Monsters

by Drakewolf15

Humans and demons. They all live out their individual lives in this world. Legends in our history come to be due to events involving demons crossing over and interacting with humans. Who is evil? Who is good? Are demons really spawns of Satan or are they just creatures of the earth trying to survive in a world where they are hated and feared?

1. Lord Asterock

Monsters

Lord Asterock's Awakening

Cole

The only way anyone can live life peacefully is if fate has no interest in them. This can lead to what some would call a boring life, but I don't really mind. My life is pretty good with nothing to complain about. I live in a log cabin in the middle of a forest outside the town of Genlin. Other than that I'm not actually where I am, I don't have much of a memory. All I can remember is waking up here in the forest which is where I met Aria who led me to an old, abandoned cabin and helped me calm down. She took care of me for a while until I got a hold of myself and accepted that I didn't remember my past and move on. I fixed up the cabin so it could be a nice place for her to live in. I was ready to leave and go out and see what I could discover about myself but Aria didn't want me to leave. So in the end, we live together in these forever snowing woods.

The cold doesn't bother me very much so I'm usually outside with just a t-shirt and shorts. It's the middle of winter right now so I'm wearing jeans and a black sweatshirt with the hood down. I've got an average build, not too big and not too small, average height for a full grown male, dark brown hair that almost covers my eyes which are also dark brown. I have no idea how old I am, I don't have an idea or anything so I just let the folks in town guess how old I am. I never drive so it's not an issue on how old I am.

I heard footsteps from inside the cabin that told me Aria was awake. I was standing on a tree stump right out the front door in the snow just looking around; if she needed me she would let me know. Aria is as old as I am, which I'm guessing is 17 or 18, and she has light brown hair that goes down a little past her shoulder with light brown eyes. She looks like a 14 year old girl being as short and small-breasted as she is, but she is still very cute. The last thing about her is that she doesn't ever talk. I don't know if it's because she can't or she doesn't want to for some reason, but she hasn't spoken a word since we first met. Most of the time she motions with her hands or shakes her head for yes and no but for longer conversations she with pen and paper which is how I know how old she is and how she convinced me to stay, something that is left to tell another time. As far as the people in town know, she is my little sister. Sometimes I believe it myself and other times I'm kind of glad she isn't.

There is a reason Aria and I don't live with other people. I am a werewolf. I'm not quite sure what Aria is because I've never seen her shift but I just have a feeling that she's like me, hiding her true self under human flesh. From research that I've gathered, the longer a werewolf lives the easier it is for it to shift between forms without pain. I can shift from human to beast then back again instantly and without any pain. It isn't much of a clue to my past but it does tell me that I am way older than I look. With each year I live here I come closer to realizing that I'm most likely immortal. It worries me….how long can we keep living near Genlin? A few more years will be fine but it won't take them long to figure out we look the same after 20 years. I shouldn't worry about that, won't have to worry for a while. But if anything happens to Aria…

Soft, warm hands cupped around my right hand that I just now realized was clenched into a fist. I turned to look down at Aria, who is wearing a gray sweatshirt with a skirt of the same color. She's resistant to the cold as much as I am. I unclenched my hand then stepped down from the stump. This is why I worry about her, she's just so delicate. Aria brought my hand to the middle of her chest and gave me a small smile.

I pull her into a hug "You're always there to keep me calm aren't you?" she responded by burying her face further into my sweatshirt. This made me laugh "Alright, come on. Let's get inside and see what we need to get from the store today. You can come with me today and pick out something you want, okay?" She looked up with a bright smile and tugged me into the house by my hand.

Jack

"Pathetic humans. You dare intrude into my Mistresses temple? You will all die!" I roar and bring my claws up through one the humans' lower jaw, piercing the brain. I remember when I used to be one of them. Now I am a full-blooded demon. It's all thanks to Eris, the Witch of the Moon. I used to be a werecoyote, a human infected with demon blood, but I can no longer take a human form. A small price to pay for power. My wereform has changed; I now have two horn spikes on the top of my head, a long bone spike on each arm, and a long whip tail.

For the last few years I have stood guard over Eris' temple, killing all who would attempt to enter without permission. The humans trying to enter the ancient Mayan ruins were dressed in black suits but each of them had a golden cross above their left breast pocket. They were clearly sent by the Vatican and showed that they were capable of killing many demons. Heh, lower demons maybe. They came using guns, swords, and knives blessed by priests meant to do the damage average weapons could not. They only left minor cuts and annoying jabs at best and the verse readers towards their rear were supposed to use certain Bible verses that would instantly destroy the demon that was weak to it.

But they do not know my verse. All they know to do is to read from the beginning as fast possible. I throw the body still stuck on my claws at two advancing swordsman causing them stumble back. I use my speed to rush behind them and raise my fists and smash them both into the ground at once. I feel the sting of bullets on my back like bees on a bear. I am stronger than the humans but there are many of them and the readers are getting further. I didn't expect to have to use any of my true power, but for Eris's safety I must.

I turn to the remaining humans, at the number of thirty, and raise my right arm to block my face from the gunmen's attacks. The marks of a crescent moon, half moon, and full moon begin to glow from beneath my fur. I don't need much so I quickly pierce the crescent moon with a claw. I feel a surge of power run through me, the lunar power blessed upon me by Eris. I launch myself high into the air with a strong leap and I feel the wind rush through my fur as I fall back down to the earth.

As I slam into the ground I make sure my right hand hits at the same time as my feet. This causes a sort of field to break my fall, causing a small crater and sending a shockwave of invisible energy and debris towards the humans. As I stand, watching them fiery eyes, they give way to fear and run. Only ten of them are left to flee and report another failure. I walk over to a statue of a jaguar that is at the base of the great steps and use a claw to scratch another tally mark. My 99th straight victory this year.

A sudden tingling in my arm alerts me to the renewing of the crescent mark. The extreme burning sensation that follows is enough to bring me to my knees, make my eyes squeeze shut, and snarl out of pain. Even though it was just the first seal, the repercussion is still great.

"Jack!" said a sweet yet worried followed by hurried footsteps tell me that Eris sensed that I used my power.

By the time she gets to me, most of the pain has subsided and I am back on my feet holding my arm "Everything…is alright. The humans have been taken care of." I say to her with a calm voice. Looking down at her, she was wearing a white robe with the hood covering her beautiful blond hair. The look from her blue eyes hits me harder than any sword. She doesn't look like a witch because she was once a priestess that was exiled for what she believed in.

She placed her hands over where the burning was and it glowed underneath her hand as the pain melted away "That's not what I'm worried about. You know you're only supposed to release the seals in an emergency."

"If there is even the slightest chance someone might make it past me, it is always an emergency." I say then brush a claw gently across her cheek. Before I became infected, maybe we could have ended up together. Heh, though I'm sure I was the only one with those feelings.

She took a step back placing her hands on her hips "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. You know that."

I nod my head with a toothy grin. Eris tries to continue glaring but she just breaks into a laugh. My look turns serious as I glance at the bodies of the fallen humans "They were pretty determined this time. Have you found something?"

She sighed and placed her arms across her chest "I think so. While I was searching for more information on the stone, it started going into the legend of the Ice King. I believe that if we find where the Ice King is or, at least, where he used to be, we can find the stone."

She was talking about the Black Stone which is the key to making her dream come true. Her dream is bring humans and demons together in harmony. She hasn't told me her plan past the Black Stone but I haven't asked. I don't really care though; I'll do anything she asks of me. "So we just go to this place, find the stone, and be on are way."

She shook her head "I don't think it'll be that easy. It's near an old town called Genlin. A populated town called Genlin. We wouldn't be able to go searching for it in town. We would stick out too much, you especially." I respond with a snort before she continues "But I was able to use my magic to locate it right outside the town in a secluded forest. I do not want you to harm any humans if possible, when they attack us it's a different story."

I crack my knuckles "Right, I know. Only those that pose a threat." Or that get in the way of her goal. "Do you think there might be something guarding the stone?" There was always some type of ancient guarding or keeper when it came to this kind of thing. He'd dealt with it all before.

"I'm not sure, but there might just because it is a powerful artifact." She said with a shrug "Then again, it has been centuries since it was sealed away that it's probably been forgotten by most who would want it. In any case…" She began and pointed her hand at the ground causing a dark purple portal to open and pulsate "….let us go."

Cole

"Here you are! One plate of toast, eggs, and bacon, your favorite!" I say placing the plate on the table in front of Aria while she was watching TV in the living room. "I hope it is at least. It's all I know how to cook."

She gives an almost silent giggle and holds up her notebook with 'Thank you.' written on it. Sometimes I like to imagine what her voice might sound like if she talked. I think it would a cute, gentle voice.

I make a sandwich out of my breakfast, the egg and bacon between two pieces toast with cheese. She stops eating and slides her notebook to me. I pick it up and look at it, repeating what it says out loud "We need milk, cheese, eggs, turkey, dish soap, light bulbs, batteries, bread, and mustard from the store." The grocery list made me feel like we were normal. The people in town think we are brother and sister. Sometimes I believe it myself.

I handed the notebook back and started to eat silently, deep in thought. There times when I'm alone looking at the night sky and have a strong sense of loneliness even though I've got Aria with me. I also get the feeling that I'm used to being lonely. I was still thinking about when Aria held up her notebook once more 'Have any of your memories come back yet?' Sometimes it's like she knows what I'm thinking.

I decide not to tell her about it and knock on my head "Nah, nothin'. I'm pretty hollow up here." I let out a small laugh but she brings her notebook back slowly and clutched it to her chest. I put my plate down and scoot closer to her on the crouch "Hey, what's wrong?"

She looks up at me then back down to quickly write something then hesitated before showing it to me. When she did I started reading from the top 'There is something I need tell you. I…'

A loud boom like thunder from outside the house interrupted my reading. All the lights in the house went off and it made Aria jump. She dropped the notebook and clung to my arm. Next came the sound of a tree crashing then hitting the ground. I slid my arm from her grip and started to make my way outside when she ran up and hugged me from behind with the words 'Just stay. I don't like energy coming from out there.' I, of course, couldn't sense anything and even though she was scared, I had to protect her from whatever was out there.

I took her arms and gently pulled away from her then turned around and placed my hand on top of her head "Don't you worry 'bout me. I'm always going to be here to protect you." I say with a smile. I turn my back to her and open the front, kicking it close after I leave. This isn't the first time demons have appeared at my doorstep. I don't want her to see me when I get serious.

My ears extend to points, my teeth sharpen into fangs, my eyes glow yellow, my fingers turn into claws, and my legs shift into that of a wolf's as I stare at a red-eyed coyote beast and a woman who looks like a priest. I give them a wolfish grin "How may I help you folks?"

The coyote sniffs a couple times then mumbles something to the woman. The woman turns her attention to me and stares a few moments before speaking "We are searching for an artifact known as the Black Stone. It is located somewhere in this area. Perhaps you can help us?"

I don't have a good feeling about these two. Mainly because there is a human, by the scent, whose companion is a demon. I looked over at the tree that had fallen sideways onto my stump, just barely missing the cabin. I step onto the spot where I usually would be "I'm afraid I haven't ever heard about any Black Stone. If you don't mind, could you please move off my land? You already kind of almost destroyed my house."

"You dirty half-breed! How dare you speak to my Mistress like that?" snarled the coyote.

"Jack…" The woman said sounding like she's used to dealing with his headstrong nature. Her blue eyes suddenly turned towards me glowing a bright white as if she was literally looking right through me. She let out a heavy sigh "I really wanted to avoid more bloodshed. But you know, throughout history we see that long-lasting peace cannot be achieved without a few sacrifices." She was talking to me and I had no idea what she was talking about. "I truly am sorry wolf. Jack, kill him quickly."

Jack crouched and licked his lips "As you command." He lunged at me but he was at my side in the blink of an eye. He went to kick me but I managed to bring my arms up and block the kick. I was knocked a few feet away but I recovered fast.

Not fast enough apparently. He was in front of me in a second and brought his fists down on my head which made me slam into the ground. He pulled me back up by my hair but I punched his lower jaw before he could do anything making him stumble back. I took my chance and kneed him in the gut sending him back. I did a back flip onto the nearest tree and kicked off toward Jack to return his kick and blow to my head at the same time. When he was knocked to the side, he tried to get me with bone spike sticking out of his elbow but he just nicked the side of my left cheek.

While I took the time to dodged he spun and landed a punch to my stomach then another punch to the same side of my head he cut with his elbow spike. I jumped back before he could he get in yet another hit and spit out the blood in my mouth. Jack let out a dark laugh "I'll admit, you're pretty good in your half-shift form but too cocky for your own good to think that you can beat me without at least shifting all the way. I'm not some lesser demon."

"I was just testing you. No point in having my favorite outfit torn for a little coyote that wasn't even worth my half-shift." I was bluffing, trying to look tough. A demon that I couldn't beat fast while I'm half way shifted. Oh well, nothing I can too. It was easy to finish the shift, almost instant. Jack had previously been twice my size but now I stood over him. I had sprouted a tail now that I fully shifted and my fur was dark brown like my hair had been.

He didn't hesitate to start attacking again, he rushed straight towards me taking advantage of his speed but I caught him before he could sink his claws into me. I had him by the arms so I threw him into a nearby tree. The tree cracked when Jack hit it and for a minute he was still, but he stood up. He turned around and grabbed the tree with both hands then ripped it away from the stump to swing it at me as if it was a baseball bat. I jumped just in time to have the tree miss; he had amazing strength to be able swing it like that. I land back down on the tree as it slams into another tree and run on it towards him. When I get close I swing my claws at him but he blocks it so I try again with my other hand and catch him across the face.

He grabbed hold of my right leg and dug his claws into my calf. I snarled and tackled him to the ground, biting down at the base of his neck by his shoulder. He was snapping at me with his jaws and kicking at me with his feet but he wasn't using his claws even though I didn't have them pinned down. Jack opened his jaws and a wave of energy blasted out, knocking me a good distance away from him.

I don't what that was but it was definitely a game changer. We had been fighting with no magic before and our wounds were healing fast with our regeneration, if he was going to use this I don't think I could heal fast enough.. I should have known that this guy would have something like this up his sleeve. Now that he was using magic I didn't know what would happen and that girl in the robe is just standing there, watching. I need to stay focused. I promised to protect Aria.

Jack slams his fist into the ground sending a surge of energy through the ground that makes rocks jut to hit me but I jump out of the way easily enough. Jack was ready for that, he is in the air right above and brings his fists down on my head again but this time it has the added bosst of the energy. It kind of reminds of how Jedi can use the force in those Star Wars movies. I slam into the ground with enough force to completely knock the air out of me. My head is pounding where he hit me and as I tried to stand I coughed up blood. I slash at him with my claws but he dodges then counters with an uppercut sending me into the air with his magic. He jumps up right after me so I spin in the air, kicking him in the side. It doesn't really do anything. Jack grabs hold of my leg to pull me towards him then tries to slash across my chest but I use my arms to block his claws. He uses his increased strength to basically pin me in the air before we hit the ground.

Eris

The two of them slam into the ground causing it to shake. The half-breed had done well at first, he even forced Jack to use the crescent mark, but Jack has never been defeated. I would have helped him so he didn't have to use any marks but I needed to charge my spell. Of all the spells the Lady of the Moon has given me, the ones that are used to kill her children take the longest. Humans blessed by her grace are special as we don't have any demon blood. All shifters are children of the Lady.

The wolf is bloodied and beaten. There was a meaning to this violence; he carries inside him the Black Stone. The artifact we came for. It makes since that it would be in a Moon Child because of their extreme regeneration ability. What was odd was that it replaced his heart becoming the one thing keeping him alive. "I am sorry for this. Your death will mark a huge turning point in bringing peace to the world."

I do not like the death that peace brings. You cannot have lasting peace without war, history has shown that much. Jack lifts up the wolf and held him with a full nelson, he always liked watching wrestling. I hold my hands out in front of me as the magic pulses through my arms "Lady of the Moon, forgive me this death and lend me the strength to extract the stone within."

A bright silver ball forms in my hands, just small enough to leave Jack unharmed. I send the ball straight towards the middle of the wolf's chest and while it travels its shape changes into claws to pierce flesh and grab the stone.

A small girl, one I hadn't noticed or sensed, stepped in front of the wolf to shield him. Even though she was shorter, she had stepped into spell's path and became its new target. When it struck her chest it had changed from claws to a sword. Blood sprayed the wolf whose eyes were wide with sorrow and anger.

Jack grunted with dissatisfaction and tightened his hold on the wolf "Come on! Do the spell again!" I just stared at the girl who had tried to save her friend. That wasn't the whole reason for the sadness that now loomed over me; it was the fact that Jack felt nothing after what just happened. He used to be so caring…

"Again?" The wolf asked in a shaky voice "Do I need to do die so badly that you'll kill an innocent?" As he finished the sky quickly darkened, I could sense something rising in him. It must be the Black Stone. A strong wind began to pick up, snow was coming down fast and furiously, and lightning struck nearby.

"Keep hold of him Jack!" I call out and start casting the spell. Whatever was happening wasn't good. I need to get the stone now.

A roar of pain comes from Jack as he stumbles back from the wolf, steam coming off of him as if he had just been burned. The wolf's hands and claws are now covered in ice as he kneels down next to the girl. He gently held one of her hands with his and her head with the other, a sad smile upon his face "I wish I could have heard your voice, at least once. Before the end." He slowly stands and I take the chance to send the spell, but he blocks with his eyes covered hands. His facial expression is unreadable. "Too hot! It's! Too! Hot!" He shouts then looks up to the sky in a howl unlike anything I have ever heard.

The howl is long, unleashing some kind of spiritual energy. A tornado of snow surrounds him, shielding him from view. The strange snowfall and lightning strikes continue as the tornado dissolves. The brown-furred werewolf they had been facing is no longer there when the veil of snow drops. In his place stands a larger werewolf covered in ice with two horns on top of his head like Jack, who has made his way back to my side. The wolf's eyes snap open revealing the bright red glow of a demon.

"What the hell is this guy?!" Jack growls to me.

I stare with unblinking eyes in shock and awe "He is Asterock. One of the nine legendary demon lords." As if in response, Asterock takes a step forward, the ice moving with him as if it was his skin. The temperature seemed to be dropping with every deep breath he took. "He is, the Ice King."

Jack got down in a kind of track start position "He doesn't look so tough. Just wait. I'll get you that stone." he said, trying to pull off the tough guy act. It wasn't very assuring because Jack himself looked shaken up. It might work though; Jack would still have his extreme speed with the power of the crescent mark.

Jack lunged from where he crouched, not visible to the naked eye, and reappeared in front of Asterock. He summoned all of his remaining magic into his right arm and went to strike the demonic king right in his chest. Asterock slapped him right out of the way without blinking. As soon as Jack slammed against a small rocky outcropping he didn't even have time to counter as rapidly covered his right and left arm, keeping him glued to the spot. His right arm sparked with electricity immediately after being covered by the ice, like it canceled out the magic, causing to Jack roar out in pain again. Asterock turned towards him and slowly walked to him. There was no time to use the correct spell so I spread my arms and unleashed a barrage of light beams. Even if it was a silver spell, this many would surely slow him down.

They bounced right off him and he didn't even look my way. He lifted his right arm out and flexed his claws out menacingly. His jaws parted slightly to allow him to let out a long breath of chilly air. Then, as fast as he had slapped him, he sunk his claws into Jack's midsection right below his chest. His claws went all the way through and the outcropping was instantly destroyed by the force his blow had delivered. Jack's face was caught in silent shock at the blow. Asterock pulled back from him and he slumped to the ground where he lay still. Without turning away from his prey yet, his red eyes looked to me from the corner of his eyes before he fully faced me. The Ice Kind moved at the same slow place as he did before for he had no reason to be in rush. I couldn't run, didn't have time to cast any spell that would harm him, couldn't fight him physically, and I no longer had Jack to defend.

I hadn't realized it at first, but I was crying. I fell to my knees bringing my hands to cover my face. My best friend….my dream….they're both gone. Now I am about to die at the hands of the beast that had guarded the one thing I risked everything for. The thumps of Asterock's footsteps pounded in my head, growing in volume until they stopped. I looked up from my hands and stared into the red eyes of a demon lord "There is only death for you." came his calm, dark voice. He raised the arm dripping with Jack's arm in the same fashion he had minutes before. At least in this way, we could die together. His claws flexed once more and rushed towards me so I closed my eyes as I awaited oblivion.

Everything was black. Was this death? I had not felt anything, except my knees still on the ground and the continuing cold of the snow. I opened my eyes to see bloody, ice-covered claws in my face. I screamed and fell back. I almost stood up and ran, but what I saw made me hold my ground. It was what looked like a naked girl covered in in very dark green scales, wings, and lizard-like tail. She had black draconic horns sticking up from her very dark brown hair. She was so demon-like yet I could sense no demon energy emanating from her.

What held me was not her appearance but what she was doing. She was holding Asterock's head gently with her hands and kissing him. It was nothing more than a simple kiss yet it had halted him entirely. She then held his head against her chest between her breasts and was smiling with her eyes closed. She then began to sing, though I could not understand the language. Her voice was soothing and beautiful, just hearing it made me incredibly calm. The snow stopped falling and the lightning stopped, though the sky remained gray.

Asterock's arm fell to his side as steam came off his body. The ice was melting and his size was shrinking down, the girl kept holding him. He was now back to his normal werewolf form where the two of them stood at the same height so she could stop hovering. He was eventually back to his human form, unconsciousness. The dragon girl's embrace tightened slightly to keep him from falling to the ground. When she stopped her singing she carried him into the cabin which had sustained no damage this whole time.

Was this it? Was it the end of my journey? My only friend lay dead and my dream had come to an unbeatable obstacle. My head was full of questions that I couldn't answer by myself. The tears came back and I fell onto my back. I laid there in the snow, not worried about the cold anymore. She had just received the judgment of a demon lord. Death awaited her in the future and she would have to face it all alone.