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~THE HUNT~

By: Phamyne Plaguox

[WARNING! Contains: Male (???) on Male (Coyote) Oral Sex, Supersized Cocks, Cum Play, Second Person View Hard & Soft Vore, Non-Consensual Cock Vore, Soft Vore, and Asphyxiation (Fatal), and is not suitable for minors.]

~DayNine~

(Part 1)

My eyes open as if I hadn't even slept. Instantly, it feels like it was only my body that fell asleep. My mind must have been racing the whole night, because I'm still feeling really tired. And sore. God... I'm so freaking sore... Groaning, I roll over into a sitting position and wearily look around.

Kyle: "F-fuck..." All this walking, running and being beaten up is really taking its toll on me. Not to mention the lack of proper meals... I stand up a bit too quickly and am immediately forced to lean my back against the wall as exhaustion cripples me.

Kyle: "Y-yesterday..." The word leaves my lips as visions of Flynn and Jake rush through my mind. The scent of the naga's mouth, the feeling of his leathery coils around me, and the sight of my friend writhing beneath his scales...

Kyle: "..." Th-that really happened... H-he... Jake is probably already dead by now... Flynn's stomach is probably busy melting him down to the bone. Churning him up into chyme and absorbing his body like a piece of meat...

I hang my head before sliding down the wall and slumping onto my ass while burying my snout between my knees as my jaw clenches and tears fill my eyes.

Kyle: "F-fuck... I... I have to get out of here and expose these bastards..." If I can do that, then everyone who has died won't have done so without reason...

Raising my head with an idle sniff and wiping the tears from my facefur, I try to steel my resolve. If no one else is left to expose these bastards, then it is left up to me. And I sure as SHIT won't die and allow that to weigh on me in the afterlife! I stand up once more on shaky legs while using the wall as assistance, before looking to the exit of the cave.

Kyle: "I can do this." As I say that, my stomach grumbles painfully and I clench it tightly as a sharp ache radiates through me. Err... But first I really need to use the bathr-... Err, hole, first.

I cover up the hole with a grimace and sigh out, feeling much better now that my bowels are empty. My stomach isn't doing too well and not having anything to wipe with after a wet one like that is really gross. All these weird things I have been forced to eat is really taking a toll on me. I guess I should be grateful to actually have something to eat. Talking about eating, I should really go out there and find something. Hopefully something in my belly will perk me up.

I start walking to the entrance and wonder if I could perhaps find more of those berries along the riverside when I hear a strange sound that has me pause.

Kyle: "..." I quickly crouched down behind a rock formation and look to the tunnel, my ears poised and my eyes peeled as my hackles rise.

Kyle: "!!!" I jerk back almost immediately as I realise someone is making their way into the cave! I can hear their footsteps echoing down the tunnel and see their shadow flickering through the light! I jump to my feet and look left and right franticly as my blood spikes!

Fuck! FUCK! FUCK!!!Spinning around, I stare down the seemingly never-ending cave and grit my teeth. I hope to fuck there is another way out of here or I've just trapped myself!

I take off running, trying my best to be quiet with my steps as I kick dirt up and make my way deeper into the cave and away from the intruder.

It is maybe an hour later before I finally decided to slow down to a walk. This cave seriously just keeps going and going and going! There were a few turnoffs here and there that I passed, but I wasn't too sure if they lead anywhere and didn't want to risk it, so I just keep moving. And looking back the way I came now, I don't see or hear anything chasing me. I can only hope whoever that was didn't decide to delve deeper after me...

Kyle: "..." Perhaps it was just another survivor like me? If it were a predator, they'd have chased me, right? Sh-shit... No... I can't take the risk!

My stomach is so sore from running without having eaten anything, and it looks like I've lost my chance at a morning drink with my exit blocked off... I guess it's lucky I didn't sleep outside. If that was indeed my hunter looking for me, I'm certain they would have found me out there.

Looking up to the ceiling high above me, I can see the holes in it much more clearly today. They are small, some only slivers while others the size of a soccer ball, and are pouring in beams of light that almost make this cave seem magickal. I guess this explains why it doesn't smell so bad in here.

Continuing my walk forward through the wide breadth of the tunnel, it really does seem like this stone hallway is never-ending. It just stretches out forever ahead of me into darkness and beams of light. I feel very unsafe traversing so far in, but I don't really have much of choice.

The occasional offshoot tunnels I'm passing don't reveal much to me of where they go. Some of them are slightly smaller than me and I'd have to crawl through to get inside, and others are double my height and many times my width. Some of them bare more light than others, revealing them to just be smaller, cavern like rooms. Little dens within this large space.

This place could actually have been a really nice area for people to stay in. This wide open cave could have been like a communal area and each beastmen could have had their own separate rooms in these offshoot tunnels. After crafting some doors from wood and decorating it, this place really does have the foundations for a whole community.

Heh, what a silly, childish idea. But perhaps it was really a place like that from some long-passed age? I know a lot of underground dwelling people have homes like this. So maybe? But as I'm passing the next tunnel offshoot, and sparing an idle glance inward, my nose twitches when I catch a whiff of something floral and quickly backtrack before peering down into it properly and take another sniff. The smell of plant life is defiantly strong down this way.

Kyle: "Hmm..." I take one last glance behind me to make sure there really isn't anyone following me before passing into the smaller tunnel.

I pass through the rock passage quickly, as it is very short, no more than thirty feet. And when I come out into the wider opening on the other side, my heart literally skips a beat. This area of the cave is teeming with plant life!

Rocks covered in moss, vines hugging down from the ceiling and growing along the wall, soft grass beneath my feet and thriving bushes all along the walls. I walk through the vagrant flora and brush my paws along the mossy rocks while wiggling my toes between the blades of grass in awe.

The cave is no bigger than nine metres across on either side, but the ceiling is just as high as the main hall behind me. This is a really nice area, like a little underground garden~ Climbing over some of the higher rocks blocking off the others side of the grotto, I slip over it and land on the other end. And as soon as I take in the sight, my jaw drops in disbelief.

Kyle: "N-no way..." Before me is what appears to be an ACTUAL garden!

The set up looks ancient, but I can clearly see people used to grow food here! There are some of those grasorum plants to my right and a whole slew of what look to be various other vegetables growing in straight lines, perfectly spaced apart! I practically fall over the last few rocks keeping me from the plants and collapse to my knees, crawling the last bit of the way through the dark soil and weeds as I race toward the lush green leaves.

Kyle: "Pllleeeaaassseee be food!" I start digging up the first plant I can get my paws on, and it actually pulls form the soft earth pretty easily.

Out from the ground comes an orange like root. It looks nothing like a carrot with it's smooth skin, but has a similar structure to one. And after brushing the slightly damp dirt from it, I take a better look at it before hesitating for only a momently longer and nibbling a small bite off the end.

The flavour explodes in my mouth and I hum in delight as I quickly chew and swallow. It _IS_a carrot! Or, at least, tastes like one. I'm not sure why the texture is so different, but I devoured the entire thing in only a few more bites!

Looking to my side at the many different plants, I run my fingerpads along the vividly lush leaves. Does this mean these are all... Food? Digging up another one on my left, I pry from the earth a maroon root. It is long and thin like the carrot thing I just ate, but the skin almost looks like an eggplant. I brush off the dirt and take a cautious bite.

Kyle: "Oh my gosh~!" It's sweet and juicy like cherries! I can't stop myself from swallowing the half-chewed piece before devouring the rest of it just as lightning fast. My mouth is watering from the exceptional flavour and covered in sticky juices by the time I'm done. I can't dig up my next one fast enough as I move into an almost frantic state. I eat a whole three more of them before I even return to inspect the other plants in the room. No way am I going to eat those horrible grasorum, but let's see about these other vegetables!

Laying in the dark soil and in-between a mess of plant leftovers from my enormous feast, I run my paws over my literally overstuffed belly. It is distended with all the food I ate, and I keep burping up the lovely aftertaste of real food. A dorky smile spreads across my face that I can't hope to contain.

Kyle: "Ahh~ That was sooo good~!" I gently pat my furry stomach and sigh out. It almost feels wrong to eat real food again.

Laying in the earth and brushing my fingers through some of the weeds, I find myself mindlessly looking up to the light pouring in through the holes and cracks in the ceiling when another sound catches my attention.

Kyle: "Is that... No. It can't be..." I sit up with a little effort and my ears rotate on my head like satellites as I hone into the echoing sound. It's coming from a little deeper passed the garden, and after getting to my feet and going through the bed of veggies, I find a connecting tunnel. Without thinking, I pass through it and I quickly find myself in a new area.

Kyle: "No. Fucking. Way..." I'm standing in front of a clear water spring and promptly fall to the ground in tears. I can't stop myself from crying as the relief washing over me is so strong that all my struggles wash away with them.

Crawling across the soil and rock on all fours, I reach the pool and dip my paws into the crystal-clear water as I look across the glimmering surface. The room has only this spring inside it. No ledges, except the one at the entrance. The entirety of this chamber is made of the same grey stone as the rest of the cave. There is no light other than the reflections of it from the tunnel behind me, but I can still clearly make out the depths of this pool and I've never seen such clear water in a natural environment in my life! I waste no time in washing the dirt and juices from my paws before drinking down mouthfuls of it.

Kyle: "Hmm!" I smack my lips and lavish in the taste of it. It is clean and tastes slightly of minerals. And looking further into the spring, I can see water is trickling down the far end of the stone walls. It must be connected to the river somehow, and is probably being filtered by the stone and deep earth.

Drinking deeply for a moment longer, I pull back and wipe my mouth clean, sighing out as I instant feel both completely renewed and a little fuller than before. Looking to the glimmering surface again, it takes only a moment longer before I decide to take full advantage of the situation. I walk straight into the slightly cold spring until I am completely submerged.

The water feels great in my fur~ Different from the flowing river I'm guessing is above me. It would have been better if this was an actual hot spring, but I am not complaining at all~ Wadding around in the pool, I make my way to the water trickling down the rock and giggle like a little girl as I drink from the wall itself before splashing around as a suddenly childish joy overflows through me. I find myself playing in the water and actually feeling happy for the very first time in seven days.

It was an hour later before I made my way back to the wider open cave area. After my little swim, I went back for another, gluttonous helping of veggies before taking one last drink and deciding to carry on through the stone hallway.

I feel sooo much better than I have since coming to this mountain. I have a slight spring in my step as I walk along the dirt and look around, almost with the same wonder I once I had in my eyes before the hunters stole it from me.

Kyle: "Maybe there is another garden further ahead? Ooo~ Maybe even a soft bed left behind by the past denizens that lived here!" I giggle, feeling almost high on the euphoria as I bounce onwards.

I can't believe I was right about this place being some type of community dwelling. With a garden like that, it had to have been at some point, right? Perhaps there are other remnants here? A bed would be fucking great. And as weird as it may sound, I have become so used to walking around naked, that I might even consider becoming a nudist once I make it out of here~ Hehe!

I've been walking for a few hours already and still can't believe the size of this cave. Sometimes there is a decline in the terrain before it levels out, and other times a slight bend, but mostly, is just straight and empty.

I am happily walking with a hum in my step and a sway of my tail, but as I'm making my way deeper in, the sound of pebbles falling behind me freezes both my pep and my body. The smile vanishes from my face as I jump to duck behind the closest bounder!

Peering out from behind it cautiously, I look towards where the sound echoed from, but find nothing more than shadows and beams of undisturbed light. My heart is once more hammering in my chest as all the joy I had a moment ago is once more stolen from me. The memory of someone walking through the tunnel this morning coming back at full force. I silently pray to myself that it is just another survivor like me, trying to make their way to safety through this cave.

I wait for another few minutes, not moving an inch. With only my heart pounding in my ears and my sweaty fingers gripping the rock I hide behind. My nose twitches and my tail flickers as I remain on high alert in preparation for the worst. But the sound does not reappear. Perhaps it was just some rocks that fell from above through the ceiling? Does that mean a predator is up there? I should probably keep moving forward if that's the case...

I sigh out, feeling a little silly as I steady my breathing before taking one last peek down the way I came before turning around to continue on my path. But as soon as I turn face, I smack right into something solid and soft! I bounce off its surface and fall to my ass with a yelp! Gulping as I open my eyes to see what I already think it is, I scream as soon as my sights set upon the dark figure.

Kyle: "!!!" I look up in horror at the sight of Ryan towering over me! I jump and turn to flee in the direction I just came from so quickly that I wouldn't be surprised if I left behind a comical afterimage of myself. But seeing the black gryphon has ignited my deepest of fears once more and instinct drives me! Fuelled by my recent meal and fully rested body, I am as fast as I can be!

Ryan: "W-wait! Hold on Kyle!" FUCK! He was my predators all along? No fucking way am I going to stop for you bird brain! I run with increased speed at hearing his plea, but as I do, the noise of his feathers ruffling sounds out behind me. A gush of wind soon follows his movements, and with impressive speed, the black gryphon lands a few feet ahead of me!

Ryan: "Please just wait Kyle!" I come to a skidding stop, just barely halting three feet in front of him and back up in preparation to run again, but something in his continued pleading stops me.

Ryan: "I'm not here to hurt you." Ryan says with raised talons and eyes wide.

Kyle: "I-I-I know all about how you predators play games with us! I'm not going to fall for it!" My eyes dart to the left as I speak, searching for one of those tunnels from before. Perhaps if I go through a narrow enough one, he won't be able to follow me inside. I'd much rather rot away through starvation than allow this bastard the privilege of eating me!

Ryan: "W-well yes... Some of the hunters do enjoy playing games with our prey, I'll admit that. But I can assure you, I am NOT your hunter Kyle. I just hoped for a moment to talk with you." He says in an imploring tone. But I continue to back away a few feet, the large gryphon easily matching my steps. Shit... There is no way to escape him through speed, he is too quick... I look around for a rock I could possibly throw at his face before darting off towards the closest tunnel but come up short. I decide to instead play for time.

Kyle: "H-how can I even be sure of that? You could just be trying to deceive me before making your strike!" I say through a rattled voice as I try to swallow down the stone in my throat. My eyes feel wild, and the look on Ryan's face tells me just that. But the strange thing is that he is oddly calm, and with his next words, the frantic fear raging through me stills enough to think properly.

Ryan: "Because I have already caught my prey, Kyle." Wait... What...?

The gryphon lowers his talons as he sees I've stopped backing away and turns to the side to show off his distended belly. His stomach is painfully swollen and from what I can tell, it definitely looks like there is something large inside. He smiles and nods as he watches me taking in the sight.

Ryan: "I caught the pig this morning and was just on my way towards my nest for a nap when I saw you wondering around the cave."

Kyle: "..." As he speaks, my eyes are set on the wobbling mass of his stomach.

Ryan: "So you see, there is nothing to fear from me." Ryan says through a slightly apologetic chuckle as he straightens out in front of me.

Kyle: "..." Other than the fact that there is currently a dead person inside his stomach being digesting right this minute... Sure. Nothing to worry about.

The realisation that he is in fact not here to kill me washes over me like a weight falling from above and I promptly collapse into a heaving pile on the floor. My racing heart steadying out as my breath shudders through relief.

Kyle: "F-fucking hell..." I can't keep doing this... If my heart is sent into another state of panic again, I am liable to have a heart attack!

Ryan: "My apologies Kyle. I didn't mean to scare you." the gryphon says remorsefully while looking down at me with concern in his eyes. I take a few more moments to catch my breath before looking up to him properly. The black bird has moved to sit on his ass and watch me with a wry smile.

Kyle: "Well... You did a bloody good job of scaring me." The yellowed eyed avian winks at me suggestively as his expression lightens and becomes playful.

Ryan: "I'd make for a pretty lousy predator if I didn't~ Besides. If you were my prey, I would have already had my way with you at this point~" I laugh along with him even though the suggestion is completely fucked up. And standing up again, I look back to the way I was going before he swept in.

Kyle: "So, is this your den or something?" He nods and looks over my shoulder.

Ryan: "Yes. My nest is still a ways ahead. I come back here after hunting for the day. And now that I have gotten what I came for, I will return home after allowing my meal some time to digest."

Kyle: "But... Isn't it over now?" I ask while gesturing to his bloated stomach.

Ryan: "Yes I suppose. But I still enjoy my time up here in these mountains. And truth be told, it will take me a few days to properly digest this chubby little fella~ Flying while he is still in one piece is a little difficult after all." I grimace at his crude description, but he carries on all the same.

Ryan: "Any way. The hunters aren't expected to return home right away. The community will still be back at camp, drinking and celebrating for an additional week." Wow. I never knew it carried on for so long.

Kyle: "So... Why aren't you back there with them then?" The black gryphon shrugs and starts preening an area beneath his right wing before turning back to me with a bored expression.

Ryan: "I prefer to just lounge around while my body breaks apart my meal. I'll probably be prepared to drink the day after tomorrow. You do know it takes us gryphons around a week to digest, right? We swallow them whole after all."

Kyle: "Err... Right." Most avians are the same, they swallow their food whole. But that's just small cuts of food instead of entire people... Some lizard beastmen are the same, now that I think about it. Komodo dragons for example. While they have tiny, sharp teeth hidden beneath their gums, they are infamous for being lazy chewers and often have digestion problems because of it.

I suddenly think back to Jake inside of Flynn's stomach and a shiver runs down my spine. Naga digest their meals for almost a full month if I'm not mistaken... I hope Jake has been spared the fate of experiencing that while still alive...

Ryan: "So until the pig's body has started to break apart and his limbs begin to pull free from his skeleton, I'm just not comfortable hang around my den. It takes a lot of energy to digest fully grown anthropomorphs you know."

Kyle: "Alright. I get it." I say tersely, looking past Ryan at the way I initially came, wondering if I should just go back now that I know it's safe. The smile drops from his beak and is promptly replaced by a frown.

Ryan: "A-apologies... That was inconsiderate of me. I forgot my place with you for a moment there." Ryan looks genuinely guilty. His expression is almost the same as the one he showed me out in that field when he shielded me from that predator. But before I can comment on it, the gryphon quickly straightens out his posture and stands up properly, clearing his throat before he continues.

Ryan: "Are you looking for a way out of the cave?" My attention partially returns to him as I keep my sights on the distance. I start wondering how much I can milk his guilt for information...

Kyle: "Is there a way out through there?" I ask as nonchalantly as possible, while jabbing my thumb over my shoulder.

Ryan: "Yes. A much bigger entrance lies further in. With a steep drop just outside of the mouth of it. But a winding path does cling to the face of the mountain, winding down into the forest."

Kyle: "Thank fuck..." I breathe out a sigh of relief as my escape is all but assured with this information. However... Wont he stop me?

Kyle: "Uhm... D-does that mean I can make it to the highway from there...?" I ask tentatively, pressing to see how far he might go in detaining me. To my surprise, Ryan smirks at me with a side glance.

Ryan: "Come now Kyle. I can't very well tell you something like that~ What do you take me for? A cheater~?" I chuckle jeeringly with the gryphon and shake my head. Somehow, I'm still able to find amity in his tone, despite everything I've been through and all that he is.

Kyle: "Fair enough." I clear my throat and stand awkwardly to the side while rubbing my arm and looking over my shoulder.

Kyle: "Uhm... I'm going to go..." I say while turning around, not bothering with goodbyes despite the help he offered. I really can't care for manners right now, even if Ryan is being more civilized than before.

Ryan: "H-hold up Kyle." Uh-oh. I know that tone... I still stop in my tracks and pause momentarily before turning back to face him with a suspicious expression. Just say "No" and be on your way. You don't have time to sleep with more people. The longer I dawdle, the more dangerous this becomes.

Ryan: "Allow me to accompany you through at least part of the cave. My nest is further up ahead, and I was hoping you wouldn't mind the company?" I blink in surprise, fully expecting something else from the gryphon.

Kyle: "I thought you said you came to this cave for a nap? Didn't you already do that?" I mean... It's passed noon from what I can tell...

Ryan: "I did yes. But it was in a smaller nest I have closer to the back entrance we came through-" He says while nodding his head over his shoulder.

Ryan: "But my main nest is further into the cave. It's much bigger and has a fire pit, along with all my other supplies. I was just too tired this morning from hunting the whole night and chose to take a quick cat nap. Let me tell you. While swine are normally fat, slow and lazy fuckers, this one sure was a slippery bast- Err..." He cuts himself off abruptly with a culpable look in his eyes. Probably due to my unimpressed expression I know I'm displaying.

I fold my arms as he scratches behind his feathery ear with a talon while I contemplate his proposal. I don't like the idea of having Ryan walking with me. His overly cocky demeanour, while it has it's moments of sex appeal, is not something I am enthusiastic about. Especially if he keeps talking about that person inside his stomach... But there isn't really anything I could do to stop him either way. He's probably just being polite in asking me now. Would he fly off into the cave if I decline? No... He just said flying while full is not easy... I take one last look at his bloated stomach and see it swaying slightly as he stands in place, stepping from foot to foot in anticipation of my answer. The sight riles my stomach and I have to look away. Sometimes it's hard to forget these people are murderers with how casually I've been able to speak with them.

Kyle: "Well... I guess it's fine. Not that I can stop you any way." Ryan chuckles haughtily as he comes to stand right beside me.

Ryan: "Not that you can't stop me at all~" The bird says while taking a few steps forwards before looking back to me over his shoulder.

Ryan: "Shall we~?"

Ryan and I walk side by side through the echoing cave. And in all honesty, his company is quite pleasant this time around. Now that I'm not trapped behind a cage, I am actually enjoying the playful banter and spirited topics. The gryphon is really quite the conversationist. And if I could look passed the fact that he's a murderer, he's exactly the type of guy I like to go after.

Ryan tells me about his homeland and how life was growing up in an elitist society of gryphons. Something he himself has spent a lifetime trying to get away from. How the only good thing that came from living with them was that he was introduced to hunting at a very young age. He even tells me of how he became the reigning champion for all those years before quitting. Not that I didn't know all about his accomplishments in the hunters contest, but it's quiet nice hearing it from his beak. And as horrible as it is to feel this, listening to the stories of his childhood makes him almost relatable.

Ryan also tells me about how he was introduced to the "True hunter's" contest as well. I didn't really want to hear about it at first, but then I realised that I could use the information to help me expose them once I escape. I even started to sneakily pry for more information about it.

Apparently, there is a secret community that meets up here a few times a year to discuss various things, including this very hunt we are on. I keep digging for specifics and the supercilious bird is more than willing to tell me anything I ask. Almost proudly, he spouts his words with all the vigour of an excited child. I find it hard to contain the smile on my face as he does. Ryan is giving away all the information I need and doesn't seem to realise, through his hubris, that I am using his love for the competition against him!

But I make sure not to be too obvious about my snooping and don't stay on specifics for too long. Praising him for his past accomplishments seems to be a good distraction from my deception. I ask Ryan about how he performed in prior events and who he hunted or even his tactics for catching said prey. The way he carries on without skipping a beat makes me feel very cunning~ Perhaps when all this is over and done for, I might even go into private investigating! Not that I would feel right doing this to someone innocent, but understanding that he is a killer somehow makes me feel justified in my deceptive nature.

Ryan and I continue to converse as we walk, trading life stories and speaking freely to one another as we go. I'm not sure if it's because he is a really great guy, passed his consumption living of beastmen, or if it's just the surety I feel that he isn't going to harm me, but I start to open up more to the bird as we make our way deeper into the winding cave. Talking about my life as a pup and even the failed relationships I've had. If it wasn't for his belly swaying all the way and the occasional burps he makes, that has me gag every time, this would have been a really idyllic date.

It's a few hours later before we arrive at Ryan's nest. When he told me it was big, I expected something like what Ethan has, but the white gryphon's tree top dwelling doesn't even come close to this.

Still situated inside the large tunnel, we've been walking for hours, is Ryan's base of operations. The gryphon's nest instantly reminds me of some crude bunker from a bygone age. The area surrounding his den is about fifty feet wide to either end and surrounded by grey rock walls. It almost looks like a crater with how the stone moulds into a perfect circle with curved rock raising around it. This pit like room looks like it might have been used as storage or perhaps an arsenal back when this place was still inhabited. But only the people who lived her long ago would know its original purpose.

To the right side of the room, at the farthest end of it, is a large hay nest, just a slight bit smaller than Ethan's. It isn't nearly as well put together as the white gryphon's, but it's still pretty neat and has its own appeal. Funny how something so simple can have character just from how it is woven. On the other side of the circular pen are three large storage chests and a big pile of wood stacked against the wall. The chests are metal and look almost like what the military would use, if maybe a bit bigger. And finally in the centre is the aforementioned fire pit. It's a maybe four feet wide and just as deep, but currently filled with charred wood. This really does look like some basecamp. I can practically see the cubscouts from my town standing here, awarding someone a badge for being "The Bravest tree climber!". Hehe~

Kyle: "Wow. This place is actually really nice. I half expected something messy and bit disorganised from you."

Ryan: "... Thank you...?" He says through a facetious chuckle as he steps inside before gesturing for me to follow. Ryan walks to the right and takes a seat in front of the ashen heap before turning to face me once I stand at his side.

Ryan: "Would you like to stay for the night?" He asks abruptly right as I am sitting down, and looking up, he has a very serious expression.

Kyle: "Wait what?" I ask in surprise. From speaking with him during our walk here, I found him to be very brash and upfront, but even this is a new level.

Ryan: "Are you still planning on walking further into the cave? Night has already fallen, and I thought I could offer you a place to sleep if you so desired." I blink, feeling a little flabbergasted and not knowing how to respond to what sounds like an earnest proposition.

Kyle: "Err..." is this guy about to ask the same thing Ethan and Connor did? While looking up to his face, I weigh his expression for a moment before deciding to just be upfront about my thoughts.

Kyle: "Are you... Asking me to trade you something for refuge...?"

Ryan: "Trade? What could you possible offer me Kyle?" Ryan asks with his head slightly tilted to the side. The serious look on his face only making this much more difficult to speak about.

Kyle: "Well... Uhm..." I turn my blushing face away from his curious expression and sigh out my embarrassment before continuing.

Kyle: "I kinda... Traded Ethan a sexual favour for food, water and a place to sleep. And then basically the same thing with Connor." I watch the gryphon's expression go from shocked to flustered before he throws his head back and bursts into a mirthless laugher that echoes along the hollow walls of the cave.

Kyle: "H-hey! Don't laugh at me! What choice did I have!?" I fold my arms and puff out my cheeks as I turn my face further away from the smug expression that works its way to his eyes when his laughter finally dies down.

God... I really thought that's what he was suggesting! Now I feel like some whore who sells himself for a place to sleep and a slice of bread...

Ryan: "S-sorry sorry." He stutters out while attempting to stifle his chuckle by shaking his head and trying to look more sympathetic to my plight. Something that seems to take much more effort than I would have thought from him.

Ryan: "Well... I won't turn down the chance to have a romp with someone as handsome as you Kyle~" I blush as Ryan immediately goes back to that charismatic charm he usually holds. His eyes trace me up and down as he winks in clear approval of the idea. And despite my flustered shame for bringing this up in the first place, or my overall distain for the avian, I actually find myself imagining us having sex. But am quickly snapped out of it with his next words.

Ryan: "But my offer for resting here comes without expectations Kyle."

Kyle: "... Do... You don't want anything from me? Really...?" The black Gryphon nods with a more sincere smile, his tone even becoming tender.

Ryan: "Other than your company and conversation, no. But like I said, if you want to romp with a real man like me, I won't turn you down Kyle~" My eyes once more set on his bloated stomach between his legs as some broken part of my brain that likes being dominated has me fighting my depraved desires.

Kyle: "Err... I-I'm fine. Thank you." He politely nods before standing up and making his way toward the left side of the room. I think he understands my reluctance considering where my eyes landed. I mean... If it weren't for what's currently inside his stomach, I might have even agreed...

I look away from the disturbing sight of his swaying belly and to the nest on the other side of the fire pit. It's hard to ignore that he swallowed someone earlier this morning. That there is an ACTUAL person, right now, inside of his bloated gut and is currently being digested into chyme... I keep having these moments of "Oh fuck! He is actually a murder!". It's so easy to have a casual conversation with the guy when he isn't trying to rile me up. But there is no way around it. Ryan is a stone blooded killer...

Sitting here awkwardly, I look around the den as Ryan continues to rummage around with the piles wood, apparently looking for the driest pieces before setting them aside and turning over the ones he puts back. His offer is very tempting. If I continue onwards right now, I won't make it much further before needing to camp for the night anyway. And what's the harm in spending the night here anyway? I'd be safe and warm. Can't say I'll find that further on.

Ryan did already protect me once from being caught by my hunter, so maybe he'd do it again? I've heard that gryphons are generally very nice creatures outside of their totalitarian societies, but I also understand that they are some of the most savage beasts in the world. The last war more than enough to prove they are a serious threat when united. And when I first met Ryan, the latter is definitely more relevant. He seemed like the type of horrible person I could never get along with. I mean, he did carry my cage out to that field after all. But then there are these moment where he is being kind and genuine, and it makes me wonder if the whole butch bravado from before is just an act or simply hormones huffing him up into the brute all these other predators are...

Urg... This whole situation is so fucked up! I hate being forced to feel this way! Torn between wanting to trust him and throttling him in his sleep. But as I sit and contemplate all the pros and cons, I come to a conclusion. Knowing that I am not his prey and that'd I'd be warm for the night are the facts that seem to win me over. If I'm willing to sell my body for safety and food, why not take up this free offer where nothing is expected of me?

Kyle: "Are you sure it's alright for me to stay the night?" As I ask, still feeling a bit cautious there are hidden clauses to this agreement. Ryan looks over his shoulder with a soft smile and a nod before picking up the wood he set aside and lumbering over to me on three legs.

Ryan: "Yeah of course." The gryphon says while plonking down the wood and sitting himself beside me. Ryan starts to stack the wood neatly as he lets the silence seep in before continuing in an amiable tone.

Ryan: "I have no beef with you Kyle. And I've really enjoyed chatting. You're a pretty easy fella to talk to when you aren't running from me in fear~" The gryphon adds with a cheeky smirk and a suggestively raised brow, eliciting a snort and an eyeroll from me.

Ryan: "But listen. If your hunter does track you down here and find you with me, I'm not prepared to do anything to stop him from capturing you. It goes against the rules to keep prey from another predator."

Kyle: "But... Didn't you already do that before, when you sat on top of me?" So much for expecting to find safety here...

Ryan: "Well... Technically, no. Your hunter hadn't exactly found you yet, now did he~?" These predators are hard to understand... I swear they are all mentally deranged with how they bend the truth to fit their whims. And Ryan doesn't seem to be exempt from this madness either.

Kyle: "Well, alright then... If you really don't mind, I will take you up on that offer." I have no choice but to accept. Besides, if I am followed down here by my hunter, I stand more of a chance being hidden _here_than alone out there.

Ryan: "Great! Does that mean I can expect you to bend over for me later~?" Ryan asks through a boisterous, and perhaps overly playful tone, before looking me up and down with a salacious look in his eye. But rather than linger and teasing me more, he gets to his feet and away to my left.

I can't help but laugh and shake my head. He didn't seem all that genuine with that request. I know he is mostly joking, but I can't help but notice how his sheath has been plumping up ever since I first mentioned it. Even from back here where I have a perfect view of his feline rump, I can see Ryan is more interested than he is letting on beneath that swishing tail.

I watch the gryphon move to one of his metal chests and rummage around inside for a moment before pulling something out. Returning to stand before the stacked wood, Ryan starts squeezing out, what smells like light fluid form a white bottle, right onto the wood before lighting a match and throwing it in.

The logs ignite in a bursting blaze, so much so that I have to quickly skitter away before my fur is singed. Ryan's little hideout is soon bathed in warm orange light that dances along the cold stone around us. And once the flames flicker and simmer to a reasonable height, I approached them almost instinctually. The alure of the heat too much to resist.

Ryan smiles at the sight of me drawing closer and plonks himself a few feet to my right, the gryphon lays on his side while keeping his gaze on the dancing fire. Raising my pads to warm them in the light, I rub my paws together and sigh out in content.

Kyle: "Hehe, this is pretty nice~ I haven't been this warm for a while now." Well... At least not by fire. I don't think I will ever forget the searing heat being inside of Connor's testical...

Ryan: "Oh right. You've been running around butt naked out in the wilderness without warmth for what... Seven days now?"

Kyle: "Y-yeah. Well, aside for that one night with Ethan." The gryphon nods before returning his sights to the flames and makes himself more comfortable.

Kyle: "You... Don't think it's too... Weird. Right?" I don't know why, but I don't want Ryan to think of me as some food slut...

Ryan: "Think what is weird?" Urg... Do I really have to spell everything out to this guy... I hope he isn't just acting dumb to make me say these things aloud.

Kyle: "Well... All the other hunters, including you, have helped me in one way or another. And while I know one of them is out to get me, I can't seem to figure out why you're all helping me."

Ryan: "Heh." The gryphon chuffs out a breath and release a slight rumbling coo from his chest while slumping down a bit more, not once looking away from the flames as he speaks. Seeing the orange fire dancing in his yellow eyes and illuminating his black feathers is... Why does he have to look so handsome!? Fuck... I hope he doesn't see my dick peaking...

Ryan: "I'd say... We all have our own reasons for acting the way we do Kyle. As I'm sure you could tell, Ethan does it because he has a really soft heart. I swear he's more pigeon than owl sometimes." I nod along in half agreeance, imagining Ethan staring daggers at Ryan for a comment like that.

Ryan: "Leo and Shane however... I would definitely throw them in the ring of "Wanting to make the chase more fun for the other hunters"." You can say that again. Those fuckers are the most wicked of the bunch, by far.

Ryan: "They are real team players that want to make prey more difficult to catch. Which in turn, they believe makes it more fun for everyone." Pfft. "Fun" he says... I think my encounter with Shane shaved a few years off my lifespan.

Kyle: "And what about you then?" Ryan tilts his head to look at me through a distant gaze and distracted "Hmm?"

Ryan: "Me?" Something is on his mind, because he can't seriously have misunderstood that question. And considering that thousand-yard stare that formed in his eyes when I brought up the subject, I'm almost certain Ryan is thinking about something that happened a long time ago.

Kyle: "Yeah. This is the second time you're helping me. And I know for sure you don't have a soft heart like Ethan." Ryan chuckles with a soft, almost villainous laugh that helps in validating my words.

Reclining further as he snickers, Ryan moves to lay his legs behind my back as he angles his body closer to the fire. His bloated stomach comes to protrude right next to me and I am instantly forced to look away from the jiggling gut. Only two feet separate me from the dead beastman within his flesh... The thought that I'm sitting out here, casually talking with Ryan as if this were a normal meeting between friends, while he digests someone right in front of me... I-it's too much. My brain can't conceive the reality of it fully and just seeing the bloated belly has my thoughts at odds with one another.

Ryan: "Well... If I'm being honest. I normally don't make a fuss with helping prey. If they pick you and you're no fun, that's their problem." That's not exactly what I was asking, but whatever.

Kyle: "What makes me special then?" I ask with enough snark to draw another chuff from the gryphon.

Ryan: "I told you before, didn't I? There is just something about you. You have this drive behind your eyes that most people lack. I saw if from the moment we first met. It's a determination to survive no matter the cost." Even as he says this, that lost tone still lingers in his voice.

Ryan: "And from all you have told me, from sleeping with the enemy to abandoning your friend, you are a true born survivor, Kyle." That comment on Jake stings a lot, and I want to retort, but I choose instead to swallow the lump in my throat and ignore his provoking words.

Kyle: "Are you trying to say you secretly want me to survive or something?"

Ryan: "Heh. I'm honestly not sure. But it's been fun prolonging your life non the less. Too bad I won't be able to see how far you make it passed this cave."

These predators are a complicated people... I'm not sure if it's because they all seem to be torn between being civilized people and having this insatiable lust for murder that makes them so mentally screwy or what. Perhaps it's this very type of thinking that makes a killer? Being stuck in a state of constant struggle of what is "Right" and what is "Wrong" until the later wins out?

Ryan: "Let me ask you something Kyle." I snap from my thoughts and turn to face the bird, doing my best to not look at his swollen belly.

Ryan: "What do you plan to do when you escape this place? And I don't mean after you try and expose us for the killers that we truly are." Ryan says through a mocking tone and a charming smile that has me simultaneously want to giggle and slap him.

Ryan: "I'm talking about after that. Do you really think life can go back to the way it used to be? This event will scar you for life, you do understand that, right?" I turn from Ryan's serious expression and soft, pleading voice to look into the crackling flames as I think over his words for a moment.

Kyle: "Well... Yeah. I suppose you're right. Life won't be the same after this. I'll probably wind-up having nightmares for the rest of my life. And I can say goodbye to trusting anyone properly ever again." I speak with a disquiet tone while making lazy paw gestures towards the fire and the bird hums in response.

Ryan: "But yout rust me. Riiight~?" The gryphon asks while playfully nudging me with one of his wings, issuing me to shake head lethargically and continue to look solemnly into the flames.

Kyle: "I trust you not to kill me. But I don't trust you Ryan."

Ryan: "Ouch." He sounds out through a dry tone, and through my peripherals I can see Ryan is watching me warily with his intense yellow eyes.

Kyle: "You should understand why I don't trust you, surely?" Ryan snorts.

Ryan: "Are you trying to avoid answering my original question?" I can't help but giggle before I reply this time. Why am I enjoying out banter so much?

Kyle: "It sounds like you're the one trying to doge my question now~" We both laugh at the silly progression of our conversation, but I can't deny the harrowing feeling still lingering over it. How the hell did I end up here, discussing life and ethics with a murder while secretly finding him very attractive?

Kyle: "I guess... I've been thinking about helping people when I get out."

Ryan: "Oh? How so?" The gryphon's expression lightens and he looks genuinely interested in what my plans are. D-damnit! Stop looking at me like that...Why are arrogant men so sexy when they look at you with caring eyes?

Kyle: "L-like... Maybe becoming a private investigator, or something. Maybe even an undercover agent someday." Ryan whistles in admiration.

Ryan: "Wow. Big dreams~" I roll my eyes and nudge him. But only after do I realise that I just elbowed Ryan's squishy stomach because following my touch, I hear the sounds of a watery sloshing echoing from within his gut! My eyes widen and I instantly feel sick to my stomach. I quickly gulp down and try not to throw up while Ryan continues to laugh. And once I feel fine, I try to pretend I didn't just jiggle his belly and put on my best nonchalant tone.

Kyle: "So now it's your turn to answer my question." Ryan's face instantly returns to that almost forlorn expression as he looks from me to the flames.

Ryan: "Hmm... If I'm being honest. I don't think it's fair that you don't trust me Kyle... I haven't personally done anything to you."

Kyle: "Aside from carrying my cage to my impending doom, you mean?"

Ryan: "Well... that doesn't really count, does it?" He says in a collected, almost "Matter-of-fact" tone. I instantly find I'm more insulted by the way the bird replied than his actual response.

Kyle: "How can you say that? You basically threw me to the wolves."

Ryan: "Well... Look at it like this. Would you blame the waiter who delivered Your food, or the chef who cooked it incorrectly? Would you rather sue the owner of the restaurant for purchasing unacceptable produce or the company who sold it in the first place?" Wow, talk about an twisted food analogy.

Ryan: "I was only doing what was asked of me." I... I guess he's somewhat right about that... I hate that I agree with Ryan... I guess I would have been taken out to that field regardless.

Ryan: "A-and... Back when we first met in that tent... I am sorry for my behaviour at the time Kyle." My eyes widen in surprise at his apology, and I turn to face the gryphon more directly as he continues.

Ryan: "I was a little drunk that night and got caught up in the moment where everyone was amping up to go hunting. I got lost in the energy and taunted you for no reason. I have no excuses." W-wow... What a humbling feeling... This sensation of being able to understand Ryan is burning a hole in my chest. But I nod along all the same as he looks to me with apologetic eyes.

Kyle: "Th-thanks... That's... Haha. I'm not even sure what to say to that."

Ryan: "Well, we could maybe start out fresh, and enjoy this night on a clean slate?" Heh, as crazy as that sounds... I think I'd like that.

Wait... He's not suggesting something else... Is he? I side glance the bird's legs which are stretched out behind me. One leg is propped up on the ground and the other lays flat along the soil. Ryan's massive balls and sheath are resting on his inner thigh, looking even fuller than before, even against his fat stomach.

Kyle: "Err... I-I don't think so. I'm more than happy to start out fresh, but I'm not interested in what you're suggesting back there Ryan."

Ryan: "Whaaat? I'm not good looking enough for you~? Pshaw! I'll have you know that I have ALL the boys and girls falling for my devilish charms Kyle, one way or another~" Hehe, even when apologising, he can't seem to help himself and revert to his coy ways. Ryan is nothing but a horndog after all. Heh, is it a bad that I kinda like that about him?

Kyle: "Pfft. Maybe if you didn't have a dead guy digesting inside your stomach, I miiight have considered it."

Ryan: "Ouch~ But I suppose I can live with and excuse like that. So long as you're not suggesting I'm ugly...?" I just roll my eyes at him and he huff out a breath, Ryan's voice becoming melodramatic when he next speaks.

Ryan: "I gueees I'll just have to suck myself off later, once your leave."

Kyle: "Erm... Alright. You enjoy that." That's kinda brazen to just say out loud. This guy really has no shame. Right after he drops the act, the gryphon readjusts himself to rest completely on his right side. Ryan juts his belly forward and it comes to sit right in front of the fire with an audible jiggle and a sigh from his beak. I find his shameful actions to fully support my previous notion and help me feel less bad about my terse refusal.

Ryan: "Sorry about displaying my stomach to you like this. I'm so used to proudly showing if off for the other predators that I kinda forgot your one of them." Ryan says this having obviously noticed my expression and discomfort, but he's making no effort to hide his gut.

Kyle: "That I'm one of what exactly? Just some snack, hmm? Do you really think I'd want to play with your smelly dick while sitting on one of my own, dead escapees?" The mortified look crossing the bird's face while I say this as rudely as I can, makes me feel really good about myself. I never knew I had such a sadistic side! Making a big predator like him shrivel up and pull such a guilty expression is completely fulfilling~

Ryan: "Yeah alright, I said sorry, okay? Just forget I mentioned it." I roll my eyes. Seems even he can get huffy when put on the spot too. Not a second after his feathers puff up, does a yawn creep up on me.

Ryan: "Tired?" He asks while scratching his neck and looking to the nest.

Kyle: "Yeah. It's been a long day." Ryan nods in agreeance before getting up and lazily wobbling to the hay, but stops to glance back at me.

Ryan: "I know you don't want to romp with me, you've made that abundantly clear. But you're still welcome to cuddle. I'll... Err... I can face the other way, so my stomach doesn't press up against you."

Kyle: "Wow. Sooo considerate." I continue with my previous snark as I stand up and walk over towards him. Ryan's cheeks are puffed out and his brows pressed together. He kinda reminds me of a naughty child for a moment. A naughty, _carnivorous_child... But a child nonetheless.

I walk with him to the nest and watch as he climbs in. True to his word, Ryan faces away from me, leaving a small space between his curled up form and the campfire. At least he doesn't expect me to squeeze between him and the wall.

I climb into the nest, finding the hay to be a little prickly, but I know how warm it is compare to sleeping in the soil. I settle down behind Ryan's back, his wings thankfully having folded awkwardly over himself as to not disturb me. I have a sneaky feeling they will wind up slapping me awake during the night, but I still press myself into his back and face the fire either way.

Ryan: "Comfy?" Not really, but this is better than being curled up in the ground and all on my own without fire or body warmth.

Kyle: "Yeah. This is fine. Thanks." I get a little fright of the yawning sound he makes, it is almost like a squawk. Ryan chuckles tiredly at me as he speaks.

Ryan: "Alright then, sweet dreams Kyle. See you in the morning. I'll wake you in case you sleep in too late."

Kyle: "Thanks. I'd appreciate that. Sleep well Ryan." The bird hums in response as he readjusts himself. I listen as his breathing slow down with each inhale through his powerful chest, and before I know it, he lulls me into sleep with the rocking of his body and the rhythmic sounds of his breath.

~To Be Continued~