A Fighter and her Fan Club: The price of fame!

Morticia’s idea of fun wasn’t exactly clear to the rest of the Earthshaker’s fan club, with Gob Gob wondering what exactly his monotone friend might have meant as she continued to stare at Hathiya’s rubbing hand. Ghoul culture was relatively undocumented due to the lack of Ghoul population and the fact that they were fairly solitary creatures by nature. If it weren’t for the low growling that was probably akin to a cat purr that came from Morticia, it would be hard to say if she liked or disliked Hathiya’s affectionate rubs. Brat herself didn’t seem to notice or care, too invested in cuddling Hathiya’s trunk. She was an open book, and the young goblin was happy that she was much easier to understand. Brat even had a habit of picking up emotional cues, sometimes figuring Morticia out faster than anyone else due to her sensitive ears picking up the very, very slight inflictions in Morticia’s voice.

But, all that couldn’t quell Gob Gob’s not too well hidden jealousy! To be fair, he was happy for his friends, but he adored Hathiya too! His long, pointy ears drooped as his friends enjoyed their idol. Gob Gob wanted to be mature around Hathiya, but it was hard to when he loved her just as much as the others did.

Thankfully, Hathiya was an observant type of individual. And even better, she was fair. Without any prodding, the popular idol moved over and easily swiped Gob Gob up off his chair and snuggled into him! The small goblin was gently cradled in Hathiya’s arm almost like a stuffed toy, but his bright red face gave his feelings away pretty easily. His ears wiggled, bright yellow eyes looking down and Hathiya’s powerful arm that held him up easily. Gob Gob didn’t even seem to notice the soft mattress feeling of Hathiya’s chest against his back. He was too busy thinking how cool her muscles were!

Hathiya seemed relaxed…happily cuddling her fans who all seemed astoundingly content. So much so that none of them responded to her immediately. Morticia was “purring”, Brat was cuddling, and Gob Gob was blushing. For awhile, it seemed like they were all entranced by one another, like they would stay their for hours if uninterrupted. Thankfully, Morticia had the willpower to speak up.

“Pic…ture…?” She muttered, her red eye finally moving from Hathiya’s hand to the room surrounding them. “We should…commemo…rate Hathiya’s first…visit.”

Amazingly, Morticia broke away from the rubs and stumbled to the other side of the room. There was a box that looked like it was stuffed with wires and broken pieces of technology, likely scavenged by Gob Gob during construction. Morticia seemed to know her way around that box, and pulled an old, but still put together looking camera.

“Is…that alright, Hath…iya?”

Hathiya's eyes had an affectionate tone to them, as she lovingly looked between the 3 little people in front of her. This feeling was...different, something she hadn't felt before, and she enjoyed it. It was just such a comfy feeling!

Morticia breaking out of her head rub made her look at her in curiosity, and seeing she wanted a picture, Hathiya nodded her head eagerly. "I'd love to."

With that, she did a flexing pose, sitting Gob up on her biceps, and Brat still in her trunk, bringing them such to face the camera.

Getting a photo of this rare occasion was certainly something everyone would cherish, and the other members of the Earthshaker’s fan club were truly grateful that Morticia was able to fight off Hathiya’s charm long enough to remember to actually take the photo. With Hathiya’s permission, Morticia went about setting up the camera. She was a bit slow, but that gave everyone plenty of time to get into position. While she fiddled with the camera, Hathiya moved her fans about, setting Gob Gob onto her bulging bicep that was big enough to actually be something of a seat for the small goblin. Brat meanwhile was still being cuddled by Hathiya’s trunk. The Earthshaker showed off her power, but still had an undeniable maiden charm. Her expression was sweet and wise, something that made it clear why each of her fans adored her so much.

As Morticia set the camera’s timer, she shuffled over towards the group and posed along with them. Her slouching posture was normal for her, but she flashed a two finger peace sign, since the wrapping on her face hid her happy expression and left only her doll-like eye visible. Brat was smiling ear to ear, hugging Hathiya’s trunk sweetly, the way only a youngster would. Gob Gob was clearly enjoying his seat, his green skin a shade of red as he tried his best to smile naturally, his hands unintentionally squeezing Hathiya’s muscle in disbelief. Everyone was thrilled, and even before the flash of the camera went off, they all knew that they would remember this day for years to come.

–

The night had gone on for sometime, and was quickly growing into day. The fan club building was accommodating to a point, but its lack of real windows made the occupants lose track of time. As much as they didn’t want to, they knew they had to let their idol go home and get some rest. The dark night was slowly dying away with the rising sun, and they themselves would need to rest. But none of them wanted the fun time to end.

“Will you come back and visit us again, Hathiya?”

“I’ll make sure to find you a good seat to sit on next time! A soft one!”

“A..nd we…will watch for…you on the…SRW…”

The three gathered around the Earthshaker outside, not wanting to say goodbye but having no other choice. But they all put on a smile for Hathiya, even giving the Earthshaker an envelope.

“We know you’re busy…but thanks a lot for stopping by. We all figured you might…want this, maybe…”

Inside the envelope was the picture that had been taken. The three fans each had taken a copy, but gave Hathiya the original photo. On the back, each member had given the Earthshaker a message.

You’re the coolest, Earthshaker! Keep showing your strength and rule the SRW! - Gob Gob~

I love you Miss Hathiya! I always will! <3 - Brat

Don’t give up. We’re in your corner. - Morticia.

As Hathiya carefully read the messages, her eyes quivered for a bit.

She was no stranger to fans and such, but...this was different. She hadn't ever actually talked to one before, and seeing how much these 3 looked up to her was....it was certainly different than just giving thanks to a crowd.

Her eyes looked over at the fan club, and realizing she somehow hadn't felt sleepy at all despite spending the good chunk of the night here.

"I'll certainly come back another night. I promise." As she said that promise, she picked up all 3 of them each, one last time for today, giving each one a kiss on their face as she walked out, waving her arm in goodbye to the 3 fans.

"I always keep my promises."

The moment was rather touching when viewed from afar. The three fans all received the Earthshakers love and appreciation as she picked up and kissed each one of them. All of them looked charmed and happy, smiling up at Hathiya as they said their goodbyes. Soon, Hathiya was on her way, waving to the Earthshaker Fanclub with bright memories and the promise of her return. All of them were calling out to Hathiya, saying their goodbyes, wishing her good luck on her journey in the SRW, and already missing her. It was heartwarming to watch. And they were being watched.

Eros watched from afar, her golden eyes reflecting what little light there was in the area as she tracked the Earthshaker’s departure. The last time Hathiya had seen the Head Warden and announcer of the SRW was at the meet and greet. The two exchanged some heated words, but Eros had been gone for quite some time. She never took things personally and wanted to check on her “Champion” to see what she had been up to while she was gone. Cirkot was aware of Eros’s concern for Hathiya and how much the Warden had invested in their terrific titan. But not even the Head Warden’s Acolyte knew of Hathiya’s shapeshifting psycho stalked from another world. It was Eros’s duty as a Warden to protect the citizens of Tsubar, and that included Hathiya.

So, for the time being the Head Warden was watching over Hathiya personally. She had only just returned from her meeting with the Overseer, and planned to meet with everyone the next day. She had quite a bit to talk to them about what happened at the meet and greet and how things will be handled in the future, as well as Hathiya’s “outburst”.

But that was all for tomorrow. Today, Hathiya will get to enjoy her memories and fans. Eros would return once again, and then she could get back to work~

To be continued…