Chapter Two: Unexpected Twists
Hellboy's Pov:
Within the helicopter, or plane... whatever this thing is, I sat in my seat with a bored expression stuck on my face. We were on our way to the Isle of Arran, a place somewhere in Scotland, to check out the area's caves because there have been several unusual and suspicious killings. The men in a nearby village were being killed off by some kind of strange animal. Sounds like bullshit to me.
Ignoring the feeling of my arm going to sleep, by Ashe no less, I continued to look out the window with dismay. Peering down, I saw the girl clinging to my arm as if it was the best damn pillow ever made. Ashe always fell asleep in cars and planes, something about them puts her too sleep within minutes. She moved slightly, lessening the stings in my arm. Not that I didn't mind, I had a soft spot for the kid. Always had, always will.
Lately, though, the kid has gone through some... changes. I know she always raves about how change is for the best, even if it doesn't look that way, but the kid isn't really much of a kid anymore. A grown woman in fact. I wonder if Father felt like this when I grew up... probably not, he had more time to adjust.
It's just that she no longer wants little stuff animals to liter her room but makeup and music and-and... ugh, all sorts of stuff. I admit, she isn't your normal teenager. I'm not talking about her shape shifting thing either. Her taste is a little more dark and edgy. Although she has a soft and cuddly side. Probably because she likes those huge sweaters... she keeps stealing mine. The girl's somewhat of an artist, all deep and dreamy. It's hard for me to understand her. Though she's just as playful as ever, her inner 'pup' never officially gone. I am happy, though, that she finally got a tattoo to cover up that scar on her back. Even if the tattoo is a bit… large, it really seemed to help her get over the past. She even designed it herself, a really weird tribal design.
Those aren't the changes that bug me. The changes involving her to wear... less are what really upset me. I'm not saying she can't pull it off, the kid has a hot bod and she should show it off. It only irritates me when others (men and women) start to ogle her.
Annoyed by that, I wrap my tail around her protectively.
Sadly, I can't help but look. Not saying that I don't feel guilty, but I can't help it. I'm a guy, we don't exactly think with our brains when all the blood rushes to our nether regions. With a sigh, I drape my arm around her shoulders, making her closer. I wonder if I could protect her from myself. I use my nonstony hand to pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration, rubbing my eyes to get rid of the perverse thoughts. Her snuggling closer didn't help much. I looked down again to see her smiling lightly, causing my own lips to tilt upward.
"I told you they are just as bad as us." I heard Liz attempted to whisper but sadly failed.
Turning my head up, I glare at her but cringe as the two of them are cuddling. She just rolls her eyes. "Pfft, oh please, she fell asleep. You two are very aware of you are doing." Abe just smiles before he replied, "She may not be but you certainly are." Abe indicated to my tail and arm wrapped around her.
Letting out an indignant snort, I answered, "Completely different. I'm being brotherly. This right here- brotherly." I gesture with my occupied hand at both Ashe and me. "Denial doesn't suit him, does it Abe?" Liz said. Abe said back, "No, it really isn't. Such a shame."
"Whatever." I pouted, ignoring them for the window. Snorting outwardly, I think to myself. This is definitely a different kind of cuddling. We're not a couple like Abe and Liz. It's only friendly, means nothing...
When things started getting a little bumpy, I figured we reached our destination. We were on one part of the isle, mostly all green grass and rolling hills. If I looked out the other window, I'd probably get a good view of the ocean.
As we landed, I nudged Ashe in an attempt to wake her up. It works, her eyes fluttering open to reveal those bright eyes. Almost as vivid as mine. Ashe inhaled sharply before getting up to stretch. One arm reached up while the other stayed near her face as she yawned widely, displaying her fangs. I felt my face heat up as I glanced down at her exposed tan belly flesh, the navel surrounded by another tribal tattoo, though much smaller than the one on her back.
Leaving the plane, I did my best to not notice the creaking as I stepped off of it. This is all muscle, baby. Don't get any ideas of me packing on a few pounds. Liz and Abe strolled on after me, quiet as usual. Before I can turn around and ask where we're even going, a certain shape shifter leaps over my head, narrowly missing my filed horns. She rolls to the ground that would gain the envy of any parkour enthusiast. Getting up, she brushes off her clothes and turns to me, "Do you know where we're even going after?"
Turning around, I get the lovely opportunity to see Abe and Liz have a surprised face. They were too much in unison these days; it's starting to freak me out. "Well, the victims have all been males." Abe states. "Yeah, remember the photos? There was little to no claw marks or bite marks, only the distinctive ones on their necks. This is probably why they were so drained of blood." Liz added from beside him."
"So we're going after some bloodsuckers again? Couldn't we just send out the other agents then?" I complained, my Bronx accent becoming richer from frustration.
"Do you think it was only one creature that killed them?" Ashe asked almost airily.
"With us, there's never just the one. We'd never be that lucky. And if that's the case, then the killings were most likely not from vampires. They like to eat their meals together, and wouldn't drain the blood but use their teeth. " I murmured to her, a slight smirk taking over my lips. She smiles, but not the friendly kind. The kind that says 'I'm-trying-not-to-laugh-stop-looking-at-me'. I narrowed my eyes and quirked up an eyebrow. "Something funny, kid?"
She shook her head rapidly, her hair hitting her face. "Oh no, no! It's just that… it's not every day that you say anything, you know, intelligent."
"Are you implying that I'm stupid?" I turned my whole body to face her. There was a slight hesitation in her face, but was quickly replaced by something more mischievous.
Lifting her head up to look me in the eye, she feigns shock at my accusation. "Me? No, never! You're a genius, no doubt." Then she smiled genuinely before continuing, "Stop making that face, I'm only joking. You're smart when you choose to be." Then she stared at me with a more critical eye, "I'm starting to realize that you hide your intellect a lot… trying to hide behind the mask of an idiot?" Grinning widely, she turned away to stroll to the edge of the cliffs.
Scowling, I wondered what exactly she meant by that. That girl, I swear… she makes me doubt myself.
Ashe stopped at the edge, looking down at something. Looking over her shoulder, she asked, "So is this the-"
"Yes that is the path." Abe interrupts her. Ashe tends to ask a lot of useless questions. Can't blame her for wanting to know where she was going. Hell, I didn't. Though I think I'm gonna keep that to myself. We're strangely alike, that shape shifter and me. We may not be exactly book smart, but point us in the right direction and we'll do the job. Probably get it right on the first try, even.
Ashe glowered at Abe for interrupting her. Then she started down the hidden path in a huff. Smiling teasingly, I said, "Now look at what you did. You upset the hormonally imbalanced teenager." That earned a few chuckles from the happy couple, but a rather angry voice cut through the merriment. "I'm nineteen, Red. Technically speaking, I'm no longer a teenager."
"Age is but a number, sweetheart." I replied sweetly. She swivels around abruptly, nearly making me run into her. "Are you implying that I don't act my age?"
"Me? No, never! You're the most mature person here, no doubt!" I exclaimed with fake shock, mimicking her from only moments ago. I can play this game too, sugar. Glaring fiercely, she growls out, "You're one to talk." With that, she goes right back to stomping down the pathway. Oh, so she can dish it out but she can't take it?
Though, I probably shouldn't have provoked her. Ashe is a little bit sensitive about being the youngest… I also knew that I was in trouble since I heard Liz snarl, "Seriously, Red? That's just great. You better hope she doesn't mope on the plane or so help me…"
The end of the path also happened to be near the bottom of the cliff. The large jagged rocks weren't very comforting, but I suspect that was someone's master plan. If we weren't at the very bottom, we would have never noticed the cave on the side of the cliff. It could easily fit me, thankfully. I hope that means no crawling, otherwise I'll wait outside to kill that bad monster.
But the weirdest thing was the gargoyle statue at the entrance. It was a fearsome looking thing, one clawed hand holding a long spear and the other on the ground to support the weight. The statue was defiantly female, with long hair that fell back from the scalp like a mane. Two horns were neatly tucked within the hair, though still very much visible. I enjoyed the fact that her legs resembled mine, but she had paws where I had hooves. Very strong facial features, a warrior's scowl etched for eternity. The wings were attention grabbing, but I was more cautious of that tail with a spike at the end. The heavy and somewhat medieval armor wasn't helping either.
Oh please don't come to life.
Ashe was already inspecting the statue with interest. Right as their noses were nearly touching did a rumble escape the stone statue. Ashe jumped back with wide eyes as a crack ran down the statue's skull. Then the crack splintered into tinier cracks, looking similar to a spider's web. The stone crumbled off to reveal an actual gargoyle underneath. Figures.
My pistol already whipped out and ready to shoot, I noted that Abe and Liz already had there's out as well. Ashe unsheathed her knife, but she didn't look like she was going to use it. The girl has some weird but useful instincts, so I lowered my gun a fraction. Only a fraction. I wasn't risking everyone's life on Ashe's gut feelings.
Now that the gargoyle's features were more distinctive now, it seemed very… black and white. The skin was a dark grey along with the wings. The armor, which was leather, was dyed black. Though she had shocking white hair and eyes but the eyes had a pupil that was similar to cat eyes. Or rather, snake eyes. She turned those eerie eyes to us as she slowly stood up from her crouching position.
"Why do you wake me from my sleep, strangers?"
Ah, so she speaks. A strange accent too. Kind of deep with a strange hint of both Scottish and Nordic… Either way, Ashe strolled over to the gargoyle. She couldn't possible think that spear wielding thing wasn't dangerous did she?
"Yeah, uh… hi! We are looking for the murderer, or murderers, of the village. Right over there," Ashe points over the cliff, as if that explained everything. At first the gargoyle looked confused, but the wheels kept turning and apparently she knew something. "Oh! You are searching for the Wives, I presume."
"The wives?" Liz asked. She put her gun back into its holster, Abe followed suit. I kept mine at my side; trust doesn't come easy with me.
"You do not realize what you are hunting? That seems a little… unwise." She turned to glare at us. Ashe took another step further, getting the upset gargoyles attention. "So the wives are who killed all the men? Where's your stand in all this?" she asked. The gargoyles features softened before she said, "If the fallen are all men then I would assume that it would be from them. My stand, though, is neutral. I have no qualms with the Wives but I hold little regard for humans."
Ashe nodded lightly, as if she agreed or something. Or maybe she just understood… I think we all could understand. "Could you at least lead us through the cavern?" Liz piped up, but was put down by another glare. "Yeah, that would be nice… since I have a strange feeling we'd get lost in there without some help. We'd really appreciate it." Ashe covered Liz, a sweet smile plastered on her face and her orange eyes shining brighter than ever. No one can resist the puppy face. Especially when it turns to a pout… The gargoyle examines our coyote for a second before she let out a short burst of laughter. "Good instincts, I'll lead you to them, but leave their bones for me."
"Dare I ask why?" Abe murmured.
"How else do I get tools and what not? Surely you don't see me going to the nearest supermarket to purchase a ladle?" Apparently he didn't whisper softly enough…
"Is there anything else you could tell us about the Wives?" Liz tries to pursue the warrior to give more information but the warrior would have none of that. "If you came here without knowing what you're hunting, then you will hunt it without knowing. That was your choice to make. It will not be on my conscience if you fail."
"But if you could just-" Liz tried again, but unfortunately the gargoyle was already fed up with the questioning. I'm surprised Ashe didn't push her last button.
"My service of guide will have to suffice! Now, follow me." With that, she turned away with the spear at her side.
So we did.
I trailed after our guide while Ashe walked up to her side. It irked me some, since she usually was by my side. Once we got past the moss and plants that covered the entrance, the cave wasn't so bad. Very… cave-like. Though dark. I watched the guide literally go through the wall. We all stop in our tracks, more than a little surprised. Ashe nearly ran into before she stopped herself. Then she tentatively reached her hand out to touch the wall. It went through. So without a second thought, we went followed through.
The other side was much better than the entrance. A somewhat wide tunnel that lessened the claustrophia by its height, etched on the sides was strange glyphs. They glowed blue and seemed to move like the ripples in an ocean. "So what's with the wall?" Ashe asked as she ran back up to the gargoyle's side.
"It's to keep humans out. They may one day turn this into another one of their attractions… so we do our best to make it unappealing." She replied her tone laced with despair. The shifter seemed to bristle at that. "That's just- well, I don't have a good enough word on how terrible that is. Humans." Ashe spat out the word like poison. I think I need to have a talk with her…
"The land isn't some cheap whore to have our way with. It should be treated with respect." Ashe said venomously.
Nodding in agreement, the gargoyle stated, "That's how they are. Very few of them believe that the earth has its own soul, a life."
I can name a couple of missions that could prove that.
There was a moment of silence before Ashe pressed on, "So, uh, what's with the symbols on the walls?" she gestured to the glyphs.
"Can't tell you all the caves secrets. That would make things too easy." I heard the humor in her voice, which seemed odd. I didn't think that thing had a funny bone in her body. Maybe one stuck up her ass…
"So do you have a name?" Ashe asked, "I'm sorry, it's just that I can't keep calling you that gargoyle chick in my head… it's starting to wear thin."
"You may call me Leigh."
"Oh cool! Like Jet Lee!" That earned a well-deserved snort from me.
"No, no. Leigh. As in L-E-I-G-H. One E, three more letters." Leigh corrected.
"I'm just happy you know who Jet Lee is. My name's Ashe by the way."
"Is it because of your hair?"
"Er, I suppose…" Ashe self-consciously grabbed at her hair and glanced back at me. Weird.
Finally the passage way opens up into a larger area, but there are five tunnels that surround us. Excluding the one we just came out of that is. The symbols on the wall continued into the tunnels, though they appeared fainter.
"Alright. Now, I leave you here with your friends, Ashe. Hopefully your nose has a keen sense of smell. You'll need it to smell out the decaying of man's flesh." Well, that was vague. What is with all the paranormal creatures in the world and their riddles and half-assed hints?
"Thanks for taking us this far. I really appreciate it." Ashe leaned in to the gargoyle to give her a small friendly hug. To say that Leigh was stunned would be an understatement. She patted the coyote's back awkwardly, but she smiled nonetheless. Ashe lets go and watches Leigh walk away. I winced slightly whenever her wings grazed the walls in the tunnel she just went in.
"So which one do we go through?" Ashe asked us, confusion written on her face. "Obviously not the one Leigh went through unless she's trying to trick us." Liz said sourly, arms crossed over her chest. Someone's pouting.
"How about you use your nose?" Abe suggested to Ashe.
Ashe's POV
I peered at Abe, confused. Then again, confusion is the norm with me. "Huh?" Was my intellectual reply.
"She said to 'smell' the dead." Abe clarified, "So, use your nose."
Oh. Well.
Feeling even more foolish, which is indeed possible, I turned away and started to stretch. It's always wise to stretch first before shifting. I needed to shift, too, if I was to use my sense of smell. My nose in my human form was really good. Exceptionally good, but my coyote form had an even better sense of smell.
Shifting into another form was a tricky business. Kind of like doing a front flip; you have to keep practicing it and you can't mess up or else you'll fall. Then again, doing flips was never hard for me to do. Shape shifters are more limber than humans. Anyway, shifting kind of felt like a mix between having your whole body fall asleep and flexing. Things were moving into a new place so fast, sometimes it was hardly noticed. Defiantly not a bad sensation. Though, I hate it when my eyes start to water, mostly because the bottom of my face is stretching into a snout. The process is fairly quick, easier than a werewolf transformation (I hear those are excruciatingly painful), and I don't even have to take off my clothes! I don't know where they go, but I assume magic is involved…
My tattoos will even change with me, an array of black fur across my back and belly. The pattern looks awesome and the fur where the scar was has nearly grown in. Took a couple years, but it's finally covering it.
Finished with my shift, my senses overwhelm me for a second. Thankfully everything was almost completely silent, except for my companions breathing and their heartbeats. Also, they seemed to be a little fidgety since their clothes were rustling as they moved. The smells are what really distracted me. The cave itself was composed of moss, moisture, a strange smell I assumed was the rocks around us, and some mildew. Then there were my friends. Abe smelled like fresh water, including a very slight fishy smell. It was mostly covered by whatever his outfit was composed of. Liz was rather strange, she smelled like some kind of incense. The strange mixture of roasted peanuts, leather, gunpowder, and maple syrup came from Red. I subconsciously moved closer to him, sniffing at him… smelling the faint hint of dirt and sweat. I admit it wasn't an unpleasant odor since there was no male body odor thrown into the mix.
"Stop sniffing me and go find the tunnel."
Letting out snort, I turn away and turn my nose to the air. Rotting flesh… rotting flesh… which tunnel has the rotting flesh?
Bingo.
Without thinking, I ran off from the group, which must have pissed off HB. The tunnel was nearly pitch black, but I didn't need to see to get through. My eyes could barely make out the colors of the blue pulsing symbols above me. The pads of my feet running against the stone echoed around me, telling me where to go. Soon I saw a faint glimmer of amber light bouncing off the walls. Then I heard laughter, almost like cackling. As the light grew brighter and the laughter grew louder, I noticed a turn in the tunnel. It kept the entrance hidden from my view. I peeked through, ears pinned back from tension. And also to keep the shrill laughter from breaking my eardrums. There was a large fire in the middle of the cave, but even the smoke couldn't mask the smell of the corpses rotting in the corner. Each body had its throat slit open, little to no blood on the floor. There were dark figures behind the fire, but their shadows danced wickedly along the walls and rounded ceiling.
Around the room were random items, like clothes, makeup, mirrors, dressers, and whatnot. They seemed too normal, especially when a random skull peered out behind the objects.
"Sisters, I still hungry. That last one didn't have enough in him." One complained.
"You shouldn't be, seeing as how you hogged him!" another hissed.
"Well, you will all have to wait till the sun goes down. Patience is a virtue, or so I'm told."
"As if any of us have any virtue. I think our 'virtue' has been gone for quite some time, if you know what I mean." With that they started another round of cackling.
Looking past the roaring fire, I try to figure out what we're dealing with. I see small wings, nakedness, tails with spades at the end, and tiny horns protruding from long, thick black hair.
Oh hell no.
I am not dealing with no succubi. Uh-huh, I won't have it. They are stuck up, hoity totty, little sluts that believe they are the sex. Not a sex beast, the sex. Which they're not. Snooty little whores always hitting on Red… not that I'm jealous or anything. It's just- well, okay I am but I didn't come here to be judged. Repressing a frustrated growl, I notice their swollen bellies.
Great, that's all the world needs. A bunch of bitches shooting out LITTERS of devil-spawn.
I was too busy ranting to myself to notice the others sneak up on me. My heart nearly exploded when Red placed a hand on the cuff of my neck. By now I have toned out the succubi's conversation, but I noticed the sudden silence.
One of the figures raised its head and took a loud sniff. "I smell something." She said. More sniffing ensued.
"Yes… me too."
"What is it?"
"More food?"
"No… something else."
Generally I give myself the task of distracting the beasties while on a mission. Aka the bait. Let the professionals do the work and the slaying. Hellboy doesn't seem to appreciate it but it makes me feel important. So I do it, kind of like how I do it now.
Darting in, I ignore Red's protests. He would've been able to hold me back if he kept that hand on my neck. The Wives shrieked in alarm. A terrible noise, really. Peering up at the women, I noted that only three out of five were with child. Or children, considering. I changed back in my human form as quickly as possible before they decide to kill me. Though, I kept the tail out. Makes me feel special. I smiled at them. Just wave and act friendly…
They all had red eyes that stared at me, but one with the brightest started to cackle. "Oh it's just a shifting bitch!"
Rude.
An animal like growl ripped through my throat, a little too similar to the real thing. The fur on my tail bristled while the hairs on my neck stood on end. Succubi had too much pride, especially since their only bloodthirsty whores. "Are you the Wives?" I didn't have to ask, but it was protocol. It was nice to at least try to identify what you were killing. Also, questions were so distracting. Had to keep them on their toes until my companions made their relatively silent descent.
They just looked at me amusingly, but I continued, "You know, the ones killin' men or whatever?" I started to slowly circle them. One kept staring, the least amused, but the others starting giggling. Even though they all looked too alike, this one stood out. She had the darkest eyes and appeared to be the oldest. The vibes she was giving me was what really made her stand out. A little late to be an individual… She must be the mother of the others then, that's only way she could be the strongest.
One gestured to the pile of bodies in the corner, she smiled devilishly at me, "I would think that would be easy to see that we are the man-eaters." Ensue more laughter.
"And what's this business about being 'Wives'? We don't marry our kill; we steal their seed and life source."
"Oh why not marry them? It would be so endearing to marry a corpse."
"Never have to hear them complain!"
"Never have to make them breakfast!"
The four bent over, convulsing with glee.
That's when Red decided to make his entrance; I swear I could hear the music. He was most likely fed up with the banter. "Okay ladies, that's enough chit chat. Now be good girl's and go make me a sandwich." Even I wanted to hit him. I knew that he didn't mean it, he was only trying to rile them up. Still offensive. It did seem to piss them off, though. Succubi are especially prone to sexism since they despise anything with a dick. To them, men are to make babies and to be the food for which they can nibble on.
Still, he couldn't come up with a better line?
The four hissed at Red angrily, but the mother said, "To much company. Children, kill them." Ah, somebody's a simpleton. Right as Abe and Liz cautiously strolled in behind Red did three naked girls leap over the flames and attacked. Wasn't the prettiest sight. How they seduce men, I will never know. They're battle cry was so birdlike, it shocked me for a split second. As my companions whipped out their guns to start shooting, I was grabbing my knife to give them some aid. The mother had a different idea. She tackled me to the ground, momentarily stunning me. The shots rang out through the caves, but I hardly noticed as I hit the floor roughly. Some carpet would've been nice…
That was when she began to claw at my face and chest. That bitch better hope they don't scare… Well, my fault for having a bad defense I guess. Reaching for my bowie knife that was still at my side, I swung out just as she jumped off of me to avoid the blade. It still sliced along her bare chest, just enough for blood to seep out. Hissing in pain and rage, she glowered at me for defiling what she thought was a perfect set of breasts. Whatever keeps you happy, lady.
She screeched at me with a mad glint in her eyes, spittle flew past her fangs. Fangs that weren't as large as mine. Instantly I lash out with my blade continuously, never stopping. As she backed up, she managed to dodge them but not enough to escape without a couple nicks. She didn't have a chance to hit back. My lips were curled back in a snarl, my own fangs lengthening from the bloodlust and excitement.
Surprising her, I shot my leg out to connect with her jaw. As her body fell back, I used my empty hand to strike out at the opposite side of her face. With only a second to spare, I managed to drop down and knock her feet out from under her. Crumbling to the ground, she snarled at me somewhat unladylike. I advanced on her, but I failed to notice that damned spade tail before it wrapped itself around my boot ankle. Falling to my butt with a whoosh, I gasped out in pain as my tail took most of the blow. I wonder if it was smart to keep that. Either the tail or the ass, I wonder which would have hurt less.
Before I could get up, she decided to, once again, tackle me to the ground. Not too far to fall…
My knife fell out of my hand as the she-devil pinned me down. I would've kicked her off, but Hellboy had my back as he threw one her daughters at her. Both fell in an ungraceful heap, lady parts everywhere. "Thanks, Red." I panted, one arm pushing off of a knee to stand. I brushed the dust off of my grungy pants. He picked up his gun, apparently dropping his weapon as well. I grabbed mine as well, only to come up and hear his rumbling voice whisper in my ear, "Anytime."
Oh be still my beating heart.
I usually don't blush, at all. By the heat the rushed to my face, I assume that I had a rare moment of blushing. Nervously running a hand through my short hair, I joined Red into the mess of sleazy women. He shot the daughter in the head as she was getting up. Unsportsmanlike, yes, but it's kill or be killed here, isn't it?
That set the mother off. She howled in rage before furiously clawing and kicking him, her tiny wings fluttering madly behind her. I wasn't going to have any of that. Grabbing that thick black hair, I pulled her off of him. Flinging her to the ground, I got on top of her to straddle her. My blade was pressed against her pale throat. Snarling out slowly, I said, "You do not touch him."
Even with a knife cutting into her throat, she chuckled. "Ah, so that's how it is… Is your love requited or do you follow him like a desperate aching whore?" she taunted bitterly. In one quick motion, I slit open her throat. A shower of blood sprayed my chest as she choked on her own blood. She hit a rather sensitive spot.
Getting up, I looked over to see the team finish off the last of the succubi. Well, except one. I'm pretty sure she's been in that corner the entire time. Liz shot down one while the one in the corner fell down to her knees. Clutching her enlarged belly, she looked up with tears streaming down her face. "Why do you kill us? So we kill, that is our nature! Why not destroy every bear, wolf, or wild cat for taking down its prey? You obey the humans but they gaze upon you as monsters. Monsters like-like my sisters… and my mother…" Looking down at the floor, her eyes seem to focus on something that wasn't there.
Her trembling, bloodied hands reached for her face. She hid behind them, weeping and her shoulders were shaking from the effort. Maybe we are the monsters… this was her family. I know that they murdered people and I know that this is what we do. What we were trained to do.
I just have never seen the bad beasties break down and mourn for anything.
If she could just put up a fight, I wouldn't feel so bad. I couldn't let her die. No. I wouldn't, not like this! "Red… can we let her go? I mean, she's pretty harmless compared to the others. It wouldn't be the end of the world if we let her go, would it?" I implored, but I think the puppy eyes were ignored this time.
He gazed down at me with the coldest expression I ever seen. It was as if it was made out of stone. "No." he simply stated.
"No? But-"
"I said no, Ashe!"
I coiled back as if struck. Not only were my feelings wounded, but he believed that he could put me in my place! A coyote is free, we have no rank. Defiantly, I glared at him, "I'm no goddamn dog, much less yours! She should get a chance. She's a predator, she kills to survive-"
"Ashe! This is our job; this is how it has always been. You didn't seem to have so much pity taking the others out." He gestured to the mother. I flinched again, if only he knew… "You know this, now deal with it." He growled out slowly. My eyes began to blur as they filled with tears. I shook my head violently so no one would notice. Abe and Liz stared at us awkwardly, not knowing how to handle the situation.
"Fine! Live up to her expectation as a heartless monster. Kill her." With that, I turned away. This was a universal sign of disrespect. I stopped before muttering, "You'd do anything to please the humans."
Maybe I was just jealous that Red would do more for people who see him as a demon than me, but the fact was that he put himself on the line for them. He feels obligated to defend them from whatever goes bump in the night. What is I turned out to be that? Would he execute me to for them? I don't know why he feels like he needs to protect them, they don't need it. They seem to be able to destroy plenty on their own.
Walking past the other two, I ignored their stares. They must be so confused by the sudden sense of morality. "Ashe!" Hellboy yelled from behind me. I was too pissed to care. Even though I was walking away, I still felt like the burden of this girl's death was mine.
Once I reached the entrance to the room, I peered down the dark tunnel. It wasn't so dark in human form, but even more eerie. I leaned against the wall, wondering if he would really kill her.
"Aw man…" I heard Red mumble.
"You seem to really like pissing her off today." Liz commented, a hint of anger laced in with the dry humor. It was hard to ignore the noise of the pregnant succubus's crying.
"Yeah I know."
"So what do you plan to do?" Abe inquired.
There was a long pause. There was a loud gasp, maybe from Liz or the mournful creature. "The right thing." Red muttered softly, though loud enough for me to hear. One single shot rang through the cavern, bouncing against the walls like some sick joke. My heart stopped. No. No, there was no way that he… he couldn't, could he? My hand grasped at my flimsy, blood soaked tank top. I stared at the opposing wall ahead of me as my knees gave way and I slowly slide down to sit on the floor.
Tears finally broke through, running down my cheeks. Why was I crying? I didn't even know her. I didn't even like her! Was it just hitting an old nerve? It felt like I was that girl, crying in the back… all alone. Different. Ugly. Monster.
Why did Red take pity on me but not her? Shaking slightly, I fumbled with the rings on my hands. I never cared to notice my jewelry before but they felt like a life line. Something normal to focus on rather than whatever the hell this was. The sound of footsteps was heard, they were approaching me. My eyes turned upward to see their black figures, the light from the fire glowing behind them. So these are what demons look like.
Hellboy stopped before looking down at me with what I assumed was pity. I didn't like that look. Shaking his head, he walked away. I gaped in disbelief at his retreating figure. A fiery ball of fury erupted in my chest. I choked it down, saving it for later.
Then there was the happy couple. The just stood there, watching me. In but a moment was Liz bending down on one knee to look at me. She wrapped her arms around me in an embrace. It felt good. This was a rare moment of affection. Abe leaned down before he said, "He didn't kill her. Though, he almost did. My eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "She's alive? Really?" I said. I had to see this with my own eyes.
I got up and gently shoved them out of my way. I ran back to the familiar sound of grief. I stopped at the sight of the naked woman, still down on her knees. Her hands were holding on to the floor as if her life depended on it. I didn't know they felt so much.
I didn't know I cared.
My hand reached out to her, only to fall back to my side. She didn't want comfort from me, hell, from any of us. Her family was all that she wanted. Sighing in defeat, I quietly said, "I'm so sorry. It-it was…" I trailed off, not able to find an excuse. She didn't want to hear it anyway. Oh dear, I feel a guilt trip coming on.
Lifting her head, she merely glared at me pathetically. Her face softened slightly when she saw my tear stained cheeks. Out of respect, I averted my eyes. "Sorry." I mumbled out again, feeling stupid. That seemed to be a common theme in my life. Edging my way out of the room, I broke out into a run once I was in the darkness. Once I reached my companions, I started to wipe away the mess on my face. Liz peered over her should only to ask, "You okay?"
"Fine, just traumatized. Nothing new, I just had something of an epiphany." I attempted to joke. Abe nodded his head sympathetically, sensing that I didn't really feel like talking.
After what felt like the most awkward walk in my life, we finally reached the end of the passageway where the other tunnels were. Red was at the end, staring around the area in confusion. I was about to turn into a coyote again until Leigh showed up, looking as fearless as ever.
"Were there any problems?" she asked.
"Just the one… there's one Wife left, so uh… yeah." Red answered awkwardly, rubbing his neck with his human hand.
"Not a problem. I can deal with her later. Follow me; I shall lead your party out of here." I ran up to her before she could turn around.
"You can't kill her! She- she didn't really do anything wrong." I looked up at her pitifully. Her reptilian eyes focused on me before a small smile graced her lips. "For you, she shall not die. I expect that it may be a little awkward retrieving the remains…" Leigh mumbled the last part, staring off into the distance.
Then she shrugged, stating, "Oh well, I'll manage. This way." She motioned for us to follow her into one of the tunnels. Everyone trudged after in silence, an unpleasant feeling hovering over all of us. I tried not to glance back at the others, especially Red. I've never fought with him. Well, nothing as bad as this. Sure, we fight over the remote or who should do what in chores… but nothing this severe. I must admit, it could be because I'm fed up with defending the human race. I'm sick of all the bullshit, really. Now that I think about it, I probably should have talked about this with him a long time ago. My damn feelings keep getting in the way.
So we left the cave, everyone mumbling their thanks although, I may have hugged the gargoyle. I don't recall, but it seems like something I would do. Shambling back into the helicopter/plane/thingy, I turned and grabbed HB's stone arm. Biting my bottom lip, I looked away for a second before looking back up at him. He definitely looked a bit surprised but it seemed that he was anticipating a pummeling more than anything.
"Thanks for not killing that girl. I know it must've been somewhat difficult to go against your morals, but I appreciate it." I said, my big orange eyes doing their kicked-puppy routine. That's right; melt his heart, you scoundrels.
He sighed heavily, his golden eyes avoiding mine for a moment. "Anything for you, Kid. Just don't make it a habit." That caused me to bristle slightly, but to save face, I replied, "Will do, but just so you know… we're not done talking about this." With that, I walked up the steps into the plane and smirked devilishly when I heard him groan. I'm so evil.
Whoot! Chapter two is in! So did I write Hellboy alright? It was rather straining to think like him. I may have made him a perv, but my guy friends tell me that his thoughts were pretty tame compared to them. Which I think is good news... probably not.
As an extra note, I did not intend to have this chapter be so... intense. It was merely going to be a filler chapter so the readers could get to know Ashe more. Apparently it had a mind of its own. So this story may actually develop a larger plot. I don't know about you but I'm a little excited. Any ideas or suggestions are welcomed, and I hope you'll review since I like to know I'm writing something good or not.
Thanks for letting me ramble! -Trickster's Advocate
