The bleak streets of Europe were an icy cold. Warning for the end of the summer, and the beginnings of a long, chilly fall. And that was why the long cobbled road streets were practically devoid of any life now, aside from the large insects and diseased rats that didn't perish in the frost that had skittered about in the faint, fiery glow of the old street lamps that lined the roads of the large town.

The only creature of the day walking it now was a lone woman, who ambled casually on the empty path. Although she shuddered uncontrollably from the biting frost.

It was dark out, and the moon was full tonight. Her husband was probably already home and was expecting her back soon. The man always arrived home early with his hunting trophies. Always arriving home with plenty of fresh meat for her to cook.

Her stomach grumbled, looking forward to the promise of a rich dinner by the cozy warmth of a fire after a such a long day.

Though, she had to pause in her swift stride. But only a little. Feeling as though she was not as alone as she first thought on the path. Eyes piercing the back of her skull, hungry.

She quickly resumed walking however. Smart to quicken her pace a little, the fear now drilling into her mind relentlessly. Though she did her damndest to ignore it as best she could.

Then, her ears caught something sharp scrape loudly on the old stone path behind her, causing the old woman to visibly jump. She whipped her head behind her, but she did not stop in her swift stride.

She only saw the vacant street, not a soul behind her...

There was only a large, jagged scratch mark that cracked into the cobbled road not 4 feet behind her, that she was certain wasn't there before.

Adrenaline pumped into her violently, their heart speeding to a point she felt a little dizzy. Fear focusing heavy to her original plan, just to make it back home on time and alive. She turned her head back around, and just booked it. Feet paddling loudly against the old stone. Not caring if she looked crazy or overly paranoid. She just wanted to be home safe in the company of her family!

But, all thoughts of hope had died when the old woman had heard clawed and heavy steps begin making their way swiftly behind her. Her mind jumping to the image of a vicious predator tailing it's prey. It sounded massive. A powerful beast with great bulk. It terrified the poor woman as she now ran for her life. Being tailed by what she could only surmise as a large animal.

She let out a shrill scream, both out of terror and of hope that somebody would hear her cries. Or that maybe the sudden shriek would frighten off whatever was giving close chase behind her. But, it steadily grew closer with each step.

Each scraping step.

Each clawed step.

The sound taunted her as she ran, her eyes watering. It was practically toying with her!

An astray stone from the cobbled path suddenly tripped the terrified woman. Causing her to tumble forward, admitting another loud shriek. Horribly twisting her ankle as her head made contact with the uneven and hard cobbled floor below.

Dazedly, she lifted herself up by her elbows slightly. Uncontrollable shaking in her arms that threatened to give out and push her back onto the ground. She could feel the blood trickle warmly out from her now broken nose as she tried to get her bearings.

She whimpered, feeling nothing but a sharp pain emanating from her head and leg. Both bleeding horribly. Then, a low growl sounded above her, and everything in the woman froze. She couldn't even shake anymore, even from the crisp air. Too terrified of the horrifying truth to look up and see what had finally caught her.

But, she turned her gaze up all the same, if only out of morbid curiosity at the creature who had won the chase.

As suspected, a large beast had towered over her. Well sharpened claws digging deep into the stone floor. It was the biggest wolf she had ever seen. It was heavily scarred too, with one of it's more impressive marks running deeply down across it's left eye. Proudly showcasing to the woman that it had been the victor of several gory, and given the deep red tint of it's coat… Recent battles as well.

The beast glared daggers down at the poor old woman, letting out a low and threatening snarl. Large and well sharpened teeth glistening sickly from it's mouth in the dim light of the streetlamps.

She tried to scream, tried to push it off her before it could bite her head off in one swift strike. Tried desperately to even move! But, she only remained rooted to the ground. Absolutely horrified at the inevitable staring her down in the face, white glowing eyes scowling.

She was too afraid to even breathe.

She could only manage to tear a stinging howl from her throat when it had lunged for her neck…Only for the beast to be suddenly shoved off the woman by a small, horned figure with impressive force. Blanketed by a thick veil of shadow that hid it's features, if it had any, from any source of light. The only thing you could see from it were glowing blue eyes that were shot with hate.

The impact to the floor caused the beast to yelp loudly, clearly taken by surprise by the small interloper.

"OUTTA THE WAY YOU MUTT! I CALLED DIBS!" It's high pitched shriek announced. The woman not wasting a second; Quickly regained herself, shaking a little as she stood up. Seeing that both creatures were far too occupied to focus on her. The small figure on the wolf's side, hissing loudly in it's face to show some sort of dominance over the much larger creature.

"I'M GETTING THE COUNT'S LOVE AND GRATITUDE! NOT YOU!" It spat indignantly, before quickly turning to face it's prey with piercing blue eyes. Though, they saw that she was already hobbling down the road home as quick as she possibly could with her twisted ankle. The small creature quickly gave chase, clearly much more faster than the wolf. Earning another low whine from the old woman as she tried rounding a corner.

But, when she turned around, it was already right behind her. Ready to catch her in the alley and finish the suffering soul off already. But, it was soon tackled from the entrance by an understandably angered wolf. The woman wasted no time with the now bickering monsters, and continued running.

Well, limping…

But, when she had finally left from the other side of the alley, she had been immediately tackled by the larger predator, it's jagged maw biting down hard into her small neck. Tearing mercilessly into the flesh before finally snapping it. Severing all bodily functions from the now deceased woman, who could now only twitch lifelessly in its teeth, much to the great disdain of the shadowed Imp, who was now beating into the wolf's back angrily.

"THAT WAS MY PREY YOU JERK! MINE!" It screamed. The wolf only made an effort to endure the Imp's loud protests. Only to have it's patience broken when the small creature yanked and tore the body harshly from the dog's fanged mouth. Causing ugly crunching and popping sounds to echo horribly into the deserted street.

And with that, it quickly spun around and ran off with it's prize into the darkness, laughing maniacally and victorious. Leaving a bloody, mushy trail from the dog to the Imp and the mutilated head of the old victim. Their spinal cord still dangling in it's teeth, and a cold face forever contorted into one of abject horror.

The wolf barked in rage at the petty Imp. The remains falling unceremoniously from its mouth as it vented loudly. "For the love of- I AM NOT IN THE MOOD FOR THIS, YOU LITTLE TWIT!" And quickly gave chase. Following it into the dense woods that surrounded the large town like a deadly barricade, greatly populated by ravenous predators and crafty creatures.

It was not difficult for the dog to find them struggling with the body, as they were far smaller than the corpse they carried, unrecognizable now. It had been so beaten and battered to a point it only looked like a sack of bloody meat. The stench of death was powerful, so the dog wouldn't be surprised if he spotted scavengers or fellow predators lurking around. Looking to snag a piece of the fresh kill.

They began to fight the entire way, battling over the fresh meat. Accidentally tearing bits and pieces out of it to litter the forest floor, left to be forgotten by the duo who only continued their constant assaults. The little Imp mostly just ran from the dog the entire way screaming. Terrified at the possibility of them finally catching and ripping them to bloody pieces.

The Imp knew full well that they could most definitely not hold their own in a fight against the famed 'devil dog' (As dubbed by the townsfolk). But, the Imp was much faster. Maneuvering through the trees as they both scuttled home. Only colliding violently into each other every so often, causing the pitiful Imp to shriek some more as they neared their home.

It was a large gothic castle, dark and looming ominously over the tall and mossy oak trees. Intimidating statues hanging off its stony walls and the many protruding towers, glaring down at the living below like measly ants. Such an imposing building was believed to be occupied by the local count of the large town. A rather elusive fellow, one with a reputation of sending his servants out into the local toy shop for his own devices. Leading most of the town to believe that he either had a spoiled brat, or that he was the spoiled brat.

Nonetheless, the monstrous duo busted through the old castle doors, snapping the worn wood and bending the metal of the abused entryway. Both characters hitting the red carpeted floor with a loud, cracking thud. Dropping the horribly mangled carcass to stain the floor as the two continued to bicker and batter at each other mercilessly.

Then, a high-pitched squeal echoed throughout the halls of the drab castle. Causing both of them to jerk, and the maroon wolf having to put it's paws over it's ears with a low whine in a half-hearted attempt to block out the familiar, annoying shriek.

"OOOOHH! You guys brought back a fresh body all for me!?"

Neither of them made an effort to get up when they saw the small figure step merrily into view from the dimly lit hall. The dog groaned in annoyance at the green imbecile.

He was very short. Only reaching about the height of an average 5 year-old, yet he had sported rather lavish clothing one would normally see on the average duke. He wore a dark green embroidered vest with a white dress shirt, coupled with a ruffle. Blanketed by a pitch black cape that dragged on the floor to curl jaggedly by the end of it, defying gravity. And black trousers for good measure.

But, the most noticeable feature about him was… well, his appearance. It was almost amphibious in a way; green slimy skin, a white chin that reached his stomach. And big wide eyes the size of saucers that more or less just looked to be staring off into the distance somewhere. Making him appear as though he was never actively paying attention to anything or anyone around him.

But, he also had a few human traits to define him as not just a frog or a toad. He had normal, albeit small hands and walked on two, humanoid legs. He had a large round head, with what looked to be a black top hat that cupped around his head.

He was Count Keroro.

The odd looking Count made no attempt at paying mind to the two large demons in the room. Instead, his eyes were glued on what they brought home. "Hmmm? Man! It looks like this one liked to put up a struggle. It's hardly recognizable!" He stated simply. Weirdly unfazed by the mutilated remains of what used to be a human before him.

They could only watch as he swiftly grabbed ahold of the meat, and devoured it right in front of them. Two large fangs that protruded from his mouth, tore mercilessly at the bloodied flesh. The small Imp merely smiled happily at this wretched display, while the dog went slack-jawed at the sight of his hard-earned meal being eaten by someone else... Right in front of him.

It turned to fury when the Count finished, leaving nothing behind for any of them. Not even any bones. The dog was quick to shove the shadowed Imp off of them with one hard thrust, before pouncing the small Count, and pinning him hard to the floor. Earning a screechy yelp from the carnivorous Amphibian.

"THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS MONTH, KERORO! WE'RE SUPPOSED TO SHARE THE GODDAMN BODY YOU IDIOT! IT'S NOT ALL FOR YOU!" He barked in his face. Glaring down furiously at the now shaking frog before growling. "How many times do I have to BEAT it into you until it sticks?"

The small Count laughed uncomfortably at the prospect of another pummeling.

"N-now now, Giroro… Let's n-not get h-hasty here!" Keroro stumbled, trying his best to calm the enraged wolf, so he did not have to worry about them attempting to relocate his spine. "Why don't you j-just... Change back for a bit, please…? You know you're very scary like this…"

The wolf seemed to roll his eyes at this, but begrudgingly complied with the feeble request anyway. Stepping back from the small Count for space, who let out a sigh of relief.

A low groaning noise emanated from the wolf's chest, echoing down the large hall as it slowly started to morph and shrink. It's dark maroon fur stubbing, revealing blood red skin that took its place overtime. His many scars slimming down and growing less noticeable by the second, all except the much larger and impressive gash that went across his eye. Only shrinking down somewhat during the transformation.

Everything else looked much different.

He shared similar amphibious traits with the green Count. White chin that ran down to his stomach, and even sporting; while instead a darker maroon, compared to the Count's yellow… A cap. Where what looked like either horns, or canine ears protruded proudly from. He was slightly taller than Keroro however, as well as being a bit more bulky. Showcasing that he still retained strength even in this much smaller form. He wore nothing, clothes would often rip and tear whenever he went back and forth in his wolf form. So he made a habit of only wearing clothes when he didn't feel like he would be transforming anytime soon. Besides, it's not like he had much to hide, aside from the many pale scars that littered his red body.

The only feature that was truly spared after he was done shifting, was that constant death glare he shot at anyone unfortunate enough to get locked in their gaze.

And the Count was one of those poor souls for today…

The red frog seemed to snarl at the guy as he stomped back over to him. "Do you have ANY idea, what I had to deal with in my hunt?" Keroro simply shrugged innocently as a response. Unable to really say much else.

Giroro's glare surprisingly deepened, before pointing a finger to the small shadow Imp behind him, who was still somehow shorter than the rest of them. "That little menace you let in here, has been nothing but a nuisance to everyone!" He accused with a growl. "Do you know how many times we got caught by several humans because he was being too loud and sloppy handling a body…? BECAUSE I STOPPED BOTHERING TO COUNT AFTER THE 5th WEEK! THERE'S PROBABLY STILL BLOOD PAINTED ALL ACROSS TOWN FOR ALL TO SEE, FROM HOW MUCH HE DRAGGED THE DAMN THING TONIGHT!"

"DON'T YOU DARE YELL AT HIM!" The Imp immediately jumped in between the two, using their small body as a rather lousy shield for the cowering green Vampire. The creature's bright blue eyes bulging in wrath as they bared their teeth at the werewolf. "NO ONE SPEAKS TO THE COUNT LIKE THAT AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!"

Keroro laid a hand on their shoulder, immediately grabbing the creature's attention. "Calm down, Tamama. He's just venting his frustrations to me! Let it be." He soothed.

And like a switch; The Imp's mood changed dramatically into a chipper "Oh! My bad master!" as it giggled.

A loud huff drew both their attentions back to Giroro. Who looked to have grown tired of the useless nagging, and started walking past the duo.

"Forget this." He mumbled bitterly, before disappearing into the darkness of the castle. Likely to his room to brood in comfortable solitary. The count sighed at this. "Honestly, he needs to lighten up more often… he can be such a stick in the mud."

Tamama looked over to his count. "Should we be worried or something?" He asked nervously. "I mean, we did kinda make a bit of a racket fighting over your dinner…"

Keroro waved him off. "Please!" He laughed "The humans are too afraid of the 'monsters in the woods' to come after us! Even if they did get scared enough, they would probably just move away!"

The small Imp thought about the idea his count presented. "Wouldn't that be a bad thing? We kinda need to eat those guys when the animals are hibernating... And we might have to travel longer for those dolls you like if they do move..."

The green Count sputtered in shock before looking over to the black Imp. "They are not 'dolls', Tamama! They are figures!" He corrected, ignoring the rest of Tamama's comment as he turned dramatically and strutted down the hall in an insulted huff. The small Imp quickly followed after him into the darkness of the castle, rambling on countless apologies. As he was not exactly tired of talking with his beloved Count for the night just yet.

There was a stark panic in the streets of the town, once a few poor souls discovered the abused remains of an old woman's mutilated head. Leaving men to gasp, maidens to faint, and the weak to toss their breakfast right there on the curb they found it.

In hindsight, none of them should've been all that surprised. It wasn't the first violated remains of a corpse to pop up in the morning. Not even always being a human one... Hell, some folks who abandoned the town would go on to claim it was cursed by Satan himself with how often a body showed up after nightfall. Far too torn up to be done by any man alive.

The Marchioness heard all of it. Every scream, every complaint, and every slurry of mad ravings thrown at her before they slammed the door and promptly left the town forever. And while she once laughed at the notion of monsters stalking the town after dark; The growing list of inhumane murders and sightings were growing harder to ignore by the day.

And today was the day that finally, she snapped.

"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" She screamed, slamming her head down on her work desk, hard. Her blue locks spilling across the wood as papers flew everywhere from the sudden impact, nearly causing a few splinters to form in the wood.

Her butler was quick to aid her. "Mistress Momoka!" He put his hands on her shoulders to lightly usher her to sit up. Quickly checking for any sign of bruising on her forehead as she glared at him. "You mustn't do that. I understand your frustration, but giving yourself a concussion will not help the situation."

She rolled her eyes at the old man. Her glare not completely falling as she grumbled. "Then please…" She started with a sarcastic huff. "Tell me your bright ideas, Paul…"

To this, his mustache twitched as Paul shook his head in uncertainty. Looking away from her to the open window behind them before he chose to speak again.

"Well, you know the people are claiming it all to be the work of monsters that live in the-"

Paul was then interrupted by a loud whine from his stressed mistress. Who was quick to smack her head back against the desk in a dull thud. Rustling and scattering papers around once more. The butler only sighed at this display, this time choosing to offer a sympathetic pat on the back to the Marchioness instead. "Yes, I know... I know…" He whispered calmly.

His lady never cared much for the rumors and gossip about the murders being from terrifying creatures of legend preying on the townsfolk. She felt it too unrealistic and paranoid a concept to even be real. And gave the real monsters out there an object to blame for their nefarious deeds. And while he didn't disagree with her completely…

The countless victims told a much different story that couldn't be just explained away as another serial killer. Especially when some folks just went missing completely, with only their gnawed bones left in the woods to be found days, or even weeks later…

And that's not even mentioning the constant sightings of a "Devil Dog" in the area...

And she couldn't ignore it forever with only the "safety" of a curfew to protect them. Their once prosperous and populated town at this rate might soon become a ghost town if nothing was actively done about it. So many people have already left, and many others are still threatening to.

He snapped from his piteous thoughts when he heard Momoka mumble something in the wood of her desk that he couldn't quite pick up.

"Mistress Momoka, you're going to have to speak up if you want something done…" He said, smiling warmly down at his mistress. Trying to be encouraging towards the lady, even if she couldn't see it. She lifted her head slightly from the now lightly battered desk with her face impressioned permanently onto the wood to forever glare back up at her.

"Are you suggesting that we hire somebody to take care of these so-called 'monsters'?" She asked bitterly. He nodded firmly, still smiling. "If we hire someone to kill these cretins, if only for appearances sake, and they come up with either nothing or a dead animal; Surely it might quell at least some of the folks paranoia of monsters"

Momoka slowly processed this idea, a pleased smile slowly forming across her lips. "You know, Paul… That just might actually work!"

And for the first time in what felt like weeks; Paul was beyond happy to see his mistress back in her spirits as she practically hopped up from her seat and ruffled up her dress to grab a few of her more important scattered documents, before turning to her trusted butler once more.

"Inform the town immediately that we are finding me a…" She fought to suppress a giggle as she spoke.

"...Finding me a skilled Monster Hunter!"

A/N- Heyo guys! INK here, reporting to you from the Limbo!

This is a stupid AU I came up with a while ago after I binged other Monster AUs, and I wanted to join in on the madness cause I was bored. First off, as you may have noticed these guys aren't at all humanized like other Monster AUs of them I've seen… Mainly because I have somewhat of a bias against humanizing them but eh. I promise I have a decent in-universe reason for it that will be explained further in…

"OH but INK! If this takes place in early Europe, why does everyone still have their original Japanese names?" Because I don't exactly feel like renaming every single character and keeping track of them for the sake of realism. So, please suspend your disbelief for the moment…

Last note; I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update this, so bare with me. The second chapter is currently underway though, so that's something I suppose.