Chapter 3: The Mohan (Patreon)

CHAPTER 3

Okay, my meeting with Bachué and Sugunsua ended way better than I expected. I mean, Bachué didn’t kill me despite she still hates me guts. Sugunsua and, apparently Bochica, truly believes in my path of redemption, and seems like I can regain my title of goddess after all. How cool is that?! Anyway, Sugunsua said that to do so I have to find both Bochica and my stolen former power of chaos… Yeah, sure. Not a problem I’m just a mere blind girl who hasn’t eaten anything but a small bag of fruit since yesterday and has no idea where to begin searching... *sigh* At least, for now.

Sugunsua said that in this town I could begin searching for hints. I didn’t get my sight back, but I can feel my other senses enhanced, and boy, oh boy, do I smell some chaos magic here! Not only that, I slightly feel the weak, yet hideous reek of an old “friend”. Could he be the one who stole the chaos magic? Hmm, I don’t think so. It looks like it’s a small portion of that power. Maybe the real thief shared it with him? Oh well, gotta ask him once I found him.

- “Excuse me? Young lady?” -  an old woman’s voice interrupts my thoughts – “It’s dangerous for a young girl like *sumercéto be on the streets this late. Please, come with me”.

Author’s note:

Sumercé: Typical and polite way to say “You” in the Boyacá region. It was mostly used by peasants, but nowadays it’s been used by more and more people.

Back to the story…

- “Huh? Umm, yeah. Much appreciate it.” – I accept the old woman’s invitation and go to her home.

It’s been centuries since I stayed at a human’s home. Back then, I hated it. I felt it was an offense for a goddess like me staying in the house of a filthy human and I hated even more that Bochica was so chilled with that idea. But now, I can feel the kindness and love this old lady emanates. She doesn’t know me, and still shares with me her house and food… wait a minute *sniffs, sniffs*

- “Excuse me. Is that *chicha, *mantecada and *mazamorra what I smell?”

- “It is, mija. Eat as much as sumercé wants.” – replies the old lady.

- “Sweet!! Thanks a lot!”

Author’s note:

Chicha: A typical Latin-american alcoholic beverage made from fermented vegetables and grains. Here in Colombia is made just with fermented corn and sugar.

Mantecada: Spongy pastries from Spain, but it became a typical dessert in Colombia as well.

Mazamorra: Oh boy! The mazamorra is another typical dish common in Latin-America, but it has so many variations that I don’t know where to begin. Let’s just focus on the one from the Boyacá region, which is a type of soup.

Back to the story…

OH GODS, YES!! *munch* …This is what I’m talking about!! *munch* … I devour all the food as fast as I can. I’m trying to be polite, for real. But I was so desperate for good food that I just can’t. Enjoying food is definitely something that is more appreciated when you’re human *munch*… Better don’t forget *munch* … to give this woman all my blessings and good fortune once I regain my title.

- “My, my. Seems like sumercé haven’t eaten in centuries” – Says the surprised woman.

- “900 years, more or less” – I reply.

- “Huh?”

- “Nothing. Gods stuff… Listen *munch* I’m really sorry for being so rude. But I was really hungry. I hope I didn’t leave you without food. I’m also really grateful for letting me stay here tonight.”

- “Oh don’t worry. I still have plenty of food. Besides, I couldn’t leave sumercé here at your own. Not with “The Mohan” kidnaping girls from the town.”

The Mohan! I knew it was him!! From the very first moment I put my foot in this town I could recognize that hideous stench from his tobacco. I can’t believe that disgusting little being could survived after all these centuries. I ask the old lady for more information about The Mohan and what’s he doing to the town.

This nice grandma’s name is Carmela. She tells that The Mohan has lived in this town since she can remember. For years and years, women from town have gone to the river to do the laundry and, sometimes, take a bath as well. The Mohan, who tends to live near rivers, had always been a pervert and loved to peep on the young beautiful ladies who trespassed his domains. At first, they were terrified to see such a creep near the river but, without any other source of water, they didn’t really have any other option. So, they decided to go with their husbands, brothers or any other relative to protect them.

One day, The Mohan, tired of this situation, appeared in the center of the town and literally beg their inhabitants to not fear him. He said he wasn’t a pervert or a threat to women, he just loved to see beautiful ladies visiting his domains. He said that he not only would continue to share the water of “his” river with the town, but he also would make the land more fertile and productive. The only thing he asked in exchange was to keep peeping on the beautiful ladies without any company. Nothing more, nothing less. At first, the townspeople were dubitative, but the promise of fertile lands and plenty of water sounded really good, so they accepted his offer. Since that moment, women returned to the river without company, and The Mohan kept his promise of not harming them and making the town prosper. However, everything changed about ten years ago.

Carmela said that, one day, The Mohan started being more aggressive and more demanding. He just didn’t want to peep, now he demanded food and company and if he couldn’t get what he wanted he kidnapped the ladies who were so misfortuned to be in the river. Of course, men from town wouldn’t accept that and tried to kill the bastard. After all, he might be a demon, but it was a really weak one. However, and to surprise to everyone, The Mohan suddenly became really stronger and killed all men who opposed him. Soon, The Mohan just stopped waiting for women to go to the river and now he comes almost every night to town and kidnaps all women he sees on streets late at night. Since then everybody lives with fear and stopped going to the river, which means that people is starting to have problems getting water for their daily life.

- “Please, stay here.” – says Old Carmela – “I lost my daughter and granddaughter a month ago and I couldn’t do anything to save them. I don’t know you, but if I can’t save at least one life, then I won’t be able to live what remains of my life in peace.”

- “… I appreciate your kindness, ma’am… I’m staying here, at least tonight.”

I’m obviously lying to her. From the very first moment she spoke to me I notice deep sadness in her heart and now I know why. I must do something to help, not just her, but all people in town. Old Carmela sends me to her granddaughter’s room, where I wait for a couple of hours until I make sure she’s asleep, then I leave the house and make my way to the river… I’m sorry, Old Carmela. This won’t make you feel better at all, but I can’t stay here without doing something. Besides, The Mohan always dreamt on having a harem for himself, so there’s a small possibility that all these women he kidnaped are still alive. Maybe I can even bring Carmela’s family back.

The river, some minutes later…

Well, here I am. The Mohan’s smell is definitely stronger here. There’s no time to waste, so I immediately get naked and go to the river pretending to be a naïve little girl taking a midnight bath… c’mon, you bastard. You want some of this? Then come and tak…

Fades to black…

TO BE CONTINUED…