Deertaur Boyfriend: Kaio Part One (complete)

I saw the Red Banshee again the other day. He was standing across the river, deep within the trees. I thought it was a trick of the eye, and I was seeing a leaf fall in the distance. But it was him, and he was watching me again. 

The Red Banshee has been in this forest for longer than our village has existed, since the Lamia were young, maybe even before. There are too many stories to know the truth. All I know is that whenever I see the Red Banshee and his hollow eyes gazing back at me, it’s a warning. I have seen the Red Banshee many times in my life, and each time, I have dreams.

The first time, I was young and still clinging to my mother’s leg. He was in a tree high above us, and my mother didn’t see him. That very night I had a dream about a man coming into the village, and all the man touched turned green. I told my parents of this dream, and while they seemed perturbed by it, they only took it at face value. Not long after, a shadow came over the village as a sickness swept over us. It took many of our people, it took my mother, and it was soon discovered that everyone in the village upstream from us was dead as well.

My father, who was the head priest, started taking my dreams seriously.
Each morning he asked me to recount to him what I saw in my sleep. When he understood that my dreams were prophetic, I became something of an advisor to him.

I saw the Red Banshee again not long after the sickness had left the village. He was behind the flame of a ceremonial pyre, his eyes glowing as he watched us. That night, I dreamt of the same shadowy figure who had brought sickness to my home. He was turning something green when a bright flower sprung from the ground and wrapped around him, tugging him down into the water. 

I quickly awoke to tell my father, and we went to the river, where a small plant which we considered a weed grew. It was the very plant I saw in my dreams. My father and several elders of the village took the plant, and found a way to make a tea from it which could stave off illness.

Not long after this discovery, the Berebide Clan came out of the forest. The Berebide were one of the ancient ones, a race of creatures who had lived in these lands alongside the Lamia. They were Cervidae in nature, and had the upper torsos of men attached to the legs of a deer. Their heads were deer-like in nature as well, antlers and all, only their mouths held sharp, horrible fangs. They were hunters, the apex predators of the forest.

My father met with them, and they talked for a long time. My father learned the sickness that had taken from us had begun to take from them. While we were afraid of the Berebide and had been subject to their cruelty before, my father offered the remedy from my dreams to them.

The Berebide took the cure and disappeared back into the trees. For a while, we did not see them again, which came as a relief. If you never saw a Berebide, that usually meant they didn’t want you to.But soon, the Berebide came again, this time bearing gifts for our village. The medicine we had given them had cured the sick and strengthened them. Because of that, they formed an alliance with our village, promising to keep us safe from the next threat. 

Before this, it was not uncommon for the Berebide to hunt humans. It was a game for them, a ritual. It didn’t matter to them what they killed as long as they enjoyed it and ate it afterwards. My people were considerably uneasy about this, as was I. All my life, I had been afraid of the Berebide. They were exceptionally large and powerful, and their glittering teeth made them creatures of nightmare. But it was because of this fear that we allowed the Berebide to make their promise. 

For years, we kept peace with each other. We shared the river, harvesting the plant from it side by side. I continued to see the Red Banshee, and I continued to dream. As I grew, I had many visions and averted many disasters for our people. Now that I have seen the Red Banshee again, I am not afraid. I know that there is nothing to fear at all. I only have to let the powers inside me work.

That night as I wait to dream, I hear drums within the forest. The Berebide are preparing for a hunt. Sometimes when this happens, if I look out my window, I can see their eyes glowing in the darkness, still as stone. It makes me fear that they are waiting for someone in the village. I begin to drift to the sound of the drums, and my dream comes rushing upon me.

For the first time, I see the Red Banshee in my dreams. He looks like a man dressed in bloodstained armor. He looks at me, his expression mournful and sad. He leads me through the forest, where we come upon a path worn by time. It takes us through the thickest, darkest part of the forest, until we come to a rock formation. The rocks form a circle, and their jagged sharp edges remind me of a crown.

The Red Banshee points to an entrance in this formation, and I go inside. Inside the rock formation is a clearing covered with red flowers, making it look like a pool of blood. Breathing in, my lungs feel heavy with their pollen. My throat is thick, and I have a hard time breathing. I taste the sickly sweetness, and I stumble forward. As I fall to the ground, my head hangs over the edge of a deep pit, and in the center is a wide, gaping chasm. Staring down inside, I see nothing but a darkness that is deeper and blacker than the void of night. 

Suddenly, the Red Banshee begins to wail. Inside the pit, I see eyes looking up at me. Extending from the shadows, a hand grabs hold of my hair. I try to fight back, but it pulls at me, nearly yanking me into the pit. It stops and, from within, I hear weeping. The Red Banshee grabs me and pulls back, waking me from my dream.

I gasp awake, gazing up at the ceiling. I can still taste the pollen on my tongue as I come to. Rubbing my eyes, I wonder what this dream truly means. I have never had anything like it before. It is still early in the morning, and the air is crisp and painted by the sunrise. As I step outside to get fresh air, I see him.

The Red Banshee is standing at the edge of the village, just as he did in my dream. He watches me and raises his hand to beckon me forward. I stare at him. I have seen him as a shadow my whole life, but this is the first time he has lingered before me. I go towards him and take his outstretched hand.

“Who are you?” I whisper to him. “Why do you come only to me?”

The Red Banshee places a finger over his mouth, and his hand clutches mine tightly. He then turns to the woods and pulls me inside. We walk in silence, traveling over the path my people made in order to hunt easily. Soon the path vanishes, and we traverse over rough terrain.

“In my dream, you were a knight.” I say to him. “Was that really you?”

He remains silent, almost ignoring me.

“My name is Danae,” I share with him. “Did you know that?”

The Red Banshee glances back at me and rolls his eyes before looking forward again.

“Oh,” I grumble. Then I trip over a stone and fall to the ground with a thud. The Red Banshee stands there, staring down at me until I stand up.

I look down, realizing I went along with him in only my sleeping clothes. I had followed him without a second thought. I sigh, lifting myself off the ground, and already the Red Banshee has gone on ahead of me.

Then, just as in my dream, we come onto a path worn by time. There is a divot in the ground from where so many have tread. I step on it, feeling a sudden heavy weight fall upon my shoulders. I stop, looking ahead at the Red Banshee, who is moving ahead of me. “Where are we going?” I shout after him. “Where are you taking me?”

He screams and I quickly clasp my hands over my ears. As he continues to scream, my vision shakes and blurs. I feel the ground under me become less solid, almost mushy, as it starts to swallow me.

“Stop!” I scream out. “Stop! I’ll follow! I’m sorry! Stop it please!”

I fall onto the hard ground, and my vision slowly returns. Picking myself up again, I follow the Red Banshee, having learned my lesson to keep quiet. 

We travel along this path past the heat of noon. I am hungry and bothered, but I keep moving forward. We then come to an opening in the trees and, as I step through, I see the stone crown from my dream.

The Red Banshee moves off the path, standing aside as I look to the entrance. I turn to him, but his head is downcast and he isn’t looking at me. I open my mouth to speak - but I fear he will open his again, so I shut it. I do as my dream showed me and I walk into the crown.

Just as before, the crown is filled with red blossoms, forming a pool that resembles spilled blood. Only this time, I cannot smell them. Their pollen and scent does not cloy so, nor does it bother me. I step further inside and come to the mouth of the pit. Staring inside, it is as dark and endless as my dream. 

I kneel down so I can ease my head inside. Holding my breath, I try to listen, I try to see, because in the dream, something was inside.

I hear breathing.  I pull myself back and clutch my hand around my throat. Looking around, I see nothing but the stones and blood red flowers. I turn back to the pit, looking deep into the shadows. 

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

The breathing becomes a soft breath of wind that rustles through the flowers. “Who calls out?” A deep voice vibrates from the shadows.

I lean closer over the pit, pressing my palms to the sharp stones within. “My name is Danae, daughter of Manex,” I answer. “I come from a village along the river. I had a dream which led me here.”

“You are not of the Berebide?” the voice croaks.

“No,” I reply. “I am human.”

A laugh echoes from the deep. It causes me to shiver and reel back in fear.

“After all these years, another one comes at last,” the speaker breathes. 

I swallow down the fear that has gathered in my throat. “Who...?” I tremble. “Who are you?” I lean closer towards the mouth of the pit again. 

“I am the Prince of the Berebide.” His tone is a low snarl, angry and incensed. “I am Kaio by name.”

“The Prince?” I whisper. “But...” my brow puckers in thought. “The Berebide Prince is just a story, I thought.”

“A story,” Kaio mocks. “Long ago, I was the only thing in this forest the Lamia feared. These woods were my kingdom. I was the fiercest hunter this world had seen. Those who glimpsed even my antlers would know it was too late for them.”

“Is that why you’re down there, then?” I ask timidly. “Because no one can see your antlers?” 

Kaio snorts. “Are you taunting me?”

“No,” I gasp. “Merely a reasonable conclusion, dear Prince.”

Kaio’s low growl reverberates against my palms on the stones. “I was trapped down here out of greed, out of malice! My own kind turned against me and keep me trapped down here.”

“Can you not climb out?” I fear it is a stupid question.

“I can,” Kaio scoffs. “But as you can see, poor girl, it is a trap. Look around you.”

I gaze about at the blood red flowers. “Do they keep you imprisoned?” I ask softly. “Is that why there are so many?”

Kaio sighs. “Those flowers are like poison to me. Their pollen suffocates my lungs and thickens my throat so that I cannot breathe, and even if I could, it would do nothing to help me.”

I clap my hand around my throat, remembering how I suffocated in my dream once I breathed in the aroma of the blossoms. 

“I would die if I left this pit, and that is what they truly want.”

“The Berebide?” I turn back towards the mouth. “But if you are their Prince, why would they wish to keep you trapped forever?”

“Fear,” he hisses. “After all this time, they know I would show no mercy to them. Every once in a while, they’ll throw me a meal. The last human I saw was dead, but it had been a long while since they gave me one of you.”

“The hunts-” I whisper then quickly shut my mouth. “You said greed before. Who would benefit from keeping you down there?”

“Who rules the Berebide now?” Kaio demands. “Who is their supposed Prince?”

“Chief Aetz.” I feel as though I can see his eyes in the darkness, but they are faint. “His family has ruled for ages now.”

“Their ancestor was an Aetz as well,” Kaio laughs. “He used to hold my arrows for me.”

“How long have you been down there?” The question has hung in my mind since I found myself here. 

“I forget,” Kaio laughs. “But it won’t be for much longer. With your help, I can finally escape from here. I can finally be free.”

“What can I do?” I ask.

“The flowers,” he growls. “Get rid of them. Pick them all and then burn them. Once they are gone and their pollen has dissipated on the wind, I can escape this crypt.”

“Why should I help you?” I throw back at him. “From the sounds of things, you care not for humans, and you will undoubtedly take your revenge out on whomever crosses your path. If anything, it would be better if I leave you down there.”

“Leave me here, and you would be the first I would destroy!” Kaio roars from the darkness. Looking down, I catch a better glimpse of his eyes. “But...” He recoils. “I need you, Danae. I cannot take this much longer. I cannot continue to suffer in this pit! Help me, and I will reward you greatly. I will leave your village alone in my gratitude.”

I frown into the shadows. “How can I trust that?”

Kaio’s low breath makes me shiver. “You have the power of foresight, Danae. I could not sneak up on you.”

“I still don’t know,” I whisper. “In my dream, the Red Banshee, he...” I stop when I remember that was not the last thing in my dream. Before that, Kaio’s cruel hand that gripped my hair went weak, and he began to cry in misery and pain.

I realize I have to help Kaio.

“You will leave my village alone,” I command. “I care not for what reward you wish to give me. All I ask is you stay true to that. Also, you will exact your revenge on the Berebide justly!”

“Justly?” he cackles. “Why would I do that?”

“Because if you have been down there for so long, that means there are innocents who have done nothing to you. My father and I will help you carry out justice.” I lay my hand over my heart. “I promise you that.”

Kaio is silent for a long moment. “Just get rid of the flowers!”

I take that as word enough, and I begin gathering the blossoms. I take up armfuls and carry them outside the crown, all while the Red Banshee watches. It grows dark by the time I have them all picked and piled outside. As I am looking for wood to start the fire, the Red Banshee tosses me a flint.

“Thank you,” I gasp at him. My hands are stained red from the blossoms, and my clothes are filthy. “Is Kaio your friend?”

The Red Banshee just stares at me.

“Fine.” I turn back to the blossoms and, using the flint, I am able to create a spark and start a fire. I place the burning wood against the flowers, and soon there is a blaze. The flames burn high, arching into the sky and scorching the branches above. 

As I gaze up at the flames, I hear the scrape of stone and deep growling. Turning, I watch as Kaio emerges from the pit. His antlers reach into the sky, and their dozen points glisten like stars. Velvet drips down from them, hanging loose like vines stained by blood. He breathes deep, his body shuddering and his eyes red. He grins, showing off the dangerous fangs in his mouth. A black tongue darts over his lips, and his stretches his shoulders back.

“There you are,” he whispers to me. “I see you there.”

He is more monstrous than the Berebide. His is far larger, far more powerful. His fur is thicker and mottled with green. He comes to the entrance of the rock crown and stands there, glaring down at me. His eyes hold two pupils each, and they’re transfixed upon me all at once. 

I hold my breath in my lungs, afraid to let it out. Kaio reaches for me, grabbing my shoulders and pulling me forward. His hands move over my body, tugging away my filthy, stained clothes and exposing my bare skin to the chilled night air. 

His smirk softens, and the tip of his tongue protrudes from between his teeth. “I forgot the softness of humans,” he murmurs.

I slap his giant hand away as it gropes my breast. “Keep it that way!” I snap up at him. I’m trembling all over. I know there is no way I could fight him. “Keep to yourself!”

Kaio kneels down before me. “The pollen is still thick in the air,” he whispers. “You could take me easily if you wanted.”

I keep my arms crossed over my chest. “Good!”

Kaio wheezes and drags his tongue across the roof of his mouth until it clicks. Then he reaches up, taking the velvet from his antlers. It stretches out and, in his hands, it molds into a shape, forming into a robe.

“Take this. Those vile clothes did nothing for you.”

I take the robe, and it is remarkably soft. It feels divine against my skin as I put it on. “Yes, well,” I grumble.

Kaio smirks at me, his eyes never leaving me. “You should rest,” he tells me. “You deserve it.”

I glare at him.

“I promise I will not touch you, nor allow others to touch you.” He pats his flank. “You can rest easy with me. I would be damned should I betray my savior.”

“How can I trust you?” I ask.

Kaio’s eyes linger on me for a moment before he bows his head. “The same way I trusted you.”

I lower my eyes, then ease down onto the ground. I cannot deny my exhaustion. I have been moving all day. I lay down near Kaio, resting my head upon him. His body is warm, but he smells musty from the pit. Soon I fall asleep, and I dream again.

I see Kaio standing above me, guarding me. His mouth is full of blood and it pours down into the river. I can feel the cold earth against my back, and I roll over. I lift up my haunches, presenting them towards Kaio, and feel a searing heat against my loins. Kaio rubs himself there and I feel myself become as wet as the river. Kaio’s voice echoes into the night, and I hear myself scream like a Banshee.

I wake up in a cold sweat. My nipples are hard, and my groin is wet. I shiver as I sit up, feeling a chill go down my spine that echoes between my thighs. I reach down, feeling the heat, and when I pull my hand back, my nectar strings between my fingertips. 

I glance to Kaio, who is sleeping. His head is bowed and his antlers appear even bigger than they did last night. In my dream, he took me as his own. We made love passionately and wildly, down by the river. His mouth had been filled with blood. Perhaps that was the warning. 

I sigh as I sit there, wrapping my mind around the dream. Then I feel Kaio’s hand on my back.

“You rise early.” His voice is like a distant storm.

I glance back at him and nod. “I had a strange dream,” I whisper to him. “One I do not really feel like discussing.”

Kaio pulls me back so I am laying on his flank again. “Then don’t speak.” His hand strokes down my chest. “Let me feel it out.”

I grunt as he opens up my robe, exposing my bare skin again. I don’t fight against him, as the touch feels wonderful. I close my eyes as his strong hand moves over my belly. His fingers press my mound. They massage me, squeezing as my wetness seeps out. His breathing turns into a shallow growl. 

Soon, his fingers sink inside me. I gasp out loud and press my shoulders back against his side. As one finger finds purchase on the sensitive bud at the top of my folds, another makes its way inside me. 

Kaio’s voice comes out in a low tone, like a warning. He moves inside me, one finger tapping my bud while the other presses deep. I mewl and moan, cupping my hand over my mouth. 

“Yes,” Kaio breathes. “It’s been too long.” He places a second finger inside me and I squeeze tight around him. He laughs, sounding quite pleased. “The more you tighten, the better it feels.” He licks along his sharp teeth. “Can you feel everything?” he whispers. “The heat? The strength? Good. Take it all, want it.”

My back arches, and I cry out.

“You’ll come, no hurry in that,” Kaio laughs again. “Enjoy the journey.”

I gaze up at him, bleary-eyed. I can’t form a word to say, and I’m not even sure how I would speak to him after this. I close my eyes again, letting him control the pace. He withdraws his fingers, taking them from my channel and moving back. I squeak in alarm as his fingers prod my ass. As a finger pushes inside, I chomp down on my bottom lip. 

“Tell me to stop,” he growls. “I will.”

I shake my head and spread my legs more, urging him to continue. The sensation is strange, but not unwelcome. His finger in my ass moves slow and he eases fingers back inside my slit. He chuckles darkly, watching me become a mess because of him.

I cry out again, my thighs shaking uncontrollably. I thrust my hips forward, bucking against his hand until I can no longer move. I collapse against him, and he cups his hand over my mound.

“I used to love human women more than anything,” Kaio snarls. “I loved their pleasure.” He breathes in at the top of my head. “I loved their passion.” He nips the tip of my ear. “Your reward is that, from now on, my pleasure is your pleasure, and I will awaken every passion within you.”

I am still a quivering, shivering mess against him. I gulp down the cool air and shakily raise my hand to grab his wrist.

“What makes you think I would want such a thing?” I sit up and he dips down. His lips brush against my breasts. I feel his sharp teeth against my neck, and a sudden flood of desire washes over me again.

“You’ll be Queen,” he whispers to me. “You’ll be mine.”

I press my hands against his chest and gaze up at him. Breathing deeply, I manage to stand up. Before us on the path is the ash of the red flowers. 

“Once again,” I whisper, “what makes you think I would want that at all?”

Kaio rises from the ground and he towers above me. “Look at me,” he whispers.

I gaze up at him, losing my breath. “I am.”

Kaio smirks. He picks me up and sets me upon his back. “Let’s go home,” he says. “It has been far too long, and there is justice you promised.”

I gaze at his back, seeing the fur grows thinner there. There are spots along his shoulders that trickle down along his spine. There is a long, deep scar along his side that is colored dark green, almost black. I keep my thoughts silent.

“What are you?” I ask him softly. 

“I am a Berebide,” he answers. He glances over his shoulder at me. “Can you not tell?”

“Yes, well...” I stop myself. “There is something more to you. Something bigger. That is why I asked.”

“I will tell you later,” Kaio keeps moving forward. “But for now, it doesn’t matter.”

“Then...” I am tired to silence. I dealt with it all the day before with the Red Banshee. “Why human women?”

Kaio laughs. “Why not?”

I bite my cheek. “I mean, why do you like them so much? What makes us so special?” 

He takes in a deep breath and exhales a sensual moan. “Something about you feels better to me than anything. And you, my Queen, you will be the best of them all.”