User blog:ExdeathsBagel/Hell Around Town (WWYD by Flamebiplane)

WWYD by Flamebiplane: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:613093

Upon hearing the Hellhound, the people spring into action. Women take men, be they husbands, boyfriends, sons, or even strangers, and bring them to their barricaded houses. Any men caught without such protection is immediately escorted by guards to the guardhouse for their protection. Such precautions have been drilled into all our minds since the Wererabbit swarm a many months back, but that’s a tale for another time, all that needs to be known is that I became mayor when our previous one fled in wake of the swarm.

Now, it was just me, my assistant, a few guards, and the pack of Hellhounds visible behind the one just barely prying open the door, and I approach her, trying to hide my hesitation. It was not easy however, for while I stand a good five feet twelve inches, the normal Hellhound usually stands at six even seven feet, and I am but skin and bones compared to the muscle that dominates Hellhounds. And the muscles she was using to pry to wooden gate was no ordinary wood. The wood in question was known by the merchants as Stonewood, for it toughness and weight is akin to stone, we had it replaced or former simple wooden gate after the Wererabbit incident, and this beast was prying open a massive gate that no doubt weighed nearly weight half a ton.

The Hellhound gave me a smirk as I approached her, “I can smell your fear, you know? You the mayor of this place?”

I look into her eyes, trying to calm my beating heart, “Yes, and as the mayor I know my people very well. The men here are far from the most able-bodied types you can get your paws on. There is a town further south, far richer and one that specializes in raising knights. They would certainly suit your fancy.”

To the outsider, it might appear I am throwing another town under the bus, but said town to the south did not raise just any ordinary knights, but rather ones for the Order. Despite our vast differences in how we treat mamonos, they were instrumental to dealing with the Wererabbits, and would certainly relish in the chance to dirty their blades in the blood of Hellhounds.

Not that the Hellhound knew this, for all they knew, I was being cruel, and I was hoping that feigned cruelty would have them reconsider, after all, no mamono, not even ones as devout as Kikimora, could stand living with men that would not hesitate to stab another in the back.

Yet this Hellhound only grinned, “Ooh, sacrificing one town for the safety of your own? How cowardly of you, Mr. Mayor.”

That angered me, “I am no coward!”

“Then come out with me and spar me! If you win, I’ll leave your town and head to that southern town you so generously left to be consumed.”

I would’ve taken her up on that had not my assistant noticed my expression and order guards to hold me back.

“Thomas, calm down! She’s only trying to trick you. A wretched beast like her would not hold her word.” My assistant began, “She does not know you, not like we do, and we know you are no coward. Now calm yourself, I doubt this town could survive if we lost another mayor.”

I began to calm down, “Thank you, Wellager.” He just saved my hide, another reason to be grateful to him. He’s always been there for me, always patiently helping me ease into my duties as mayor, and always proud of my progress. He’s like a second father to me.

The Hellhound tilted her head, “So, you’re name’s Thomas? Thomas, the cowardly mayor!” She chuckled, “I will let you in on a little secret, Thomas, come closer.”

I did not take a step forward, and the Hellhound look irritated, “I being truthful this time. I do have something important to tell you, very important. And I want to relish in your fear when I tell you it, for you will then know defending your people is pointless.”

I couldn’t hide my fear after that statement, and after looking to Wellager, he nodded at me to go forward. I moved closer to the gate, two guards with spear pointed and ready to gouge out the beast’s eyes at a moment’s notice.

After stopping a few inches in front of her, she bent down and leaned her head through the slightly ajar gates. The spears were no doubt mere centimeter’s from her eyes, yet there was no fear in them, indeed, only the glint of a dirty secret sparked with in.

<p class="MsoNormal">And from her sickly sweet breath she uttered a secret that made my blood run cold. Seven words that nearly made me faint.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I can open these gates with ease.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She then slammed them shut, the gust of wind from the sudden motion blowing away any doubts, and the shaking of its foundations was mimicked by the shaking of my knees. As guards stumbled back, Wellager ran to me, noticing my weakened state.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thomas, are you okay? What did she say?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I answered him, as I only trusted him with the information, I had to send off the guards, “Guardsmen, evacuate the men from their homes and into the guardhouse, prepare the emergency exit for them and use and reinforce the gaurdhouse with any spare barricades.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The guardsmen bowed before running off, Wellager gave me a worried look.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We don’t have much time Wellager, they’re just playing with us. They can open these gates any time they wish.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Wellager paled, but began to ponder, “How much time do you think they’ve ‘graciously’ given us?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I thought for a moment, before coming to a startling realization, “Wellager, when is the next full moon?” My mouth turned dry as I asked the question.

<p class="MsoNormal">Wellager paused, before his eyes went wide with fright, “Tonight, sir.”

<p class="MsoNormal">If it wasn’t for Wellager’s quickness I would’ve fallen, “Thank you. Wellager, we’ll need to evacuate everyone to the southern town, Volerence. I know you hate the Order as much as everyone does, but we’ll need their protection, and more importantly, we’ll need to lead the Hellhounds away from here. The full moon will bring out the worse of them, and not only will our men be transformed, but this town will be cinders!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Calm down Thomas, that is one option, but why not use a messenger to send aid from Volerence to here? I’m certain our fastest messenger can make it back here in half a day.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I took a deep breath, “Good thinking. Tell the guardsmen to find the best messenger we’ve got and tell him to use the escape tunnel as an entrance and exit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">As Wellager went to find a guard, I made my way back to my office. The largest building in this town, I’ve been able to see the large Hellhound pack surrounding our town for days. At first I thought our attrition was frustrating them, but now knowing their secret, I see them now as a pack of rabid wolves circling wounded prey, gorging themselves on its fear as an appetizer before gorging on the flesh within.

<p class="MsoNormal">I nearly jumped as I heard my door knocked and Wellager and a guardsman came in.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My lord, the messenger made it through the escape tunnel and is heading to Volerence.” the guard uttered the towns name with great distaste.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I understand your displeasure for Volerence, it is shared between all of us, however, do not let such feeling show when they are around. We need to keep our debt to them as minimum as possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will my lord, but…I’m afraid there’s more.” The guard said hesitantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What’s wrong?” I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">When the guard would not answer, Wellager stepped forward, a solemn look on his face, “As soon as the messenger disappeared from view, the tunnel collapsed. From what tracks we could see, and from the very size of them, it was none other than that large Hellhound. I think her message is clear.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt a lump in my throat, “Right. Then…move the men out of the barracks and back to their homes. The guardhouse has been compromised, take every weapon you can out of their too.” The guard nodded and ran off.

<p class="MsoNormal">I collapsed into my chair, “I’m not going to say it Wellager, I want to believe we still have a chance in this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And I admire you for staying strong, but, there truly isn’t much we can do now other than hold out until help from Volerence arrives.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I look back out the window, down at the pack, “By this point Wellager, I’m willing to pay whatever price they ask for. Hell, I’ll join the Order if that’s what they want.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Through the glass’ faint reflection I could see Wellager smile as he put his hand on my shoulder, “I’m proud of you for that. The former mayor was never so selfless. If you have to convert to the Order, and even if the entire town turns on you, know that I will never leave your side.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled back at his reflection, feeling tears well up in my eyes, “Thank you, Wellager.”

<p class="MsoNormal">This moment of ease was abruptly shattered as a guard came running in, “My lord! Wellegar! Come quick, a beast has breached our walls! We’ve subdued it, though we have no idea how it got in.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Wellager and I followed the man as we ran through the building. Though I am glad this beast has not caused any damage, I know my guards are capable men, no man can simply subdue a Hellhound. As we raced through halls and doors so did my mind as to this mamono’s intentions.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Hellhound was just outside, in the courtyard, and I was grateful many citizens had either boarded their windows or closed their blinds, less panic and disorder spread. While both her hands were secure behind her back, a guard for each, she did not look to worried, more so ignored.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re the mayor right? Tell these men to let me go before I make them. I’m on your side.” The Hellhound says.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A likely story, beast!” The guard to her right says.

<p class="MsoNormal">She turns to him, “Watch your tone boy, I’m in heat just like the rest of them, but I’ve still got an ounce of self-control left, self-control you’re testing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She turns back to me, and we lock eyes for a moment before I speak, “What is your name?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Irina.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“How did you get through our defenses?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina scoffed, “You call a few boards of some fancy wood defense? That hole Helena dug-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“The large Hellhound?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, she’s the leader of the pack. Anyways, she never bothered to seal the hole she dug, and your wood was a flimsy excuse of that, so here I am.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are any other Hellhounds going to bust through?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why?” Wellager ask. “Do they fear Helana that much? And what about you? You could’ve gone after any man with impunity, why choose to expose yourself?

<p class="MsoNormal">The Hellhound went silent, but Wellager kept pushing, meeting her with a steely glare, “Answer us, beast! This town in the midst of being swarmed, and while this is a kingdom divided between Order and non-Order, I’m sure many courts will be willing overlook what we’d do to you to get information.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina quickly began talking, “Look, Helena’s the leader, you know? And she rules us with an iron fist. When those Hellhounds break in, most will be lucky to get a one night stand in before Helena takes them for her harem and transforms them into Incubi.” The guard to her left paled at this.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sick of it, I’m sick of seeing my sisters and friends being treated like dirt, but they’re all too afraid to do anything. That’s why I let myself be captured, I want to help!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And how will a single Hellhound help us against a pack and their leader?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina paused, “I…I,”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What’s wrong, beast? You were so cocky a moment ago.” The guard to her right jeered.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Irina didn’t reply, her eyes went wide and she began to whisper to herself, we went silent so we could hear her, “Dear God, I am an idiot. I can’t her. When Helena finds out I’ve entered the town without permission, she’ll kill me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s right, and damn well should she!” The guard to her right said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Enough of that! Or I’ll throw you to the pack.” I say warningly. I pounder for a moment, “Irina, Helena’s going to kill you if she finds you went in without her permission?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina looked up, and unbecoming of her species, her eyes were full of tears and her face was painted in an expression of horror, “Yes! Do you have any idea how terrible life is under her thumb?! Just one misstep and you aren’t eating that night!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wellager, I have an idea. Tell Helena we have one of her pack members, tell her to come in alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No! Please!” Irina cried as Wellager quickly moved in the direction of the front gate.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at Irina, “Irina, you said Helena had your friends and family under her thumb right? Don’t you want to free them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No shit do I want them free! But you know what?! I’m terrified of her, there I said it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked down at Irina in pity, “Irina, I know the feeling of facing down something you’re terrified against.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Did it have claws and razor sharp teeth?” She jeered.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, but it might as well have. I faced monster too, but I never really took them on. I let them push me and shove around until they were out of my life. I am always grateful for that, but I fear when that doesn’t happen and I do have to face them down.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Where are you going with this?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Helena won’t be going away, but you have an opportunity I missed, to fight back and get them out of you and your loved ones lives. That monster I knew is still out there, probably making someone else’s life hell, but you can get rid of Helena right now so she’ll never hurt anyone again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina paused, thinking over my words, before quickly wrenching her right hand free and wiping her face, “Thank you, Thomas. You’ve got a good point. I won’t just sit around and let her have her way anymore. So, I guess your plan is to bring to me so I can fight her off?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And what if your little speech didn’t get through to me?” She said with a smirk.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We would’ve been screwed.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, well, you don’t have to worry about that. Helena’s gonna pay for all the pain she’s caused to me, my family, and my friends!”

<p class="MsoNormal">As if on cue, Helena’s voice echoed throughout the town, “Irina! You wretched bitch, come out!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Wellager quickly led her to us, and by the time they came into view, his knees were shaking in fear as he quickly moved to our side. He noticed Irina’s fearless glare at Helena, and gave me a confusing look.

<p class="MsoNormal">Helena smiled as she locked eyes with Irina, though there was only malicious in her fangs, “You got something to say for yourself Irina? I thought I told everyone to wait until the full moon. Mr. Mayor, Thomas right? I heard your men detained her, I wish to express my gratitude for saving me the time of hunting her. How’s about a permanent place in my harem?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“He won’t take it, no man willing takes a place in your harem. Really shows you shitty you are with men.” Irina said.

<p class="MsoNormal">Helena tilted her head, “Ooh, a few minutes out of the pack and you already developed quite a mouth. Thomas, if you don’t mind I’m taking her out for some discipline, again, I promise you a place in my harem.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You aren’t taking her anywhere, nor are you in any place to negotiate.” I say. I wish I could share Irina’s fearlessness, but I’m certain I could not entirely hide the shaking in my voice as Helena’s grin widened.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Excuse me?” She asked

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re separated from your pack, the pack that fears and despises you. The only time you’re gonna get to negotiate is when your groveling at my feet.” Irina says as she begins cracking her knuckles.

<p class="MsoNormal">Helena pauses, staring at her, before bursting out laughing, “Has your time outside the pack made you think you’re invincible? And now you think you can beat me down. Who do you think gives you food, water, shelter, ma-”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina charged faster than Helena could react and deliver a right hook with an air rupturing boom. “I hunt for food when you’ve left us starved!”

<p class="MsoNormal">She follows this with a gut punch that practically lifts Helena off the ground, “I drink the filthiest water when you bath in pure rivers!”

<p class="MsoNormal">A punch in between Helena’s eyes certainly breaks her nose as she stumbles back, “I endure the cold with the others when you sleep soundly in raided households!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina then grabs Helena by the wrist and pulls her in, then hoist her over her shoulders, “And I haven’t fucked in weeks!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Taking aim at the nearby fountain, Irina chucks Helena with such force it shatters most of it. Water and blood mix as it spills to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">Slowly rising, her fur a tatter, bloody mess, Helena gives Irina a grin so fearsome the Demon Lord would shutter at its sight. Irina stands firm, and contrary to the events prior, has an expression of tranquil fury. No more words are said, only the sound of crackling as flames erupt from their wrist, ankles, and eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">The two collide with such force that the air erupts in a sudden blast of heat as a circle around them in scorched. I feel Wellager and the guardsmen drag me to the safety of the office, but I remain planted on the front porch once there.

<p class="MsoNormal">As two contest in strength, Helena kicks Irina away before following with a claw slash that meets its mark across Irina’s cheek. Irina retaliates with an uppercut, and follows with a kick that is caught by Helena, who tosses her into a nearby tree, bursting it into flames.

<p class="MsoNormal">It erupts into splinters and ashes as Helena tackles her through it and into the garden of the courtyard. I can only watch as Helena pounds her into the dirt, each hit creating a burst of flame that slowly expands, burning more and more roses. Irina suddenly lets out an earth shaking roar before her hands suddenly shoot up and grab Helena’s throat before rolling on top of her and doing the same.

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina pounds harder and harder, but now with such force the very ground is giving way to her assault, and they begin to descend. After a few moments, the only indicator that they are still fighting is the sound of Irina’s fist and the trembling of earth.

<p class="MsoNormal">The silence that dominates afterwards is intimidating, as if the very world was watching Irina’s fight. Climbing out of the crater, Irina stumbles to us, before a harsh light erupts from behind her. As she turns, out climbs what can no longer be mamono, but a thing taking a Hellhound’s shape made of pure orange flame, its eyes and mouth shaped into a malicious grin are glowing white and piercing.

<p class="MsoNormal">As this thing climbs out, flames snaked out of it and consumed whatever was left of the courtyard. As it stares down Irina, she dawns the first expression of fear she’s had since the fight began, but a voice echoes from her right. It’s a group of Hellhounds and Wellager! At some point he must’ve order the gates opened to let them in.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You can do this Irina!” One of them shouts.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Defeat the tyrant and set us free!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re the only one who can stand up to her!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina turns back to the thing, now no longer afraid, and too erupts into flames, though there is no grin on her face, only two piercing eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">The two flames charge and collide, and will promote whoever guard dragged me behind cover to captain, for as they collided there was a great flash, and all around me the office was in flames. At the center of this collision, in a circle soot that was blacker than black, stood two ash gray figures, each with a fist extended, one hitting the face of the other, the other fist mere hairs away.

<p class="MsoNormal">The struck figure collapsed, I could tell who was standing from the slice across her face that the victor was Irina. She was staring down at Helena, and as she heard me approach, a glare stopped me in my tracks.

<p class="MsoNormal">From what I could see, Helena was near death. Her face was caked in blood, an eye was swollen shut, and she was gurgling blood. She quickly turned her head to spit it out, as well as a few teeth, before looking to Irina with a single pleading eye.

<p class="MsoNormal">“P-please, Irina, d-don’t kill me.” She begged.

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina spat out some blood and a tooth, “What did I say Helena? The only chance you’d get at negotiating was groveling at my feet. So go ahead, give me run good reason why I shouldn’t kill you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Helena chocked and stammered as she tried to come up with a reason, but could think of none and instead wailed, “Please! Please spare me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“So you can’t think of something? Fine! I’ll give you a reason!” Irina brought her foot up and stomped down, Helena cried as the ground next to her cracked, “Because that’s what you would do! A monster like you would never think to spare someone! I won’t go down that path, I won’t end up like you! So go! You are banished from the pack!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina stepped back as Helena paused, before slowly rising to her feet, and despite her situation, began to laugh a sickening, chocking laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal">Irina simply glared at her, “What’s so funny Helena? I might’ve let you go, but trust me, after all the shit you put me and everyone through, no one, no one else would’ve spared you for this, and many would’ve killed you for less.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Helena stopped laughing and paled turned pale, Irina continued, “I pray this is a lesson to you, that you at least try to change your ways. Now go! Leave here and never return! For if someone else from the pack spots ever spots you, you will be dead where you stand!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Helena quickly turned and stumbled away, the pack giving her way, and with a trail of ash she soon disappeared into the forest.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A few moments of silence pass, before I quickly recall the situation and tell the guards to bring as many water buckets as they can and find the Dark Mage’s in their homes so they can summon rain to quell these flames. I was grateful I got my orders out in time, for afterwards cheers echoes through the pack, many hug each other as Irina joins them, but not before giving me a look of gratitude.

<p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully, the fires and quickly put under control, but even the resident Troll believes the flames have burnt the existing soil beyond all repair, and a massive undertaking will need to be done to restore the courtyard to its former glory. The messenger made it back shortly after that, claiming the Order soldiers from Volerence quickly retreated upon hearing the two Hellhound fighting and seeing the flash, much to everyone’s amusement.

<p class="MsoNormal">The remaining Hellhounds were quickly welcomed into our town, and many found a place with the single men of town, even Irina, though one day, she met me in private to say something.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I just wanted to say thank you. If it weren’t for your little pep talk, none of this would’ve been possible. Your words helped me gather the courage to face Helena and save the pack, you’ve earned my respect. We are grateful to be residence here, and know that we will always stand by your side!”