at that. “You’re sssafe here.”

I noticed the Coral relax a bit, glancing back at the Corny. The Corny returned a thumbs up and a yawn. “Guardian, help them pick out one of the spare rooms. I’ll have Moonstone bring some blankets for them. I need to go speak with Alpha and Butterscotch.” 

Guardian nodded and helped them off of Hero’s coils. Once they had gone down the hall, Hero helps me up and we both head towards Alpha and Butterscotch’s room. “Crysssta, I think they have…”

“Yea, I noticed it too. We’ll talk to Alpha and Butterscotch about it.” I smirked back at Hero, taking his hand as we entered the room. I knocked on the doorframe, letting the occupants know we were there. Alpha’s head peaked out of a nest, hood raised in curiosity before ducking back down to talk to the other adult in the nest. 

Both Butterscotch and Alpha emerged to greet us. Munchkin peaked from the nest, laying protectively around the smaller lamias, in a near perfect mimic of Alpha. Sleepy peeps could be heard from the blankets, warming both Hero’s and my souls, Hero squeezing my hand.

Not wanting to beat around the bush, I sit down in front of the two Lamias and announce. “Well, it looks like we have guests, Guardian found a Corny and Coral pair. They look to be in rough shape so they’ll at least be staying with us for the night.”

Butterscotch held up a hand, “at leassst?” He said suspiciously. 

“We sssussspect that they may have an egg with them. Their magic is low.” Hero informs the pair.

“Low magic isssn’t good for egg development.” Alpha filled in as I nodded. 

“I want to offer them a refuge, at least til the egg hatches.” I inform them. 

“You’ll get attached.” Butterscotch accused. 

“I won’t force them to live here. But an easy supply of food for a while could help them. I want to give them a fighting chance.” I pleaded. “But if they want to make this a home, the house is large enough, or they can continue to live in our woods and stop by for food when needed.” 

Butterscotch sighed. “this family isss just going to keep getting bigger, isssn’t it.”

“It doesn’t have to if it makes you uncomfortable. You two were my first lamias, the ones to begin this here family we have going. I’m not going to do anything that would make you unhappy.” I kneel down, rubbing Butterscotch’s back the way I know he likes. 

Butterscotch nods, leaning into my touch. Alpha takes Butterscotch’s hands in his own, thumbs working to soothe over his carpels. “We’ll check them out, play it by ear. Besssidesss, you alwaysss sssaid you wanted a big family.” He kissed the Honey-bo’s suddenly blushing cheekbones.

“i ment between you and me. back at Vex’sss, before all thisss. I’m ssstill getting ussse to Hero, no offence.”

Hero bows, “None taken.”

“And you can still have your big family,” I assured, “This land is plenty big, we shouldn’t see any crowding, no matter what happens.”

Suddenly there was a frantic rapping at the door. Hero rushes over to open it, seeing Guardian huffing against the frame. “The Coral… he… he collapsed.” 

I’m up on my feet in seconds, going around the room gathering monster candies, a few spare blankets and one of the extra heat pads. “Hero, go to the kitchen, warm up some broth and cut up some chicken for our guests and get the first aid kit.” Hero nods and heads out the door. 

Butterscotch shortcuts onto my shoulder. “i’m coming with. to sssee them myself.” He turns to face his mate. “watch the babiesss.” Alpha looked to want to argue when Butterscotch settles in a look. Alpha agrees and moves back to the nest. 

“Alright, Guardian, take us to them.” I walk briskly to the door.

“Mama Crysssta, don’t tell them, but I peeked into their bag, they have an egg in it.” Guardian wrings his hands together, looking every bit guilty.  

“It’s alright, we’ve guessed that to be the case.” I leaned down to pet his skull. “Which room are they in?”

“They wanted one that was towardsss the back, wanted a private ssspace.” Guardian began to lead me to the lamias. 

We rushed into the room, Moonstone is already in there, attempting to use healing magic on the Coral. The Corny is laid up next to him, trying to share his magic with the unconscious lamia with the satchel held at the base of his tail. I sat down next to them, petting Moonstone’s head to get his attention. “Thank you for trying, Moony, we got this now.” Moonstone nodded, wiping the tears that rolled down his cheekbones. 

Guardian rushed over and hugged Moonstone, using his sleeves to dry his tears before bringing him into a hug. 

The Corny looked up at me, hand rubbing over the Coral’s chest. “I don’t know what happened. he wasss fine one moment and out the next. Sssorry, don’t mean to be trouble.”

“It’s alright, we have everything to help him.” I plugged in the heating pad and placed one of the blankets over it, creating a nest. Carefully I pick up both lamias and their carry-on and place them on the warm nest. The Corny appeared nervous until he noticed I was cradling the satchel securely. “Don’t worry, I won’t drop your egg.”

“How did you…” The Corny sits up and pulls the covered egg closer, a bit of the shell peaked out of the satchel.

“I saw the glow earlier, Hero could tell as well.” I mentioned, noticing Guardian trying to hide his relief. “Before today, how long has it been since you both last ate?”

“just a few weeksss.” the Corny curls against the Coral. 

“it’s been longer than that, hasssn’t it?” Butterscotch slithers off my arm and onto the nest, keeping a respectful distance. “A lamia wouldn’t collapssse like this unlessssss it been a lot longer than that.”

“well, maybe.” The Corny seemed to curl in on himself, appearing lost in memory. “I know for me it’s only been that long, assside from the moussse Coral had given me today. he... he sssaid he ate already, both today and the last time he caught sssome dragonflies. but i’ve been sssuspicious that he hasssn’t, not sssince…” He hugged the egg like a precious teddy bear. 

Me and Butterscotch exchanged a look. “may i?” Butterscotch asked, arms wide in an offering of a hug, surprising me. The Corny looked up and nodded. Butterscotch approached and hugged the Corny. 

“i can’t lossse him too. i can’t lossse him after our Pygmy mate. it’s just too sssoon.” The Corny began to tremble in Butterscotch’s arms, who tightened his hold. 

Hero arrived with a tray and the first aid kit. I take both of them, glad to see that Hero had grabbed a dropper to help the unconscious Coral drink until he could on his own. I place the plate of chicken near the Corny. 

Carefully I lift the Coral up and dripped some broth into his mouth, half of which spills out and onto the blanket, the other half swallowed down, the glow in his soul brightens momentarily from the broth. 

“the egg, was it the Pygmy’sss.” Butterscotch broke the silence. 

“yea,” the Corny nearly choked out, watching as I continued to carefully feed the Coral. “it’sss the only thing that sssurvived when we were attacked by sssome hungry bird. I did my best to protect the nest, Pygmy and Coral were coming back from a hunt and Pygmy zipped over to protect me…” The Corny fell silent, my heart ached to hear the story. 

I felt Hero squeeze my shoulders. I fished out some monster candy and handed it to the Corny and Butterscotch. “This will help, I’m sure you’ll need a bit of a boost.”

The Corny’s sockets widened. “I haven’t had once sssince the collector’s” He takes it and eats it. “it’sss just asss good asss I remember.” 

“Collector’sss?” Hero asked. 

“we weren’t alwaysss wild. honessstly we kinda sssucked at it. Coral hunted better with Pygmy. Pygmy would chassse down the prey while Coral would wait for the prey to come close and dispatch it. we ate better, live better with him.” Corny reached out and grabbed the Coral’s hand. “honessstly, I haven’t heard him laugh sssince we lost Pygmy. it was Coral’sss idea to leave the collector, I think he blamed himssself for Pygmy’s de- death. sssure the collector feed usss and gave us tanksss to live in and kept them clean. but there was no love, no attachment. he even ssstole eggsss from wild bittiesss.”

Corny glanced over at Moonstone and Guardian, giving a lazy smile. “you two actually remind me of the one time, two hatchlingsss essscaped. the collector was ssso happy to have finally gotten a Chain, until the Chain broke out and ssstole a papython hatchling. they both sssqueazed through a crack. Coral got the idea to essscape after that. took sssome time to plan it. they would have been your age by now. ”

Moonstone and Guardian looked at the Corny with wide eyes and then at each other. 

“Guardian, Moonstone?” I nudge questioningly.

“Wasss that the ssscary place we left?” Moonstone asked, almost sounding haunted. 

“I guessssss. All I remember is my sssoul calling for you and telling me to run.” Guardian blinked before looking up at me. “Jussst like my sssoul told me to get you when Moonssstone was ssstuck.” 

I blink at the two, surprised. I remember asking them when they were younger where they came from and they’d either shrugged or said something about a scary place. Never in my imagination would I figure out where they’d come from and how they didn’t have parents. Someone stealing them would make sense. I wonder if Vex knows about this. 

The Corny let out a hollow laugh. “ain’t thisss a sssmall world then.” He sighed, now more being held up by Butterscotch as he watched for any change in the Coral. The Coral’s soul was glowing brighter, the heating pad doing it’s job to warm him up. 

“Corny, we want to offer you two and your egg a home, here, with usss.” Butterscotch began to speak, again surprising me in the best ways. “won’t need to hunt here, unlessssss you want to. you’ll be warm and sssafe and your hatchling can grow up here. already have two little buddiesss for him. what do you sssay?”

The Corny looked up at him, tears brimming in his sockets. “ssseriously?” Butterscotch nodded at him. The Corny looked at his Coral companion. “i... i don’t know if…”

“i’d like to ssstay ‘ere.” The Coral slowly opened his sockets and looked over at the Corny, a weak smile etching his face. “I can be ssso lazy the human will feed me.” 

With energy not known for a Corny, the said bitty launched himself into the Coral’s arms. The Coral gave a few low chuckles, carefully moving the egg so it wasn’t squished between them. After a moment of being hugged, the Coral pushed the Corny to arms reach and gave him a look. “do i sssmell candy on ya?” 

The Corny grinned at the Coral. “are ya sssayin’ i’m too sssweet for ya?”

“no way. i want sssome.” the Coral demanded. 

“Sure, but I think I’ll have to break it up for you.” I begin to dig one out. 

“oh, fu-oof” The Coral glared at the Corny who gestured to the egg. The Coral rolled his eyelights before looking up at me. “i want teh whole thing in my mouth.” 

I chuckle before explaining how with his low magic he should only take a little at a time. I hand the candy to Hero who breaks it into four equal pieces. I give him a questioning look, which he returns with  a dashing smile. I shake my head at him before offering a quarter of the candy. The Coral eats it greedily, belching afterwards. 

“Well, if you’re planning to stay, how about some names? I noticed you haven’t referred to each other by name, so I’m assuming you don’t have any.” Both shook their heads. “Got any ideas of names you’d want?”

The Coral huffed while the Corny patted his head. “nah, give usss your best ssshot kid.”

I give him an indignant look. “I’m not a kid.” I began to think… and think… and… nothing’s coming up. I sigh, flopping against Hero’s coil, leaning against his warm belly. Mmmm warm… noo, I have to come up with names. Soon enough I throw my hands in the air and spouted “Who’s on first, what’s on second, I don’t know is on third.” Butterscotch, Moonstone and Guardian chuckle, knowing that I’ll say that when I haven’t a clue.

Both the Corny’s and Coral’s eye-light widen at that and they proceed to perform the entire skit. They had us chuckling for a good while. 

“That’s perfect. Abbott” I point to the Corny “And Costello” I directed my finger over to the Coral. 

The newly dubbed Costello gave Abbott a cheeky grin, “heeeey Abbott.” He called out, a mirror of the line from Robinhood: Men in tights. Abbott chuckled and leaned in close to Costello before whispering “I hate that guy.” before planting a kiss on the Coral.

‘That was tooo cute.’ I mentally scream, I feel Hero chuckle behind me. Guess he can feel me fawning over the two new lamias. 

Once they broke the kiss, Castello gave Abbott a look then looked up at me. “hey, why’d i do i got ta be the dumb one?” 

Abbott turned Castello to look back at him, “hey, i told ya a million timesss, Cassstello was really the sssmart one of the two.” Castello seemed satisfied with that.

“alright, but i’ll only accept on one condition.” Castello really seemed ready to keep pushing for more things, even if he looked ready to go back to sleep. Abbott gave him a curious look. Castello glanced at the egg, then at me. “Sssure, we’ll be Abbott and Cassstello, but our hatchling getsss an extra ssspecial name. Our Pygmy partner…” He took a deep breath before continuing. Also was he conscious for the whole conversation? “ya sssee, he had thessse odd markingsss, looked like he had bushy brows and a stash. kept callin’ him Groucho fer it, he hated it… kinda. he alwaysss laughed after yellin’ at me. this egg, he’sss gonna be jussst like him. can feel it in mah bonesss. gotta name him Marx.”

I smile warmly at that sentiment. “I can accept that. A little Groucho Marx. I like it.” I lean forward offering my finger for them to shake. “Well, welcome to the family, Abbott, Costello and Marx. Curious, which one of you is the father?” 

Both Abbott and Costello looked at each other and shrugged, “don’t know,” Abbott said, yawning as he leaned into Costello “don’t care.” Costello finished, draping an arm over Abbott and tucking him in close. Costello looked up at me, “can I have more of mah candy?”

I chuckle and hand him the next quarter, the candy going down like the first, swallowed whole and followed with a belch. Abbott’s tail curls around Costello, the egg nestled between the two lamias. “I don’t think I have ever seen such a cuddly Coral before.” I teased, just couldn’t help myself. 

Costello huffed indignantly. “i don’t know what yer talkin’ about. i’m taking care of mah mate.”

Abbott nuzzled his chest. “he makesss a good full body pillow.” 

I smile, offering my hand to let Butterscotch climb aboard. “We’ll let you guys settle in. The chicken is for you guys, just take it slow so you don’t overwhelm your magic. Same with the monster candy. Feel free to ask anyone of us if you need anything.” I motioned for Moonstone and Guardian to follow before I grabbed Hero’s hand to lead him out. 

Hero caught Eevee before she could rush into the room to meet the new members of the household, picking her up as she wiggled and whined. I closed the door and turned towards Moonstone and Guardian, bending down to give them both a big hug. “I’m so glad that I found you two when I did. You two are just so special to me. Why don’t you two take Eevee out to play, she still has a lot of energy to work out.” 

Moonstone and Guardian nodded in unison before they each pecked a kiss on my cheeks. Hero set Eevee down and Guardian challenged the pup to a race. Before we knew it, they were racing down the hall and out to the fenced in backyard. 

As I straightened, I could feel Hero wrap his arms around me. I began to laugh, “Oh mah gawd, you all are just being super snuggly today.” I let him nuzzle against my head, raising a hand to scritch just under his chin. “Alright, as much as I love a good cuddle we still have one more thing to take care of. Let's go back to Butterscotch’s room.”

Hero nods and lifts me up in his arms. I sigh in amusement. I glance over to Butterscotch and rub his back. “Thank you, Scotchy, for inviting them into our family. That was very nice of you.” Butterscotch only nodded, wiggling when I decided to poke his side. “I though Alpha was suppose to be the leader of you guys?”

Butterscotch squirmed before giving me a sly look, crossing his arms. “only if he wantsss to sssleep on the couch.” He says as we enter his room. 

“What did I do?” Alpha perked his head up as he was handing Munchkin some meat from their mini fridge. 

Butterscotch smiled at him as I helped him down. He slithered over to Alpha before wrapping his arms around him. “nothing yet, love. but i’m glad you know when i’m threatening you.” He planted a kiss on Alpha’s cheekbones. “We’ve added three more to the family, I’m not letting them back out there.” Alpha gave Butterscotch a curious look. “i’ll explain later.”

Hero sits me on his coils as I dig out my phone, I dialed up Vex’s number and gave the Lamia Bitty shop keeper a call. “Hey, Vex, It’s Crysta. I wanted to let you know we had come upon a situation here at the new place. Guardian found some bitty sized lamia’s in the woods that were in rough shape. A Corny and Coral couple with their departed Pygmy’s egg. Apparently they were a trio before a hungry bird attacked and the Pygmy sacrificed himself to save them. It looks like they will be here to stay. We’ve named the Corny Abbot, the Coral Costello and their soon to hatch lamia Marx in honor of their third mate. Apparently the Pygmy had some odd markings that made him look like Groucho Marx.” 

I take a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. “They did bring up something concerning, They said they used to belong to a collector of some sort. They mentioned that the collector was somehow stealing eggs from wild lamias. I’m sure you’d want to find out about them. It seems the collector just gives them their base needs but keeps them like display items. I may have an idea of where this person is located. We think that the collector is why Guardian and Moonstone didn’t have parents or owners when I found them. The Corny remembered two hatchlings that matched them escaping before they did. All Guardian and Moonstone remember is a scary place they had to run from when they became soul bonded. I’m not too sure how far those two traveled before I found them, but the collector may live near that beach.” I give Vex directions to the beach and wish her luck. 

After hanging up I lean back against Hero, feeling him wrap his arms around me, Mmmm warm. 

Hero seemed to be in thought, before resting his head against my shoulder. “I wasss thinking about the ssstoriesss you’ve ssshared about Guardian. It ssseemsss he hasss a knack of finding lost sssoulsss.”

I chuckle and nod in agreement. “It does seem to be the case. Guardian, Protector of lost souls. Has a nice ring to it.”

“Oh ssstars don’t give that kid a bigger ego.” Alpha sighs

“Oh I think he’s deserved a little ego boost.” I teased.

Beyond the door, two young lamias have their heads pressed against the door, while Eevee lays nearby watching them, tail giving a slow wag. Guardian has the biggest grin and only stopped wiggling when Moonstone wrapped his tail around his. Moonstone presses a kiss against Guardian’s cheek before pulling him away from the door towards Eevee, decreeing that they did enough eavesdropping. 

Oh boy, has it been a long week. I’m not much for being a low energy creature, I do enjoy roaming and going out, but its harder to get away with coming and going without my human form. I was able to get my car returned to me, which was nice to not worry about that.

During this time I observed a few things that began to bother me. The first main issue was that this house just seemed to be just too small for one of our newest members of the family. Hero was struggling to get around. In my soul, I knew he would never complain, but going from free roaming in the forest to being shoved in an older home, built for humans. I knew Guardian also desired to roam and explore, it just never felt safe enough with his age. I was sure that Hero would also prefer to have some territory to explore and patrol. And if Hero was too big for the house, the ever growing Munchkin would also soon be too big.

The second problem, maybe a little to the fact that Butterscotch had become a bit more protective over his twins than originally thought. Alpha would be the only Lamia to be allowed in the room, barring Munchkin when I carried him in. I began to wonder when the older young lamias would want a room of their own.

The third, well Hero pointed it out to me. I’m no longer comfortable living here. The encounter with those hillbilly folks had really unnerved me. If they were able to track me and catch me while I was out in the open… maybe this place isn’t as safe as it once was. I’m finding myself more comfortable in areas closer to the pet shops, where all sorts of creatures seem to be able to live freely. It was like a bubble on earth that melded all sorts of realities.  

All week I kept tinkering away at my laptop, using some of my smaller forms with more dexterous toes, ranging from my Black-footed ferret form to my smooth-coated Otter to my Opossum, to manage the keyboards. I had an idea and hopefully the others would allow for this bit of change. I wouldn’t want to do anything that they would be uncomfortable with.

I think I found the perfect solution.

I called all the lamias for a family meeting. There was only a mild struggle getting Butterscotch to finally come out of the room, the twins took a little to be rocked to sleep before he could be carried away to the living room by Alpha. Butterscotch gave an affectionate huff as he was sat upon the cheetah printed throw pillow, I knew all would be fine.

Munchkin wiggled in Hero’s arms, he was just excited to see everyone in one place, calling out to his momma Butterscotch and waving frantically at him. Everyone turned to look at me expectantly. Well, I am the one to call the meeting, guess it’s time to get started.

“Alright everyone,” I shift my paws, currently sitting in my Greyhound form, “I have been noticing for a while that, well, to put it simply, I think this house has gotten to become a little too small for our family now. It’s definitely too small for Hero to get around comfortably and we’re probably going to be needing more rooms. I have been doing some research and I think I found a solution.”

I nudge the laptop around for the lamias to look at. It's a large two story wooden home with a wrap around deck and stairs leading to a trail into a large wooden area. A sizable fenced yard, large enough for Eevee to run herself silly and a fenced in pool, large and deep enough for a growing Twister.

Alpha approached the laptop and began to scroll through the pictures. It was a large lot with practically no neighbors. There were several rooms, a basement and garage. A theatre room that Guardian and Moonstone Oooo’d and Ahhh’d to. A sizable kitchen and not a tight space in sight, even the doorways seemed wider. There was something whimsical about it and the price… “How much isss it?”

“That’s the thing, It’s in the same area as Vex and Selie’s adoption centers and all those rescues we see online. All you have to do is want it hard enough and it’s ours. I just, don’t want to make a decision on it without you guys wanting for it too.”

“you want usss to move? now?” Butterscotch asked

“Well soon, there maybe something we’d have to get done, packing and all that.” I answered. “But only if all of you want to.”

“I think it would be bessst.” Hero commented, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You haven’t felt entirely ssssafe.”

I shrug, “I know I’m safe with you all here to protect me, but I do have a sense of unease. Like something could happen at any moment, and not just to me. But I also want you all to be comfortable and happy. I don’t want to force anything.”

“I really like it,” Moonstone piped up, “It looksss really cool and I think we can all be happy there, Munchkin can learn how to ssswim in sssomething bigger than the kiddy pool.”

“It looksss like there’sss a river along the trail.” Guardian began going through the outdoor pictures. “There’sss ssso much to explore.”

Alpha nodded then looked towards Butterscotch. “What do you think, love?”

Butterscotch took a moment to ponder, glancing from the images, to the teenage lamias to Munchkin. Then he glanced back to the singular lamia room. Coming to a decision, he looked back at me. “i think thisss isss a good idea. you ssshould go for it Crysssta.”

I smiled a doggy grin at Butterscotch, “alright, I should make a call to the agency.”

“Are you able to shift to your human form, not many can underssstand you otherwise.” Alpha ask, giving me a raised brow.”

“Hmmm, let’s see.” I felt for my human form and sure enough it seemed it had healed from the previous ordel. In a puff of red smoke, I shifted from my Greyhound form and emerged Human, still clothed in the clothes I was captured in. “Aside from the need to change, I think I’m doing better.”

Guardian and Moonstone cheer, Munchkin following their excitement a moment after. I can tell Hero is watching me, his relief filtering over to my soul.

“May I asssk sssomething?” Moonstone raised his hand, waving it around.

I smile down at him. “Sure.”

Moonstone turns towards Butterscotch, wringing his hands nervously. “Can I give you a hug, Momma Butterssscotch? I really misssssssed you this week.”

Guardian swept his tail over the floor. “Me too. We underssstand if your not ready yet.”

Butterscotch’s jaw trembled with emotion before throwing his arms open. “Of courssse. I misssssssed you two, too.”

Moonstone and Guardian rushed into his arms and into a deep hug. Munchkin began to fuss and squirm in Hero’s arms. Hero lowered him to the floor and allowed Munchkin to bolt forward. Moonstone and Guardian moved aside to let Munchkin join them. Alpha leaned back, smiling proudly at them before Butterscotch, pulled him into the cuddle pile.

I smile at them, leaning against Hero, feeling him finding joy at the sight. Maybe Butterscotch might ease up on his protectiveness soon, though with a move, who knows how that would change. Well, looks like there’s a phone call to make.

It would take a few weeks to pack up the house, toss or donate things we just didn’t need anymore. But once it was all said in done, we got into the new house with very little stress. No one would let me take any other room than the master bedroom, with a bathroom that had a tub big enough for even Hero to be able to soak in.

I abandoned the old bed, one little queen size bed was no longer enough. I opted for two cal king beds, side by side, creating a colossal bed that would fit Hero comfortably, and myself, especially if I chose to be in my largest snake form, one that has been described to be a 16ft snake with the markings of a Diamond-back Rattler, with the rattle, the hood and fangs of a king cobra, all on a body much to the size and strength of an Anaconda. One of the many species of the universe that hadn’t had a name to it. Hero kindly refused to have his own room, I can feel that he really just wants to be close to me. I don’t mind sharing.

It seemed that aside from the obvious Dragon form, most to all my forms will fit within the house. It was like a dream come true. A dream home. I know we’ll all be happy here.

Alpha and Butterscotch claimed the next room, one with a beautiful bay window, overlooking the forest behind them. There were plenty of napping spaces, most hidden for when Butterscotch needed a little extra space. There was a safe little nursery section where the twins Tempest and Nightwish could be found sleeping and playing. While everything was still being arranged, Butterscotch maintained his stance of keeping the babies to himself. Moving boxes could be dangerous and a certain curious pup wasn’t always great at being gentle.

Moonstone and Guardian’s room was more of a play room than a bed room, still preferring to sleep with me and Hero. Video games and board games, everything in their proper spots as well as cubbies for their collections of shiny outdoor collectibles. Munchkin would be able to pick out a room when he’s older, for now he enjoys drifting from either my room or Butterscotch and Alpha’s room, as well as joining Moonstone and Guardian to play in their room.

Last box put away for the day to be dealt with later. I flop down on the couch, Eevee jumping up to sniff at my face before running off to explore more of the house. She’s been loving it, except for being locked outside when the doors were left open, don’t need her running off in unfamiliar territory. Hero comes over and hands me a glass of water. I thank him and watch as he coils up next to the couch.

“This place really feels like home.” I comment before taking a sip of water. Hero nods, the tip of his tail taps the ground. I can feel a little bit of nervousness coming from him before he slowly wraps it around my leg. I smile, sending a happy acceptance to his forward motion. I motion for Hero to lean closer, waiting for him to be close enough to lean back against him. A pleased rumble resonates from his chest before he wraps an arm around my waist and rests his skull against my head.

Since the time that the Lamia’s have discovered that I’m not exactly human, we have experienced loss, all three ferrets had passed due to their age and illnesses. It was a rough time for us all, Moonstone and Guardian took their passing hard, but I taught them about the human’s poem about Rainbow Bridge and that seemed to help them out. 

There was Guardian’s eggtastic find. Having Munchkin as a hatchling had brought a lot of warmth into the household, giving Alpha and Butterscotch a young one to care for as they struggled to produce their own young. Guardian and Moonstone excelled as older siblings, helping where they could. Guardian was especially proud of Munchkin, protecting him and teaching him how to swim in the bathtub. Maybe one day I’ll post pictured. 

We’ve even taken on the challenge of adopting a puppy named Eevee. This pup really turned the household around. Wrestling with Alpha and Guardian, providing rides for Moonstone and Munchkin and having cute naps with Butterscotch. She really fit right into our humble abode. She has also been a handful, an adventurous spirit who wants to get into everything and anything. Too smart for her own good at times. Took Butterscotch a longer moment to accept her ‘in your face’ approaches. 

Life has been great with this bundle of lamias. And soon our unit will be growing. After a dancing affair at Vex’s shop, something finally sparked for Alpha and Butterscotch and they are expecting their first clutch of babies. Apparently, whatever Butterscotch whispered to Alpha that night to cause the latter to flush so brightly, did the trick. But that’s a story for another night and the other blog. Alpha’s been doting on Butterscotch like nothing else, making sure he’s comfortable and not doing too much. Guardian and Moonstone took extra duty with Munchkin, especially since he’s now too big for either of the older lamia’s to carry. 

It's been a fulfilling life, this is the best family anyone could ask for. I do still feel something is missing, a connection that was lacking. I’m surrounded by all these loving lamias and yet, I feel like there’s still something more I need. I had originally wondered why I never felt that soulbond with Guardian. I read all the adoption stories on Chains and I never got that feeling of a tug on my soul, just the forever engrained memory of a panicked baby Chain tugging on my pant leg to get me to help his Papython friend. 

I asked him about it, about his soulbond. That’s when he revealed that he actually already had a soulbond with Moonstone. It explained so well why those two had always been so close, so intuned. Part of me was relieved. I don’t know how I'd feel if Guardian ever felt pain from me through a link. My life on this earth has been relatively peaceful, but I have known battle from my homeworld and some not so pleasant encounters from the humans of this world in times where my true self was revealed to a select few. Humans don’t take different well. It sucked to hide, but it was better than when trust was betrayed. And if anything happened to me, I’d hate for it to harm him, my little Guardian.

But I kinda still felt wanting, wanting of that close bond that other Chain owners had. Maybe another Chain would come into their lives, though I have been finding myself admiring the King form as well. Those heroic poses and grand stature and size. Ok, my mind was beginning to wander. 

I’m sitting here, rocking little Munchkin to sleep after his feeding. Such a sweet little Twister. I give him a little kiss on his head before placing him in his nest. I quietly left the room, kneeling down to give Eevee a head scritch in thanks for guarding the door before going into the livingroom to throw on some shoes. There were a few errands to run and a spot to check out.  Deciding against taking anyone along this time, just a little me time and maybe to get a little surprise treat for everyone. 

I left the house, telling the household to behave themselves before hopping into the car an driving off. A few stops here and there, nothing eventful really, a tasty cake in the passenger seat for the fam and a chew bone for Eevee. I pull up to the entryway to a trail I heard about, wanting to check it out before I bring everyone out there. It looks inviting and private, maybe a place I can shift into another form and run with Alpha, Moonstone and Guardian. Maybe Eevee too. The Lamias seem to love my snake form, it looked much like a mixture of this planet’s Cobra, Anaconda and Diamondback rattlesnake, but it was a bit too large to really shift into at home, but in open space, it worked well. 

With a large inhale as a strong breeze cut through the trees, I let myself relax. Close my eyes and take in the peak of sunlight escaping through the branches. I didn’t expect the presence of another coming up behind me and grabbing me, a cloth being placed over my mouth. I began to fight the stranger as my head began to swim. I nearly slipped out of his grasp before the world grew dark. 

The last thing I remember hearing is the person behind me calling out. “Wooowee, lookit here Mick, I caught teh Alien!”

Well Shit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Munchkin begins to cry, alerting the household. Being close by, Alpha and Butterscotch slither over and began trying to console the distraught Lamia. 

“shh, shhh, it ok Munchie, it’s ok.” Butterscotch cuddles close to Munchkin, rubbing his back, he glanced up at Alpha. The fact that Munchkin was crying for no noticeable reason was concerning. 

“Are you hurt? Hungry?” Alpha began questioning. Munchkin shakes his head, his tail thrashed in his tantrum. 

“Wan Mama Isssta! Wan Mama Isssta!” Munchkin bawled. This was odd of Munchkin, the young one never demanded, never complained, always a warm bundle of sunshine. 

“Shh, shhh, It’s ok Munchie. Mama Crysta will be home soon. She just went out to do a few things. You’ll see, she’ll be home any minute now.” Butterscotch continued to console Munchkin. Soon the baby Twister is brought down to sniffles. Butterscotch smiles and cuddles with him.

Moonstone and Guardian come in, while Eevee pokes her nose into the room through the small lamia door. 

“Is Munchkin ok?” Moonstone asks, coming over to pet the baby lamia on the head. 

“Yes,” Alpha answers. “Just got a little upset. Wants his Mama Crysta.” 

“Should we give Mama Crysta a call?” Guardian asked, his brow bone crested in worry.

“That should be fine. The phone is in the living room.” Butterscotch informs Guardian, who nods and slithers off to try to contact Crysta. He adjusts himself so that his gravid belly wasn’t uncomfortable. Munchkin snuggles close to Butterscotch, still sniffling but much calmer. 

Guardian slithers by Eevee, who playfully nips at him. Guardian giggles and pushes her muzzle away before going over the cellphone left on the coffee table. He presses the saved phone number labeled Mama Crysta and listened to it ring. He glances over at Moonstone who ended up following after him. 

“She didn’t pick up.” Guardian informed. 

“Maybe she didn’t hear it? Or accidently put it on silent again?” Moonstone offered, taking Guardian’s hand in his own. 

“I guess. Sometimes I wish I had a soul bond with Mama Crysta so I knew she was ok.” Guardian squeezed Moonstone’s hand, feeling his worry through his bond. “Not that I regret having it with you. I just worry when she’s gone so long.” 

Moonstone smile and brings Guardian in close for a hug. “I know. But Mama Crysta is strong, can take care of herself. I like our bond too.” It wasn’t unknown that the two young Lamias were developing a little puppy love for each other. They never considered the other a sibling but as their best friend that they got to grow up together. Though they were still merely young teenagers, their connection was obvious. 

“I’ll call Mama Crysta again in a bit.” Guardian pulled away giving the phone a glance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wake up in a bright room, laying in a pad of a bed. I groan as I sit up, looking around, 3 solid walls and one glass wall. Cameras mounted at each corner, leaving no room for privacy. There’s a door at the far corner. I stretch from my stiff position. There’s something around my neck, kinda poking at me with cold metal. I lift my hands to it and feel… a shock collar… with multiple shock devices. 

What the fuck was going on. I get up and go to the door, testing it. Locked obviously. I look to the glass side of the room and I see a table and another door showing what I can guess is a hallway. 

“Hello? Is anyone out there?” I call out. 

It didn’t take long for a scraggly looking man to enter the room, head full of dreads, clothing looking unwashed. “Wooowee, look atcha. Well, miss alien, the name’s Tic. I’m so glad ta finally meet cha. Tis was so worth not going to that there Area 51 Raid. Yessiree.”

“I’m sorry, Tic.” Oh god, this guy was off. Hopefully I can reason with him. “There seems to be some kind of misunderstanding, I’m not an alien. Just a normal person. I kinda just want to get back home please.” 

“No Alien mam, You can’t trick me that easy. I’ve seen whatcha can do. That transformin’ thin’. Got it all on camera on one of my wildlife cams. Blew my mind. Was hopin’ for a Big Foot but got me somethin’ better. Was mighty nice seein’ ya handle that there couga’ when ya shift to a Lion.” 

There was a camera in that clearing? The clearing where Alpha got hurt when defending Guardian from the Mountain Lion? 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I can’t do anything like that.”

“Nah, nah, You surely can. Wanna prove et to.”  He picks up a remote and turns on a projector. The projector shows a video of her confronting the Mountain Lion. Alpha getting hit and her reacting and transforming to stand protectively over Alpha and Guardian. Its a bit blurry and gets staticy during the transformation. It’s hard to tell that it is even me. 

“That’s some impressive CGI, that’s not me, I was never at that location. Dude, you have to realize how ridiculous this is. I’m not an alien. Please, I just want to go home.” I’m getting nervous. This guy keep replaying the transformation. 

“Nah, Yous an alien, gonna prove et too. Now we can do et the easy way and ya show me what ya can do or I’m gonna make ya.” Tic holds up another remote and my eyes widen.

“Please no, I can’t do what you want me to do. Please, you don’t have to aaaaaahhh.” I scream as the collar begins to shock me. These shockers were altered to deliver a higher voltage than those of normal dog shock collars. I reach up and grip the collar, trying to pull it away from my neck. It’s over quickly and I collapse to my knees, breathing deeply. This guy is insane and by the look on his face, there’s no convincing him. 

“Teh easy way out is still an option.” Tic begins writing something down. “But if cha keep insistin’ that cha won’t transform, well. That collar will go off every hour. I figured if anything, a little dangah will spark your transformation. After a few hours the power should increase. It should help in encouragin’ ya ability. I have video recording live and with a push-o-a button, I can reveal whatcha are ta tha world. I’ll be famous. Once you show whatcha can do” 

I look up and see a crooked smile, teeth yellowed or missing. I could almost imagine the bad breath. “No, you’ll kill me. Please, you can’t do this. I’m Human!” My heart dropped as I saw him shake his head and walk away. “No Wait, Please let me out.” 

Realization sets in, I’m alone, no one knows where I am, and I’m at the mercy of some mad man. I look around the room, taking a few calming breaths. I can either reveal myself and break out, giving Tic what he wanted and further putting my life and the Lamias at risk. Or hope somehow I am rescued, or the mad Tic would come to his senses. 

I just wish I could see my Lamias. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few phone calls with no answers and it had turned dark outside. Moonstone and Guardian go back to the lamia room where Alpha stood watch over the snoozing Butterscotch and Munchkin. 

“Anything?” Alpha whispered, moving a short distance away so not to wake the sleeping duo. 

“No, Mama Crysta hasn’t picked up or called back. The last call went straight to voicemail.” Guardian informed with worry in his voice. 

“This is very unusual of Mama Crysta. What if something happened to her?” Moonstone looked a little scared. 

“I agree.” Alpha glanced back at Butterscotch and Munchkin. He couldn’t leave them on their own. His instincts telling him he should stay close to his mate at all times. It was getting very close to their due date. He also didn’t feel comfortable about sending Guardian and Moonstone on their own to search for Crysta afterdark. They were still small enough that the threat of birds of prey was valid. The last thing he wanted to do was to put them in harm’s way. 

“We’ll wait til morning, If Crysta doesn’t show up, well give Miss Vex a call. She’ll know what to do.” Alpha decided that would be the best course. He had to believe Crysta was fine. Crysta has gotten herself distracted before, hopefully this was the case but the whole thing seemed off. “She’ll come home, we just got to believe in her.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ve woken up from another shock attack. Hours have passed since I first woke up in this place. I don’t know how long I can stand this. This human form won’t be able to take this very long. Everytime the shock collar goes off, Tic appears and writes something down. I plea with him, to let me go, that I’m not the alien he’s looking for. 

He still doesn’t listen. I pound on the glass wall and he laughs and says “It’s bulletproof, You can’t break it.” I sag against the glass wall. My body is shaking from the assault, add hunger, thirst and lack of sleep. I look over at Tic, watching him write. “What are you even writing?”

Tic smiles at me. “the difference tween screwin’ round and science is writin’ et down.” He jots a few things down and leaves. 

Did he just quote Mythbusters at me? I rub my face with my hands. I can hear voices from the hall. I strain to listen to Tic talking with the other. What was his name, Mick?

“Eh, Tic, wha if she isn’t one-o-those aliens? Wha if she es tellin’ the truth? 

“Ya saw the video, Mick. She really es one. We just gotta prove et. She’ll come around, just takes time.” 

“But wha if she does die? Wha then?”

“Eh, we’re in tah middle of the woods, ain’t nobody finding us out here. We just bury her a ways from here and move on. There’s still tah Big Foot to find.”

I can hear them moving away. Great. They don’t really seem to care that they could be killing someone with this ‘experiment’ they have, either I’m an alien or I’m dead. I begin to hope that something happens soon. My soul reaches out. All I need is a Hero.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning dawns, and Moonstone brings the cell phone over to the group huddled in the Lamia room. Crysta still hadn’t come home. Alpha and Guardian are arguing about Guardian going out on his own during the night when Alpha explicitly said not to. 

Moonstone knows they’re worried, he is too. He presses the button to call Vex and turns on speaker phone. Both Alpha and Guardian shut up and move closer, waiting for the line to pick up. And once it did, Moonstone doesn’t even wait for who ever picked up to say anything

“Hello, Miss Vex.” His voice is shaking. “Mama Crysta didn’t come home last night and we’re worried about her.” A tear runs down his face as he speaks. “We think something is wrong and we need help.” His voice hitches as Guardian wraps his arms around him.

Alpha then takes over. “We need help looking for her. My mate, Butterscotch, is due to have our hatchlings at any moment and I can’t leave him alone. I also need help with Munchkin cause he’s too big for me to handle on my own. I can’t send Moonstone and Guardian on their own to search for her. We don’t know where she went or how far she’s gone. Her phone just goes to voicemail.” Alpha glances over as Moonstone begins to sob and can see Guardian trying to hide his own tears. He glances over at Butterscotch, still curled up with Munchkin. Their eyelights meet. He feels helpless. 

Suddenly Butterscotch gasps and clutchs his belly. Alpha drops the phone and rushes over. Guardian quickly picks it up. Waiting for a reply from the other end of the line.

Butterscotch looks up at Alpha. “They’re gonna be coming soon. I can’t have them without Crysta here. I need to know Crysta is safe, they can’t come without Crysta being here.” Butterscotch is beginning to panic and Alpha try to console him as Munchkin begins to whimper. 

Guardian looks between the minture Lamias and the phone. “What do we do?” his voice shakes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m shaking after the last shock. It’s gotten more intense and it’s starting to feel like it’s happening more often. I can only assume he’s getting impatient. I’m leaning against the glass plane wall, the cool surface giving me some relief. I’ve tried pounding on it, hoping I could call for help in the off chance anyone else was around. Maybe Mick would have a change of heart and go against Tic. It didn’t seem likely. 

My vision blurs before I see it. The slide of a distinctive large tail, glowing with magic.

A Lamia!

I begin pounding on the glass wall in desperation. I couldn’t tell if it was a King or a Chain but I didn’t care. It was a Lamia, and hopefully a way out. Hopefully it wasn’t blind to these insane peoples’ experiment. 

“Help, Help, please help me!” I call out, ignoring how hoarse my voice sounded. My vision is swimming and I’m feeling faint. I try to shoulder the glass, trying to make as much racket as possible. 

That’s when I felt it, another unscheduled shock. I cry out, leaning against the wall as I wait for it to pass. I can’t see the tail anymore, but my vision is darkening. The shock ended and I slide down to the floor against the wall. 

“Help, I need a hero.” I mutter before I lose consciousness. 

( @vex-bittys or @vexy-sins (not sure which blog this would be better for...since there is some element of torture of my person in the story.)

Yes this is a Lamia adoption scenario, I’m looking to be saved by my next Lamia. 

I had this Idea for a while and am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I’m either looking for a (and leaning more towards) a large King-Chain Hybrid that can hopefully still do a soulbond, or I can be happy with just a large full size King (or both a king and a chain, so I can still get that soulbond? :P I’m indecisive). Also any other unique features or background for him (them) would be nice. This is going to be a love interest(s) for my character. I hope I’m not asking for too much. 

Also, I chose not to have a soulbond with Guardian as I could have sworn that I remembered that a Chain can have a soulbond with another Lamia and I kinda liked the Idea of him having one with Moonstone instead. I never got that soulbond feeling during their rescue/adoption. I just couldn’t find the post to confirm it.