3. Roxanne

Chapter 3

Roxanne

Captured

I awake and instantly massage my throbbing head with my fingers. Where the hell am I? I frantically try to recall what happened last night. Night ? I don't even know what time of the day it is anymore. Am I lying on a black marble bench? I sit up slowly, groaning as I take in my surroundings. The room is steamy, like a sauna, making it hard to see the area in its entirety. Water is running somewhere in the distance. Along the black marble walls, I see strange golden statues. Golden giants holding aloft some kind of sphere. It's hard to make out the faces, but they appear a little off.

Suddenly, I recall the terror of being attacked by those two pieces of shit in the dark alleyway. The memory sends shivers down my spine. I had a feeling something bad was going to happen, that strange sensation I was being watched ever since I left the café. I could have called a taxi, but no, I had to walk alone at night! I remember running as fast as I could, but they still caught me. Is that why I'm here? Am I being held captive?

Panicking, I run my hands over my body, searching for any signs of damage or violation, my heart racing with fear. I check myself over and find no evidence of harm and realize I am still fully clothed. I let out a deep breath, relieved. It makes little sense. What about my cell and purse? Maybe the attackers stole them, and I'm now in a helpful passerby's bathroom or something . I frantically check my coat pocket and find my cell and purse. Opening the purse with trembling hands, I discover I still have all my money in all its meager glory. Phew, that is a relief.

I check my cell, and it seems to work, but there is no signal. It must be this sauna messing with the network, no nearby Wi-Fi either. The photos of my loving parents fill me with comfort, their faces captured in moments of pure joy and happiness, their arms wrapped around each other. I remember looking at this photo after my disappointing date with Robert… Wait, this better not be Robert's parents' house. I look around for a door or window but can't see one.

Jumping off the bench, I immediately feel my head spinning, causing me to stumble and grasp the wall for support. My vision blurs and I blink rapidly, trying to regain my balance. After a few moments, the dizziness subsides and I slowly make my way to the nearest golden statue. It's enormous, towering over me and making me feel small and insignificant. Everything in this room seems massive, with high ceilings and ornate decorations that suggest this is no cheap or ordinary place. Maybe crypto really does pay!

The statue itself is a work of art, a sleek and elegant figure of a woman with a graceful, serene expression. Her ears are unnaturally long and pointed, partially covered by elaborate, intricate braids. She wears a flowing robe with a V-neckline that reveals her collarbones and a long, elaborate belt that cinches her waist. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the intricate folds of the fabric to the delicate curves of her body.

There is something odd about the belt buckle. I can make out strange symbols on it, but it doesn't look like any language I've ever seen before. At the center appears to be a button that looks to be pressable. Maybe this will open a window or something? I eagerly push the button, my curiosity getting the better of me. I glance about, hoping something opens.

A blast of icy water hits my body with a jarring force that steals my breath. The water is like tiny daggers piercing my skin, sending a chill through my body. I gasp, quickly fumbling with the button to warm it up or turn it off. Anything! But no matter how I press it, the water continues to blast me with a freezing torrent, leaving me shivering and struggling to catch my breath. Of course, it's some freaking fancy pants shower! Why am I in a shower?

I trudge away, the squishing sound of my wet socks echoes with every step, and my feet feel heavy and uncomfortable. A loud splash of water nearby catches my attention and I follow the source, hoping for answers. As I get close through the steamy vapor, I make out the shape of a man sitting, legs crossed, on the ground with his back facing me. His long, straight, glossy black hair clings down his back as he uses some comb-like instrument to scrape along his skin.

I notice what looks to be a door on the other side of the room to the man's right side. It may be possible to sneak past and get out without this guy noticing me. I tiptoe slowly toward the marble benches on the right. That's it, Roxy, as quiet as a mouse .

SQUISH.

Oh no, my wet shoes! I'm paralyzed by fear, unable to move or think clearly. I look over to where the man is sitting. A large ear twitches as he uncoils his legs and stands up. Why are his ears so pointy? He has the same strange ears as these statues.

My heart thumps in my chest, and my breathing is shallow and quick. My thoughts are all jumbled, and it's hard to focus on anything else. It's as if I'm about to burst out of my skin. The sense of impending doom is overwhelming.

Suddenly, another memory rushes into my mind with vivid clarity. A giant who came crashing down like a thunderbolt, moving with inhuman speed and strength, incapacitating my two shithead attackers. The terror I felt looking into his mask, seeing the fiery purple eyes staring so intensely, paralyzed me. Then he shot me with something after I bit his hand! Is he my savior or did he bring me back here just to kill me? Maybe something even more sinister?

My eyes widen in disbelief as I look up at the towering giant coming towards me. He's a striking sight to behold, like something from a fever dream, a God made flesh. Massive limbs corded with rippling muscles. His broad shoulders, coupled with his narrow, chiseled abdominal muscles, give that coveted V-shape that I appreciate in men. As he draws closer, I notice his rusty-red colored skin and how it glistens in the light, highlighting every contour and groove.

The giant is shockingly naked except for a single piece of brown leather around his waist. A terrible claw-like scar traces from his collarbone to his navel, giving him a strange appearance that's both beautiful and terrifying. His movements are slow and deliberate, almost graceful. I'm mesmerized by the intricate details of his body.

As I stand here, I realize that the top of my head barely reaches the giant's navel. His size is so immense that he dwarves everything around him, making me feel ridiculously tiny in comparison.

He stops at arm's length from me. "Greets, tiny female," he says, the words booming deeply.

His English takes me by surprise. The day is full of them now! He looks down at me expectantly. Our size difference reminds me of being in kindergarten, showing my toys off to the teacher.

"You health?" he says with concern in his big purple eyes that faintly glow.

"Who… What are you?" I fumble the words out while nervously taking a step back.

"No fear, Krogoth." He flashes a smile, simultaneously tapping his chest. He has two large fangs where upper incisors should be.

"Krogoth? What's a Krogoth?" I say sheepishly, struggling to think straight with his intense gaze pressing down on me, studying my every movement.

His smile drops and turns to a frown. He has large, heavy-set brows. "No. Me, Krogoth," he says, again tapping his chest. "You be?" he says, gesturing towards me with his massive hand.

"Oh, your name is Krogoth! You're not A Krogoth, right? My name is Roxanne, but I go by Roxy," I say, thinking he hasn't killed me yet, so if I play along, maybe he'll let me out of this weird place in one piece .

Krogoth stands still for what feels like ages, looking puzzled. I could almost see his brain trying to parse out the sentence. It's clear I will have to keep my language simple. Suddenly, his face lights up in delight. "Rocks! Strong and hard. Good."

I shouldn't care what the hell he calls me if it hurries me back home, but despite my best intentions, I quickly point to myself again. "No. Not Rocks. Roxy!" I say, eagerly trying to correct him. I never liked my name, and I remember the other kids in school following me around singing The Police's hit song "Roxanne." Something about a red light. I need to nip this in the bud now.

He grins. His eyes look mischievous. "You tiny. Pebbles," he says, pointing at me with his index finger. Just great. If this carries on, he will reduce my name to just TP. I need to put him on the back foot and hurry this along.

"Listen, Korgy. I'm very sleepy." I act sleepily by placing my head on my hands which are pressed together, speaking slowly. "Can you call me a taxi? I have work in the morning." I finish with my hands mimicking moving a steering wheel.

Krogoth erupts into laughter. "Korgy, meaning divine penis," he says as his shoulders shake uncontrollably. Again, I'm struck by the sheer looming size of him and take another step back.

Suddenly, he stops laughing, concern showing on his face. Is he worried that he might be frightening me? Cause he definitely is and I don't know how long I can keep up my bravado. A sense of relief washes over me, maybe I can trust him. After all, he saved me from those attackers. Maybe he is some sort of escaped genetic experiment? And am I trapped in a military laboratory that created this super soldier?

"Pebbles, already on taxi," he says with his arms opening to encompass the room.

I cross my arms in frustration. That doesn't make any sense. This guy is obviously not the smartest cookie in the jar. I need a fresh line of questions. "WHY IS PEBBLES HERE?" I say, obnoxiously slowly and loudly, trying to mimic his own use of words. It's incredibly rude, but the time for politeness is over. I have work tomorrow!

Krogoth smiles again and says, "You Krogoth Mortakin-Kis." There is that mischievous look in his eyes again. My heart sinks. This hulking giant has intentions for me other than dropping me off home, and I know now that I might never see my friends or apartment again.

I brace myself as I ask, "WHAT IS MORTAKIN-KIS?" my voice shaking, barely holding the hysteria at bay.

He looks thoughtful with his hand rubbing his chin, eyes looking up. "Hmm. Eternal female. Wife," he quickly says, so matter of fact. Purple eyes stare eagerly for a reaction. Wife! No, this is not happening. This cannot be happening. It must be an elaborate prank. Any second now, people are going to run in, laughing and holding cameras.

Terror grips me as I realize his almost nakedness might have more sinister motives than I initially thought. What if he tries to consummate a marriage right here, right now? I take a little comfort that I'm fully clothed.

I take another few steps back. "I can't marry you… I'm already married!" I blurt out in a rush. It is probably too fast for him to understand. Krogoth immediately bounds forward at a speed I didn't think possible for his size, closing the distance between us. I just about get my arms up protectively.

He gently places his huge hand on my cheek, tilting my face from one side to the other. His head bows lower for a closer inspection with his intense purple eyes. I can hear and feel his breath on my face and neck. He has a pleasant, scented smell that reminds me of leather and smoke.

He next takes my left hand, laying it flat on his giant palm. The contrast in size makes me feel like a child. Flipping it over and inspecting both sides, then repeating the process with my other hand, he is incredibly gentle with his movements. Looking slightly down, I notice a ridiculously large bulge outlined suggestively against his loincloth mere inches from my boobs. Divine penis indeed!

Finally done with his inspection, Krogoth lets my hand slip free as he stands straight again. "No bond marks. No bond tokens," he says, relieved. "Pebbles hunts human male Robert Mortakin-Kai?" he asks, looking eagerly for an answer. How did he know of Robert?

He is looking for a ring on my finger. He knows I'm lying. I assume Mortakin-Kai is like a wife but must refer to the male as a husband. What a horrible thought, marrying Robert. "Yes, I seek Robert as Mortakin-Kai!" I say with conviction, attempting to make the lie believable.

Krogoth narrows his purple eyes in a disapproving fashion. "You lie, female," he rumbles, for the first time appearing annoyed at me. "Bah! I watch Pebbles reject male Robert," he says, bringing his head closer to mine. "Not matter. If true, I challenge male Robert Krak-Tok." I feel sick to my stomach. That sounds too ominous to be anything good, which means I've just guaranteed Robert's death. This is why I should never lie!

I look into his eyes. "I'm sorry, I lied. Robert is not my boyfriend-kai," I plead.

He looks pleased, moving his head back and standing straight. "Good, you return lie." He smiles at me again. "Pebbles, no time, must hurry. Wash." He slowly reaches under my armpits and lifts me as easily as if I were a doll and begins carrying me toward one of the golden statues.

"No, thank you, I'm still recovering from my last icicle shower," I blurt out, shocked. He sets me down beside a statue and presses the belt buckle, then turns it clockwise. Steamy water immediately rushes out of the statue's globe.

Krogoth runs his massive hand through the water, saying, "Water warm." I pass my hand through it next to discover he's right. I nervously begin taking my soaked coat off. Setting it aside, I notice Krogoth is still standing there expectantly.

"I'm not getting naked in front of you, Krogoth. It's not happening," I say firmly, hoping to dissuade him.

But Krogoth simply smiles after a moment, stating, "Human over modest. No hide."

Easy for him to say with a body like a Greek God! A devilish idea pops into my head. "Krogoth lies. Krogoth still wears clothes," I say, smiling, eyes traveling slowly down to his loincloth, emphasizing my point. Hopefully, the contradiction will force him to concede and give me some peace to shower alone.

Krogoth erupts into laughter while simultaneously ripping off his brown leather loincloth. This has backfired horribly! Or brilliantly, a naughty part of me thinks . "Tiny Pebbles correct. No modesty," he says, looking far too pleased with himself.

Through the steam, I can see his earthen-red colored cock swinging lewdly between his legs. It is nearly as long as my forearm and thicker than I imagine I could wrap my hand around. It has many ridges and bumpy bits along the shaft, which ends with a head even wider than the rest. The tip is similar in shape to what I am used to, except along the edges, it has ball shaped raises, along with a bigger hole in the tip. Such an immense, majestic member, it both excites and scares me.

My cheeks flush crimson at the sight of it. For one mad moment, I feel the urge to reach out and hold it in my hands, wondering how his hefty manhood would feel. I savagely repress the thought, instead turning my gaze away from the bawdy scene. No, this is crazy. I need to focus and get the hell out of here, not hook up with an incredibly odd looking stranger in a shower.

Calm down, Roxy, deep breaths. I breathe slowly, the steamy air filling my lungs. After a few moments, I feel my senses returning. "If you promise not to look, I'll get washed," I say, promising.

Almost imperceptible purple mist is rising from Krogoth's eyes which scan my body hungrily. "I swear. We meet after," he says, pointing towards the door I had attempted to sneak out before.

He flashes me a smile before turning and gracefully stalking towards the door and out. He has a great ass too! I wait a few moments to make sure he's keeping good on his promise before I walk to the black marble benches and begin slowly removing my clothes, which are still soaked completely through. It feels good taking them off, especially the socks. The traitorous socks that had got me busted! I plop them onto the bench.

I return to the shower and step under the hot water. It hits me with its wonderful warmth, running down my face, over my breasts and down my legs, soothing my aches and pains as it travels . I could stay here forever. I try to be thorough, scrubbing every inch of my body. Wish he had left me some soap and shampoo . I remember to check the door to make sure he isn't peaking. Thankfully, the room is still empty bar me. It's a good sign I can trust him to honor his word.

Finishing my shower, I turn off the water as I take a deep breath, knowing I must head to the next room, unsure of what comes next. I put my coat back on and carry the rest of the clothes. The damp fabric against my skin causes me to shiver, but I refuse to go completely nude into the unknown. Approaching the door, I slow, seeing no obvious handle, but as I get closer, it splits in the middle and slides open automatically.

I step inside and see black marble benches in the middle of the room. Along two sides of the room an array of black glossy marble lockers sits. The other sides each have a door and mirrors framed in beautiful, intricately carved wood. The walls are also colored black, made of yet more marble. There are strange lights in the ceiling casting off a warm purplish light, giving the place a trendy gym vibe.

My eyes dart nervously to the colossal figure of Krogoth standing near the door, waiting for me. He has changed into a simple brown woolen robe that reminds me of an old monk's robe. A thick length of leather secures it in the middle. In stark contrast to the simple robe, a thick black fur cloak hangs on his back, fastened in the middle with a gold chain. Each of his shoulders holds a monstrous giant clawed paw draped over the top, making him look even more majestic.

He holds a bundle of clothes in his hands. "Take, beautiful," he says, his purple eyes scanning me up and down, wearing a smile. For some bizarre reason, it feels reassuring to see him happy. I reach up to take the bundles of clothes from him while he takes my old clothes. Judging by how they feel, they are probably the same robes he is wearing. Is this a cult thing? If he offers me Kool-Aid, I am running in the opposite direction. I take off my coat, then remember Krogoth is standing nearby. He has already turned round, moving to place my clothes into a locker, giving me privacy, which is a gracious gesture from the giant whatever he is.

I slip out of my coat and unfold the robes. I lift the huge thing up over my head and let it envelop me in darkness as I struggle to wiggle my arms through the sleeves and get my head through the neckline. Eventually, I can see the room again. It feels really heavy! I look in the mirror across the room and am horrified to see this stupidly huge robe covering me! My arms are only halfway down the sleeves, and there are huge flaps of material everywhere. I feel like a child who's playing dress-up with their parents' clothes.

I hear Krogoth's familiar laughter ringing in my ears. "This smallest here!" he exclaims, effortlessly gliding towards me.

"You did this on purpose, you big joker!" I say in disbelief, pointing at him. The sight of my armless sleeves flapping around me only adds to the ridiculousness of the situation.

He is laughing even louder now, standing in front of me. "Stop," he says, holding up his right hand with his palm facing me. Suddenly, his fingers extend into four-inch-long claws. I gasp at the sight and involuntarily take a step back. "No fear, cut robe," he says, nodding at my sleeves.

"Okay," I say, watching him intently, trying not to tremble. Krogoth, with his eyes narrowed and focused, begins deftly cutting away the excess material, cleanly slicing through, leaving no rough edges. Wouldn't want to pick your nose with those out .

Again, I'm struck by his otherness. What on earth is he? He moves to my feet, expertly trimming the fabric until my hands and feet are visible once again. "Thanks," I say, smiling, looking at him and waving my hands around. He stands up, locking eyes with me as he ties a leather belt around my midsection. He's so gentle. His touch lingers, caressing more than is necessary. He wants to do more. I can see it in his intense eyes.

I feel overwhelmed by Krogoth's intense gaze in this unfamiliar place and situation, so I glance away. He finishes tying my belt and stalks off to the far door. "Come, Pebbles," he says, gesturing for me to follow. I put my coat in the locker with the rest of my clothes as I pass. I approach the door, noticing a blue holographic panel that Krogoth is tinkering with. It has strange symbols on the buttons, not like anything I've seen before.

"We clean," Krogoth says as he finishes pressing buttons on the panel. My stomach churns as a loud hissing sound assaults my ears. Suddenly, white smoke bursts from the ceiling in great blooming clouds, gradually filling the room. My first instinct is to get lower to not breathe the smoky air, but I notice Krogoth standing still, unconcerned, breathing normally. "Safe," he assures, looking down at me. I let the smoke wash over me. It has no smell, and I don't feel the need to cough.

"Good," Krogoth says before his eyebrows furrow with concern. "Be strong." His words cause my hands to tremble, and I feel a knot forming in my stomach. I do not know what lies waiting on the other side of that door. Krogoth gently reaches down, taking my trembling hand and holds it in his massive hand while simultaneously pressing a symbol on the console. I should be running screaming, but for some weird reason I feel safe with this strange red giant.

An opening in the middle of the door appears as the mechanism groans loudly, straining to separate the two-foot-thick metal doors. Krogoth leads me by the hand as we step out through the opening. It's hard to see past the smoke obscuring my vision as it bellows out in front of us, escaping the room.

As we step further into the corridor, I am immediately drawn to the large window. Such a beautiful night sky. The moon, in particular, looks fantastically bright and huge. I can make out every crater and bump. I can't take my eyes off it. I follow it with my head as it passes behind, out of sight. Behind ? My heart races, threatening to burst from my chest as I rush towards the window to get a better view.

My legs give out from under me as I behold the view of Earth nestled between an unknown number of stars. It looks serene, radiating a blue glow, totally at odds with my increasingly rapid heartbeat.

"No! This is impossible! I need to go back! Take me back!" Krogoth is an alien and I'm on a spaceship floating in space! My mind races, trying to make sense of it all. I'm being abducted by a giant alien that wants to marry me . I'll never see my friends again, or my apartment, or even Mr. Swanson's little orange cat, Binkie. Is my fate to be held captive, lost in space, as some kind of perverse sex slave to this hulking exhibitionist?

I can't control my breathing before I hyperventilate. Krogoth lifts me into his arms with ease, cradled against his massive form. "Pebbles safe. You safe," he repeats as he quickly travels along the corridor. Tears well up in my eyes as I sob uncontrollably. Unable to think, I barely notice my surroundings.