For Monster Honor

by ChaosEater69

This is going to be a collection of stories pairing the heroes of "For Honor" with monster girls. The settings from the game all exist in the same world as MGE and there will be references to both sources. Note: I do NOT own either of the sources mentioned! Also this story is rated M for sexual content and violence/gore. Hope you enjoy.

1. Chapter 1

For Monster Honor

Chapter 1

Nickolas Mordone approached the thick, wooden door of his Grand Master's study, a place where a young warden would only approach in two situations: to receive punishment or to receive a summons. He hadn't been told why he was being called here, but he sure hoped for the later. With a steadying breath, Nickolas raises a steel-clad hand and knocks on the door.

"Enter!" he hears on the opposite side of the door. His heart in his throat, he opens the door and steps inside, closing it behind him. Grand Master Eclipsa Demour, head of Iron Back Keep and one of the members of the Iron Circle, sits behind her heavy, ornate desk as she reads, signs, and moves on to the next of many documents that litter the surface without acknowledging the younger knight. Nickolas approaches the desk, his helmet tucked under his right arm, broad sword hanging on his left side, posture straight and at attention.

"You asked for me, Grand Master?" Nickolas asks, his words shaken as his nerves shudder in anticipation. Eclipsa says nothing as she signs one more document before finally looking up, her neatly braided hair draped over one shoulder as her sharp, green eyes examine the young Warden. His short, black hair is already slick with sweat, as most of the knights of Iron Back Keep would be in the training yard, which is where he just came from; his blue eyes twitch with his heartbeat, it doesn't take much to see he was nervous.

"That I did," she says simply before standing and rounding the desk. She circles him, examining his armor and his weapon, both are kept in good condition: his armor clean and polished, his sword sharp and oiled. "Tell me, Warden Mordone, how long have you served the Iron Legion now?" she asks, continuing to circle him.

Nickolas keeps his eyes facing forward, though her ever steady figure passing by him only serves to increase his stress. "I have served four years now, Grand Master." Nickolas had served as a soldier for a year under the Iron Legion before competing in the annual Tempering, a competition where soldiers compete before the Grand Master for a chance to become a Warden. He had been nineteen when he proved himself and now, he stands as a full-fledged Warden, though he is still seen only as a whelp.

"And in that time, you have faced the Monsters of the Demon Lord, yes?" Eclipsa stops in front of him now, her aged face now the only thing he can see, his eyes focusing on her.

"I have faced a few of them, Grand Master. Goblins being the majority." He had faced other forms of Monsters as well, during his rotations between the neighboring towns and stations in the region. An Ogre being the most memorable, though he had not been alone for the encounter.

Eclipsa nods at his answer. "Have you faced any form of Demonic or Spiritual types?" She eyes him sharply, a cold chill going up his spine.

"Once, Grand Master. A Lesser Succubus, two others and I were tasked with clearing her out of a mansion she had taken over. Sating her turned out to be too dangerous as the Warden who tried was almost driven mad with lust. We were forced to slay her." As knights of the Iron Legion, they are often tasked with protecting the region's citizens from many forms of Monsters, which is why much of their studies involve the many different Monsters as well as how to properly handle them. For many of the physical types, simply satisfying their lust prior to a purification prayer is often the most effective; however, those who cannot be sated must be put down, lest they continue to rampage. Though many of the Legions are not directly associated with the Order of the Chief God, they have often been called upon to serve them in some way or another.

"That is good," Eclipsa says as she turns back to her desk. She picks up one of the many documents and turns back to face Nickolas, her eyes scanning the parchment. "This is a request from the mayor of Lemerstead, are you familiar with the area?"

"Yes, Grand Master. I served a rotation there during my second year." He remembers the town for the sour, bright yellow fruits the town is famous for growing. The town sits close to a geyser field which makes a perfect environment for the fruits to grow. Eclipsa nods before continuing.

"Good. It seems they have an issue with a Monster in that area. It has taken residence in a fort not far from the town limits. It has already attacked multiple people, though no one has been able to identify what kind it is. The only thing we know for sure is that it carries a sword, most likely one of Demon Silver." Nickolas' brows draw together out of confusion.

"I'm to complete this task, Grand Master? On my own?" Eclipsa raises a brow at his question.

"Is there something you don't understand, Warden?" Nickolas swallows hard, doing his best not to show his nerves.

"It's just, this seems like a job for someone with more rank than myself, Grand Master. I'm still just a Man at Arms." Man at Arms is the lowest rank for a Warden, the next being Sergeant, then Knight, and so on. Eclipsa nods her head, a half smile decorating her face.

"You are right, this is more of a job for a Sergeant. Or at least, a Sergeant to be," Eclipsa smile comes full circle as Nickolas' eyes go wide with realization, he would have dropped his sword and helmet if he was less disciplined.

"Grand Master you can't be serious. I'm not ready to take on such a role," Nickolas blurts out, instantly regretting it as Eclipsa's face becomes stern.

"You question my judgment?" Nickolas turns a deathly shade of white as he tries to quickly think of a way out of this situation.

"N-no Grand Master. I would never..." Nickolas' words are cut off as Eclipsa surprises him even more when she bursts out in laughter. She steps forward and places a hand on his metal-garbed shoulder as she calms herself.

"Mordone, relax. I am only fooling with you. Self-doubt is a natural occurrence when presented with a challenge. But we as wardens and knights of the Iron Legion cannot let our doubts become shackles," she says as she steps away from him again, the color returning to his face. She leans back against her desk as she eyes him, arms folded across her chest. "If you are still confused, then let me speak plainly: I have spoken to your instructors. They all speak highly of you, not only of your skills as a swordsmen and a soldier, but as well as your character. They all say you are a kind soul with solid determination and a level head. These are the kind of people the Iron Legion needs among its leadership. This task will serve as a test to see if you are ready to begin training to become a Sergeant; you shall go to Lemerstead and face this creature, on your own and either purify or slay it. Do you accept this undertaking, Warden Mordone?"

---

Several Hours Later...

"Well look what the cat dragged in," Nickolas looks up from his dinner plate to see his best friend, Lexis Digon, making her way across the dining hall to his table. Dressed in her casual clothes, the dark haired woman throws herself into the chair beside him before slapping him on the back; the force is almost enough to make him spit the food he had just swallowed back out, but somehow, he manages to keep it down. "Heard someone got a quest from the Grand Master herself, you wouldn't know anything about that, would you?!" Nickolas sighs heavily as he takes another drink of his ale. The brutish conqueror beside him is nothing if not unrelenting, one of the reasons she was chosen for the title.

"Lex, I'm already stressed out as it is, please don't pick at me today." Lexis throws her head back in laughter.

"Oh come on! What's there to be stressed about? You show up, find the Monster girl, fuck the Monster girl, and come home a hero." Lexis beams at Nickolas with a satisfied smile for her explanation, though Nickolas only returns a droll stare. While Lexis' quick wit and straight-forward attitude have served her well in battle, she didn't see the bigger picture of his situation.

"There's more to it than that, Lex," Nickolas says as he slams his mug down on the table as his frustration mounts, getting the woman's attention. Nickolas is normally a calm, mild-mannered man, never really seeming to worry about anything; so, seeing him in this state gives Lexis pause. She nits her brows together as she leans forward on to one elbow.

"Alright, spill the beans Nick; what's got you so stressed out over this job? I figured you'd be ecstatic. A chance to become a Sergeant doesn't just fall into someone's lap every day." Nickolas agreed with her on that statement. Gaining rank in the Iron Legion, in any Legion, took many years of hard work, presenting oneself above a sea of other candidates who are just as capable as you. For most Wardens it takes at least six years to become Sergeant. The fact that Grand Master Demour is giving him a chance for a such a thing after only four is enough to blow his mind.

"There's a lot more riding on this than just my rank. Grand Master said that my instructors spoke highly of me. That they all believe in me enough that I should be promoted only after four years of service, Lex. I'm not afraid to fail for my sake, or even to die, I just don't want to disappoint those who chose me out of all the other capable wardens here to be promoted. I also don't want to tarnish their word in front of the Grand Master." Nickolas had become very well acquainted with all his instructors, inspired by their experience and skills; he respects them highly.

"So then don't disappoint. Go in, fuck the Monster, get out. Then come back and get stone-faced-drunk to celebrate!" Lex raises her arms in excitement at the thought of Nickolas' triumphant return and the celebrations that will accompany it. Nickolas wants to argue, there's more to the whole situation, at least that's what he keeps telling himself, but he can't deny that Lexis' point of view may just be correct. "Not only that but think about it. Like you said, the instructors could have chosen any other trainee here to take on this job. But they chose you. They have faith in you so quit sulking and help me get drunk." Lexis says as she takes his mug away and downs the rest of the foamy contents. Nickolas wants to argue, both at her statement as well as for his stolen beverage, but he can't.

"Lex, I hate it when you make sense," he says, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of saying 'you are right'. She smiles, slamming the empty mug on the table.

"Hey, my flail isn't the only thing with sharp points." Nickolas can't help but laugh at her before going to fetch more ale.

---

Two days later.

Nickolas slows his horse as he reaches the hill peak that looks down onto the town of Lemerstead. It's a medium sized town, multiple larger buildings surrounded by smaller houses and barns; a river running directly through the middle of town. To the west he can see the rows of trees where the town's staple fruit grows in their orchards. He takes a long breath before heeling his horse to move on, the horse giving a snort in protest but complying.

He had left Iron Back Keep two days ago; his necessary gear loaded onto his horse with Lexis to see him off. He was surprised to find Grand Master Eclipsa waiting for him at the gate. She offered him a kind farewell and told him to return alive. He thanked her, bid farewell to Lexis and made his way west, stopping only at the next outpost to spend the night. Now he rides for the town square, where the mayor of Lemerstead should be waiting for him.

As he makes his way into the town, the citizens are immediately drawn to him, though it would be difficult not to be. One does not see a man riding into town in full armor with the Iron Legion's emblem on their back very often. The townspeople offer Nickolas a warm welcome, waving and calling out to him. He waves back, his helmet hiding his smiling face. He also notices a few Monster girls amongst the townspeople: Kikimora, Kobalds, a few Were-cats, even a Holstaur. This does not surprise him; while most Monster girls are demonized by the Order there are a select few that even they tolerate. Even at Iron Back Keep there are a few Kikimora who serve as maids, most of them married to the higher ranking leaders of the Keep.

The dirt roads of the town soon become cobblestone as he draws closer to the town square, located on the west side just on the other side of one of the two large bridges that connect the eastern side of town to the west. Nickolas brings his horse to the large building on the far side of the bridge, which serves as the mayors home as well as a place of office. Nickolas quickly ties his horse off at one of the water troughs outside the town hall, retrieves his sword from his saddle and secures its to his waist as he approaches the front door.

He gives a stern knock and is answered quickly. As the door opens, he is greeted by the large green eyes of a young Kikimora. She appears no older than twenty-one, dressed in a traditional black and white maid's uniform, her black hair pulled back under her bonnet. She looks him up and down hesitantly before speaking. "Welcome sir, is there something I can assist you with?" Her voice is timid, most likely not sure what to make of the armed figure before her. Nickolas removes his helmet and places it under his arm.

"Good morning miss, my name is Nickolas Mordone of Iron Back Keep. I'm here to speak with the mayor." He keeps his voice calm and kind, not wanting to scare the young kikimora. Her eyes brighten with realization and she opens the door wider. She steps back and gestures with a feather hand.

"Of course, the Mayor has been expecting you. My name is Lenora, I will take you to him." Nickolas steps inside as she closes the door behind him. The inside of the building is decorated well, fine statues flanking a large center staircase in the foyer, multiple landscape paintings hanging from different walls, and other artifacts to show the mayors social status. Lenora takes him up the center staircase and down a hall before knocking on a door. She pushes it open and steps into the doorway.

"Sir, the knight from Iron Back Keep has arrived."

"Splendid! Send him in, please!" A loud, hardy voice calls from inside the room. Lenora steps back from the doorway and allows Nickolas to step in. The inside is an office space, modestly decorated, the most defining item in the room being the ornately carved desk on the opposite side of the room. The man standing behind the desk is a stout, sharply dressed man in his later years, graying hair combed back with a finely trimmed goatee on his face. The man quickly rounds the desk as he sees Nickolas enter and offers his hand. "I am so glad you are here, my boy! Truly I am." the man says as Nickolas takes his hand and the mayor begins to shake it enthusiastically, so much so that it causes his armor to jingle.

"Thank you, sir. I'm glad to help in any way I can." The mayor releases Nickolas' hand and steps back before turning to the young Kikimora.

"Lenora, dear, please see to our guest's room and make sure it's ready for him. Oh! And make sure his horse is brought to the stables and looked after." Lenora curtsies without speaking and disappears down the hall. The mayor sighs heavily as he rounds his desk again. "I cannot express my excitement, sir. We have been in dire need of a warrior's aid for some time now."

"As I've heard. Though, I must be clear sir; I am not actually a Knight. I'm only a Man at Arms, this task will actually decide whether I move on to the next rank or not." The mayor waves Nickolas' words away.

"I'm aware, my boy. Grand Master Demour explained this in her last letter. Though, she spoke highly of you and I trust her judgment." Nickolas can't help but feel a stab in his chest as another person stakes their word on his abilities, but he remembers the Grand Master's words: he has a job to do and his feelings cannot impede him.

"Yes sir. So, now that I'm here, what can you tell me about this Monster girl? Do you know exactly what kind I'm dealing with?" The mayor's face deepens with regret.

"I'm afraid not. From eye-witnesses they know it is humanoid, and fights with a blade. It has already taken four lives now, all men of course. From what our undertaker said, this one is a vicious killer." The mayor wipes his brow with a handkerchief, the stress getting to the older man.

Nickolas narrows his eyes at the mayor's statement, "What did the undertaker say?" The mayor sighs heavily as he opens a drawer in his desk and pulls out several sheets of parchment.

"These are the reports from the undertaker. Terrible business," the mayor says as he slides the documents toward the young warden. Nickolas moves to stand over the Mayor's desk as he examines the notes for several minutes, his brows knitting closer together as he reads. The documents describe multiple stab and slash wounds all over the bodies of the four victims, describing vicious torture: cut tendons, severed fingers and toes, and more, all done while the Monster drained them. Nickolas has heard of multiple Monsters who torture their victims when rogue: Red Caps, Dark Elves, even a rogue Lich is known to torture their victims for their experiments if they become that deprived. The detail that worries him most is the fact that there are actual wounds on the bodies; Monsters that use weapons normally use Demon Silver weapons: a magic material that drains spiritual energy instead of causing physical injuries. Either this Monster has become so rabid that she can't tell the difference between Demon Silver and normal weapons or she purposely chose to cause physical harm to these men.

"This is certainly strange. Monsters normally aren't this violent, even when rogue. This seems more like personal attacks rather than random ones," Nickolas says. "Can you tell me where these attacks happened?" The Mayor rises from his desk to approach a map that hangs on the wall behind him and points to an illustration representing a fort to the west of town.

"We believe the attacks all happened near Fort Lemer. It's nothing but a ruin now, abandoned since before the war of Lescatie. The bodies were found by the main road where it veers off towards the old fort. No one has gone near the place since, most won't even leave their homes after sundown." Nickolas nods, he is still unsure what kind of Monster he is facing, but knowing where it is, or at least where it could be, gives him an advantage.

"Very well. It's a start at the very least." Nickolas says as he steps away from the desk. The mayor nods with a grim look.

"I apologize that I don't have more information for you, my boy." Nickolas waves the Mayor's apology away.

"No, sir. You have done more than enough. This should be enough for me to prepare at the least. The town has a garrison here, yes?"

"We have the town guards, but they aren't warriors like yourself. Most combat they see is a drunken brawl in the tavern. But they have been working in full force since these attacks started."

Nickolas nods in satisfaction. "Good, tell them to be on high alert till tomorrow. I will make my way towards the fort at first light." Nickolas says, trying to appear confident. The mayor smiles with hope at the young warden.

"You are a godsend, my boy. I'll alert the guards at once."

---

Several hours later…

Nickolas runs his whetstone over the blade of his sword again, the metallic, scraping sound filling the room. The sound always brought him comfort, something Lex had always thought was strange of him. To her, the sound always put her on edge: a sword being sharpened for an upcoming battle, but for Nickolas it put his mind at ease as with each stroke of the stone he knows that his sword will be able to cut his enemy down that much better. It also helps him to think, especially in this moment.

After speaking to the Mayor he had left to walk about the town, which was not easily done being that everyone in the town wanted their moment with the 'brave knight'; Nickolas had heard the phrase so much in those few short hours that he has come to loathe such a title. Regardless, it did prove useful in gathering information: he had spoken to several people who claimed to have seen or heard the creature on the nights of the attacks. Most Nickolas quickly wrote off as hysteria: the creature having massive wings, three heads, and other extra limbs, being able to swallow a man whole, no double entendre, and that it carried a horde of men off on its own. However, he did get a few tips that may seem useful: a few people said they had heard laughing coming from the woods on the nights of the attacks, that some had seen a womanly figure walking along the road in the direction of the old ruins on the nights of the attacks, and most interestingly; all the victims had been close friends for many years. This wouldn't mean much for a town of the Lemerstead's size, pretty much everyone in town knows each other by first name, but these four had been friends for an extended period of time. The more Nickolas looks at the facts, it makes him think this is not a Monster gone rogue as much as a personal vendetta. But why would a Monster go out of their way to drain someone they have a grudge against?

Nickolas' mind is pulled from his quest as a soft knock comes from his door. He sheathes his sword and leans it against the nightstand before going to answer it. Opening the door, he finds a pair of green eyes waiting for him. "Oh, Lenora, how can I-" Nickolas breaks off as he realizes that she's wearing nothing but her nightgown, the sheer fabric clinging to her figure and leaving hardly anything to the imagination.

"I was wondering if you would require some assistance before you go off tomorrow?" Her tone is heavily suggestive, her cheeks rosy, her hips cocked to one side as she folds her arms to draw attention to her ample breasts. Nickolas swallows at the tempting sight of her, she had been making hints to him ever since he had returned from town earlier in the evening. He had come back for dinner, which she and a few of the other maids had prepared. She made sure to make her invitations obvious as she leaned over to serve him, giving him ample view of her cleavage as well as the smoldering looks she gave him. Nickolas had definitely noticed, blushing heavily, but he kept his composure and feigned innocence. The Mayor could not help himself but to laugh at the exchange, though it had not discouraged Lenora in the slightest.

"U-uh, that's not necessary. You are very kind Lenora, but I need to re-" Nickolas is cut off as Lenora pushes through the door, drawing close enough that Nickolas can feel the heat coming off her body. She places a hand on his chest, her hand tracing down his abdomen, feeling the hardened muscles through his shirt. The gesture was enough to set his body on fire, it had been months since he last touched a woman; already his body is begging for more of the kikimora's affection.

"Don't worry, you won't have to strain yourself. I'll take care of everything." She draws even closer, placing both hands on his chest as she looks up at him, her eyes dark with lust. Nickolas calls on every ounce of will power he has. If this were any other day, I would already be inside of her, but this coming battle takes presidents and I must put my duty above all el-. Nickolas' mind goes blank as he feels Lenora's breasts press against his chest, her hardened nipples easily felt through the fabrics of their clothes. She leans up on her tip toes to whisper in his ear, "There's no need to worry, it's my job to serve our guests." Nickolas shudders as her breath tickles his ears, his body aching for release as she presses more of herself against him, undoubtedly feeling his erection through his trousers. Her hands slide down to his belt and swiftly unfastening it before moving to the drawstrings.

"Lenora, you really aren't required to do this." Nickolas has no idea why he is even trying anymore. At this point he has accepted her advance, even looking forward to it, but for some reason he finds himself questioning her motives. It is actually a common occurrence for a lord or mayor to order servants and maids to 'service' knights in this manner, the reasons being numerous. Depending on the employer, as well, the consequences for refusing this can range drastically. There have been stories to circulate through the Legion about knights who refused this 'service' to be exiled from a land or for the 'server' to be punished. While Nickolas does not take the Mayor as such a person, he does not want to put this girl in danger over something trivial as this. She pauses as her fingers find the drawstrings; her face now full of uncertainty rather than lust.

"Is there something wrong?" she steps back from him, her posture no longer haughty but more self-conscious; the loss of her warmth leaving him with a chill. "Perhaps I'm not to your liking?" The look of disappointment in her eye is enough to break his heart.

"That is definitely not the issue," Nickolas says quickly, realizing that he may have insulted her by accident. "It just, well, you don't have to do this. I know you're a servant, but this is not something that should be required of you." Lenora's face brightens with a soft smile as she realizes his meaning.

"Thank you, m'lord. You are very considerate," she says, bowing her head to him. Nickolas returns the smile, and almost gasps when he feels her warmth return as she presses her body against him again. "Though I am here out of necessity, that doesn't mean I don't want to." Her voice has reverted back to the sultry tone, her eyes seeming to be even more lust filled as she loosens the drawstrings of his pants, her hands quickly finding his hardened shaft.

Nickolas gasps for breath as he feels her tongue trace his jaw line, her hands stroking his length. His mind becomes enthralled by the soft strokes of her hands as she trails down from his jaw to his neck, softly kissing and licking the tender flesh as he struggles to keep his wits. Lenora pulls back to look up at him as her hands continue their work and smiles up at him, her feathery tail closing the door of his room.

"It has been a long time since I've had a man, m'lord. I don't mind going to the tavern for a fling when I need it, but it feels so much better to have someone of your standing to serve." She smiles as she lowers herself onto her knees, her strokes becoming faster as she works his body like a professional.

Gods above, I don't know whether to be ashamed or thankful, Nickolas thinks to himself as pleasure clouds his mind. He is not so surprised by Lenora's feelings; as a Kikimora she is born with a need to serve. While every Kikimora has their own preferences, most prefer to serve those in the higher class so that they may be 'proper maids'. Ultimately this will lead to them marrying a lord or just becoming their mistress, but even in the case of marriage they will continue to serve as maids; it is simply their nature.

Nickolas shudders as he feels her soft tongue encircle his tip before she takes him into her mouth, causing him to moan as her warmth envelopes him. Bucking his hips gently as she begins to bob her head in a slow rhythm, he moans with every stroke as his salty skin slides along her tongue, only adding to his pleasure as her mouth vibrates around his shaft. "Lenora, ah! If you keep this up, gods, I'm gonna..." Nickolas can't even finish his sentence as Lenora quickens her pace. Within a few more strokes Nickolas gasps loudly as his pleasure mounts, filling Lenora's mouth. She moans deeply at the taste of him, her lips clamped around his tip as she strokes the last few drops out with her hand.

She pulls back as she swallows, her breathing slightly labored. She looks at up at him with a warm smile as she rises to her feet. Nickolas backs against the wall, his head spinning from the aftershock of his release. "Thank you, m'lord," Lenora says as she bows to him. Nickolas shakes his head, trying to clear is thoughts. It had been so long since he had felt a woman's touch, his time filled with training and study. The only relations the young warden has had in the last few years had been only with the few Monsters he had been tasked to sate, and while enjoyable, they were brief before he returned to his normal routine; such is the life of a knight to be.

"I believe I'm the one who should be saying that." Nickolas takes another heavy sigh as he pushes himself away from the wall. He covers himself and refastens his trousers, noticing how Lenora's posture has changed: when they first met, she was noticeably kind and proper, possibly even a bit shy but after returning from his investigating in town she became very suggestive, almost wanton even. Now, however, she is standing with her hands in front, fingers fidgeting, and her face is flushed as she keeps her eyes on the ground.

"I hope I wasn't too assertive, m'lord. It's just been too long since I was with a man. With the recent attacks the tavern has been closed by dusk and, well, I can't shirk my duties to the Mayor." Nickolas waves her explanation away.

"It is fine. I know how it is for Mamono," Nickolas says using the proper term for Monsters. While it is less of a necessity for beast-like Monsters, such as Lenora; all Monsters require Spirit Energy in order to sustain themselves. For most Monsters, like Kikimora and others, it is only needed every so often as they can survive on normal food sources; though, if put off too long their lust can become volatile and cause them to go rogue. For other forms of Monsters: demonic, spiritual, undead and others rely heavily on the Spirit Energy of humans as their very existence stems from the Energy itself.

Lenora bows her head and curtsies. "Thank you for understanding." Nickolas shakes his head with a tired smile.

"You're very welcome. And don't worry, the tavern will be opening again soon." Lenora looks up to meet his gaze this time and she smiles warmly.

"You are too kind, m'lord. Though, it would be nice if I didn't have to rely on taverns." Lenora's voice is low and shy, dripping with suggestion as Nickolas's eyes shoot wide. He looks at her again, her face blushed even more so than a minute ago, her hands fidgeting again.

"Um...what are you saying exactly, Lenora?" Nickolas' voice is slightly shaken as he fears her response. Her eyes shift from the ground to him and back again several times before she replies.

"Well, I'm already twenty and I still haven't found a husband to serve. I can always find someone to sate me at the taverns when I need to, but...it would be nice to finally find my one true husband." Her eyes fixate on him and the lovely green color is enough to strike him right in the gut. She takes a step closer towards him, her hands continuing to fidget. "You wouldn't happen to feel the same...would you?" Her question is quiet, hardly a whisper, yet it is enough to shatter Nickolas. Why me? WHY me? Nickolas' thoughts roar in his mind as he begs for salvation from the awkward situation, his body beginning to burn for release again. He sighs heavily, which causes Lenora's posture to drop slightly.

"Lenora, I am flattered. Honestly, I am, but you don't want to be the wife of a young knight." Lenora looks at him in confusion, unsure of his meaning. "My duty as a warden, and hopefully as a sergeant in the Iron Legion, takes me on many journeys. Journeys to dangerous places with dangerous people. Every time I am called to serve there is a chance that I may not return, or that I'll return so broken that the difference is irrelevant." Nickolas' face hardens as he remembers times when he had seen his friends sent on rotations and quests, seeing their lovers worry themselves sick when letters didn't come on schedule or when return days were pushed back. The worst were when word came that his friends would not be returning at all; he will never forget the cries of those his friends had left behind. "It's not a life to live, Lenora. If you are to have a husband, find one that can devote himself to you wholeheartedly. One that you can always count on to be home in the evenings, but most importantly, one that can always be at your side till they day they lay on their death beds and you both can thank each other for the lives you've had."

Nickolas realizes that he has started to babble and looks back to Lenora who now has tears in her eyes, much to his alarm. "Ah! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"N-no, no! It's quite fine," The young Kikimora says frantically as she wipes at her teary eyes. "Your words were just so sincere. I tend to get emotional with things like this. My mother forbid me from reading romance stories when I was young because they always brought me to tears." She giggles at the memory and he sighs in relief. "But, thank you, m'lord. You are truly a kind man. I hope you can devote yourself to a woman who will appreciate it one day." Nickolas smiles at her words. It is a nice thought, he's thought about it many times and perhaps one day he may, but for now he is a warden with a duty to honor and a task at hand.

"Thank you."

"Though, I wouldn't mind devoting myself to you...even just for the night." Nickolas' eyes shoot open again as Lenora takes up the same shy yet suggestive posture she has been tempting him with for the entire conversation. Gods does this woman never quit?! Nickolas can't think straight as her gorgeous eyes bore into him, his body aching for her touch again.

"What the hell."

---

The next morning…

"Oil, check. Purifying sage, check. Holy totem, check." Nickolas goes through his previsions one last time before he secures his saddle bag. Then entire town is gathered at the western gate to see him off, a low thrum of gossip filling the air as he secures his equipment. He secures his sword to his saddle before turning to the Mayor, the older man looking excited.

"Gods above, the entire town is present; perhaps I should have charged entry. Ha!" He laughs at his own joke, producing a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow. Lenora, at his side, smiles woefully and shakes her head at the poor joke. Nickolas does not react but shares her thoughts.

"There will be celebrating soon, sir. Hopefully I will return before the sunsets," Nickolas says, doing his best to sound confident. Truthfully, he is nervous as well, he still has no true knowledge on what sort of Monster he is dealing with or why it would kill its victims in such a manner. But, as a Warden, part of his duty is to inspire hope and that much he can do.

The mayor nods as he looks towards the crowd. "That would be good. Tell me, young sir, if this creature gives you more trouble than it is worth, how long should I wait before contacting the Legion?" Nickolas thinks for a moment before answering.

"Should I not return within two days' time, send word to the Legion. That should be efficient time for me to track the creature. If I do not return during this time it is best to assume that I have failed." Both the Mayor and Lenora's faces go pale at the mention of him dying. Nickolas has become accustomed to the possibility of death; it has been with him since he enlisted with the Iron Legion. He's come face to face with it in the few battles he has fought, but wardens do not back down from the threat of death. Nickolas turns back to his horse and pats its side, the horse snorting from the contact. "I believe it is time." The Mayor nods as he wipes his forehead once more before stepping towards the crowd. Lenora approaches him, her face smiling but her eyes worried.

"Please be safe, m'lord," she says simply, keeping her posture in check. Nickolas smiles at her concern, grateful for it.

"I will. This will not be the last time you see me." Her face brightens at his words and she nods. She steps closer to him, her face turning a light shade of red.

"I hope you're not too tired...from last night." Nickolas' face brightens this time, remembering the night prior. The two of them had made love well into the night, the young Kikimora having an appetite he's never seen in a Kikimora. Once between the sheets she was as just as much demanding as she was generous for pleasure. Truth be told, Nickolas would have preferred to leave earlier in the morning, the sun being almost at its peak, but as Lenora had distracted him from his rest it could not be helped.

"I can't really complain about it," he says, trying to hide his blush as best he can. Lenora giggles at his words, her green eyes soothing his worries.

"Please do hurry back. I would like to provide you more 'service' before you leave," she says, her tone dripping with intent. There is no hiding Nickolas' blush this time and he is glad that he has his groin cover on, otherwise the entire town would see his second 'sword'. She gives him one last nod before bowing and stepping back.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The Mayor's words bellow through the air, surprising Nickolas as he was not aware the Mayor's voice could be so loud. "Today, our cries for help are answered as Sir Nickolas Mordone rides off in our defense. May your prayers be with him and may the Gods watch over him as he hunts the Monster that has plagued our fair town for too long now. Hold your heads high, raise your voices and give thanks for this young man's brave efforts!" The Mayor turns to Nickolas as he mounts his horse and dons his helmet. "Sir Mordone, the people of Lemerstead thank you! Good hunting!" With that, Nickolas spurs his horse and takes off down the road at a full gallop, the townspeople cheering as he races off towards the old fort. There is no real need for the ceremonious display, but moral is vital to the masses.

Nickolas slows his horse down to a trot as he continues down the road, his horse snorting and huffing at the unneeded exertion. "Sorry, boy, have to give the people a show," he says, patting the horse's neck. Nickolas rides along the road till he comes to the turnoff the Mayor had told him about. Immediately he sees a large, white oak tree the Mayor had described. He had said this was where one of the victims had been found. He brings his horse to a halt and dismounts, drawing his broadsword and opening his saddlebag, taking a match and a piece of sage before he approaches the tree. As he draws closer, he notices a large, dark mark that has stained the base of the tree, no doubt to be dried blood from the victim.

Without word or thought, Nickolas plants his sword into the ground, strikes the match on his gauntlet and presses it to the sage. Almost immediately he can hear it, a low hissing sound that seems to emanate from every direction. He looks around and notices the dark haze that begins to rise from the ground, much like heat coming off a fire but with a noticeable dark coloring. This is Demonic Energy: the infectious magical energy that is produced when Monsters absorb Spirit Energy from humans; and there is a large concentration of it coming from the base of the tree.

Nickolas nods in satisfaction that he is on the right track. He throws the smoking piece of sage onto the stained patch of grass at the base of the tree, the hissing sound becoming louder. As the sage burns, the smoke will purge the Demonic Energy within the area. Retrieving his sword, he remounts his horse and sets off down the road towards the fort.

The road to the fort runs through a thick forest and Nickolas can already see that Demonic Energy has infested the area. Despite the sun still being high, dark shadows saturate the ground below the tree cover, the plants themselves all have a full and darker coloration than normal, and Nickolas has been aware of the Monster that has been watching him ever since he left the main road. He listens carefully, knowing it is watching him but unsure where it is exactly.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and he rolls to one side, pulling his sword with him, and falls to the ground just as something flies down on the other side of his horse. The horse cries out, rearing before it takes off down the road. Nickolas rolls to his feet and brings his sword up to face his stalker: a girl clad in emerald chitin and leather with pair of green scythe blades protruding from her wrists.

"Man...Sex...Need you," she starts in a half dazed state, her head swaying back and forth, "Now!" She charges, her blades whipping through the air in a frenzy. Nickolas brings his sword up to meet her stroke for stroke, the sound of ringing metal sounding through the air. While the blades of a mantis are not metal, they have been known to cleave through iron like warm butter. It has even been said that they can use their blades to hold and kill prey three times their size; though, they serve excellently for slicing off clothing when the normally emotionless Monsters find a resistant mate. The mantis brings both blades down in an overhead chop as Nickolas brings his sword up, the force almost bringing him to his knees.

Grunting in effort, Nickolas shoves her blades to one side and the insectoid-girl spins, ready to bring her blades around in a wide arc, only to have Nickolas' steel pauldron slam into her back. She yells out in pain as she is thrown to the ground. Nickolas spins his sword to grip it by the blade, ready to bring the blunt cross guard down like a hammer and incapacitate the mantis, the sword's hilt raised over his head. Just before he can finish the task something slams into his side with enough force to send him rolling, the warden only managing to keep hold of his sword.

He cries out in pain as he rolls through the dirt, coming to rest on his back. He looks up to see a girl dressed in pure, white cotton, only to then see that the cotton is attached to her. "Man...Maaaan," the weresheep huffs, tipping her horned head to one side with a dazed expression. Without warning the weresheep leaps into the air to come down on top of Nickolas. He rolls as the horned Monster girl lands just where he laid, pushing himself up to his feet. The weresheep drives her head into Nickolas' abdomen with enough force to hurt, pushing him back as his boots scrape indents in the dirt. He twists and sends her stumbling behind him. Before he can engage her, he is flipped into the air as the mantis girl returns to the fight and sweeps his legs out from under him.

Nickolas curses as he lands on his hands and knees, quickly pushing himself back to his feet to meet another twinned strike from the mantis girl and shoving her back towards the weresheep. She regains her balance quickly, eyeing him with a dazed and heavily blushed expression. The weresheep steps forward to stand beside the mantis, looking at him with a similar expression. Nickolas brings his sword up to rest on his forearm, tip aimed between the Monsters, his breathing labored but slowly easing. He watches the two of them as they sway drunkenly.

These two are not the Monster he's after; the wounds described in the undertaker's notes were 'concise and purposeful' while the two before him look more like two drunken wenches from a local tavern. These two have become infected by the excess Demonic Energy that has contaminated the area. In a few more days the infection would become so potent that the two of them would soon leave the forest in search of men to take by force, all the more reason for him to find his target and finish this quest.

Steeling his resolve, he twists his sword in a wide arc, gripping with both hands and charges toward the two. Both Monsters follow suit, their faces a mix of lust and fury. Just as the three of them would meet, Nickolas brings his sword around, one hand gripping the hilt and one the blade, and trusting its side into the stomachs of the Monster girls. They both gaps as the breath leaves their bodies, unable to react as Nickolas twists the sword and lifts them both into the air. He growls as his muscles strain before twisting the blade again and slamming both girls into the ground simultaneously. They both cry out but quickly attempt to rise again. The first is the weresheep who is met with the rounded pommel of Nickolas' sword. The strike sounds with a solid thud and the weresheep cries out as she falls backwards, her eyes rolling in their sockets.

The mantis rises next, bringing her blades up with another twin overhead only for them to clash with Nickolas' blade. Going on the offensive, Nickolas throws his weight behind his sword, shoving the mantis back to the ground and effectively pinning her arms over her head as he straddles her. She struggles for a moment until she notices Nickolas' helmet fall the ground beside him and her mouth is covered with his own. She relaxes at the taste of his kiss; actually, she seems to push her body against his armored chest, trying to dominate his mouth as they start to battle with their tongues. As Nickolas occupies her, he moves to push the leather rap that covers her modest chest; the rough leather of his gloves scraping against her hardened nipples. She moans into his mouth as he releases his sword, reaching for the small, leather pouch on his belt. Slipping out one of its contents, he moves his mouth down to her throat, her moans filling the air as he slips the sweet tasting object between his teeth without missing a beat in pleasuring her.

Ever since the ceasefire was enacted between The Viking clans and the Samurai nation, trade between the three had slowly been established and with came many new tools to combat Monsters, among other things. The item Nickolas uses now is called a purifying sweet, or at least that's what the Iron Legion calls them, they are a form of hard candy made by the priests in Zipangu and the Mist Continent. The candies are made with holy water and make for a great tool for purifying Monsters, though it is difficult to use being that the Monster has to actually eat the candy. Though, for Nickolas, that is no issue as he brings his lips back to the mantis', her tongue darting into his mouth without delay and he passes the sweet to her. She gasps at the sudden new taste, but she does not resist as he pulls away, leaving her to suck on the sweet.

Knowing he must satisfy her for the candy to take effect, and quickly, he wastes no time removing the groin plate of his armor while also removing the simple leather skirt around the mantis' hips. The mantis coos happily when she sees Nickolas erection and spreads her legs invitingly, bucking her hips in excitement. Nickolas runs his tip along her nether lips, satisfied with the wetness he feels as well as the mantis' moans. With one thrust, he buries his full length into the mantis, gasping at the tightness of her body. The mantis cries out as she is impaled, her body convulsing from the sudden burst of pleasure. Her blades fold against her forearms as she raises up to wrap her arms and legs around Nickolas, driving his shaft even deeper and causing them both to moan. Nickolas does not even bother to move as the mantis begins to gyrate her hips, driving her center up his length over and over as her thrusts send lightning through his veins.

"Gods," Nickolas breathes as the insectoid-girl quickens her pace, her moans almost deafening against his ear as his body begins to burn from both pleasure and exertion. However, he can still hear the candy in her mouth as it clicks against her teeth in between her moans; remembering that he is pressed for time, he lowers his body so that she is laying on the ground. Waiting for the right moment, he begins to thrust his hips as well, keeping in time with her pace.

"Yesh! Yesh!" The mantis begins to moan louder as Nickolas' trusts heighten her pleasure. However, Nickolas groans; in order for the purification to take effect, they have to orgasm simultaneously. The mixture of the purifying agent combined with his Spirit energy will purge the infection from her body, but if he is too early the candy's agent may dissipate before his next orgasm and his efforts will be for naught. What's worse, at her current state, she may take him for all his Spirit Energy and kill him. He calls on every ounce of discipline the Iron Legion has instilled in him, restraining himself until the time is right.

The two of them continue for several minutes, the mantis' body tightening around Nickolas' shaft to the point of pain. The warden grits his teeth, fighting off his own pleasure as each thrust now threatens to send him over the edge. However, Nickolas' prayers become answered as he notices her breathing become more hastened and her strokes faster. Come on, come on, he begs as the girl begins to cry out. Just as her pleasure mounts, he lets go of his restraint before his body is pierced with burning pleasure. The mantis cries out, her arms and legs tightening around Nickolas as her hips buck from the orgasm, each thrust milking Nickolas for more of his seed. Her body goes limp and she releases him, her breathing deep but steady.

"Thank you...Thank you..." The mantis girl's words are bliss to his ears, had Nickolas gone any longer he would not have been able to hold out much longer. He rolls over to sit up, breathing a tired sigh as his hips burn from their encounter. At least, that is what he feels until he sees the weresheep crawling towards him, licking her lips as she sees his still-exposed cock. Nickolas sighs heavily as he takes another of the candies and slips it into his mouth.

"Gods, give me strength…."

---

Several hours later…

Nickolas grits his teeth as his back and hips ache from exertion as he rides along the dirt trail leading to the fort. After his encounter with the mantis and weresheep, he had several encounters with other Monster girls: two goblins, a Black Harpy, and a Blue Slime. The last one had been a group of Pixies that tried to enchant him into being their personal sex toy. Luckily for him, though, he had his holy totem: a relic that nullifies enchantments and illusions created with Demonic Energy. However, being that there were several of them it took longer to sate and purify them and; what is worse, he now only has two purifying candies left.

He rides for only an hour longer before the fort comes into view. The forest opens up into a small clearing at the top of a cliff where the fort is built. It is a small outpost, its stone walls crumbling, a watch tower rising from behind the wall leans to one side as it waits for the smallest reason to topple over.

Nickolas brings his horse to the front gate; its decaying and rusty doors open to anything seeking shelter. Inside the gate is a small courtyard that leads to the main building, the only building within the walls actually. Nickolas looks around the destitution of the place as he takes out another piece of sage and lights it. As soon as he does, he is assaulted with a deep and loud hissing noise from every direction. This is no doubt the lair of his target. Wasting no time, he dismounts and reaches into his saddlebag to retrieve the holy relic and attaches it to his belt. He then pulls out a vile of oil and scrap piece of cloth. He pours the oil over his sword's blade and runs the cloth over it, giving the sword a nice coat; the oil is blessed and will help in purifying the Monster girl responsible for the Demonic Energy that has infected the forest. Or, at least he hopes so; judging by the number of infected Monsters as well as the forest itself, whatever Nickolas is here to fight is very powerful.

Steeling his nerves, he tosses the cloth away and brings his sword up before approaching the front door of the building. The old wooden door creaks open loudly, the noise echoing through the stone interior. The inside is a large, empty stone room with stairs on the opposite side that lead to the upper level, a stained glass window going as high as the ceiling. The room is dark and oppressive, the only light coming from the holes in the decaying walls and ceiling, casting beams of light from different angles. However, this doesn't keep Nickolas from seeing the only living creature inside. At the foot of the stairs sits a human figure, a woman Nicholas guesses from the soft moans echoing softly though the room. He approaches slowly, the clanging of his armor catching her attention. He sees the figure rise from the stairs and approach him. She steps into a beam of light and he sees her true figure.

She is only a few inches shorter than him, hair a deep shade of red and skin a soft shade of cream. For all intents she appears human, save for the set of glowing red eyes she is now staring at him with and the obsidian armor that is streaked with glowing red veins that only covers half of her body, leaving the majority of her breasts in plain view. The main offset is the large, black and red sword she is carrying: a large, jagged blade with a glowing red jewel in the center of where the hilt should be, it looks like a piece of metal that was ripped from the ground and sharpened.

Nickolas has heard of Cursed Swords before, and each one had been terrifying. Starting as cursed weapons created by the beastly Demon Lords of the past, these weapons became infected by the new Demon Lord's spell when she rose to power, turning these weapons from bloodthirsty killing machines into the lust-filled relics of the present. However, this is not always the case; these weapons are not always converted completely, being infected with both violent and lustful energy, they can still turn the people into savage killers.

The girl smiles as she sees Nickolas step into the light, fully aware that he is a man. She brings the twisted sword up to her lips and licks the blade. "It's nice to have a visitor," she says, her voice soft and seductive. "Did you come here to fuck?" Nickolas says nothing as he drops into his fighting stance, his sword resting over his forearm; he is certain this is the target. While Cursed Swords are known to have the same effects as a Demon Silver weapon, they can also cause physical wounds, depending on the desire of the wielder; the only Monster here capable of committing the murders is her.

"I am here to punish you for your crimes. Make this easy and I will show you mercy, otherwise I will be forced to execute you." Nickolas says, his voice cold and stern. Despite how he sounds, his nerves are shot. He's read that Cursed Swords carry the fighting prowess of Demons from the old Demon Lord's era, when Monsters were created to hunt humanity to extinction. He's also heard stories where Cursed Swords have destroyed entire armies on their own. But he will not falter; too many people are counting on him: not only the Mayor, Lenora, and the townspeople of Lemerstead but Grand Master Eclipsa and his instructors at Iron Back Keep as well as Lex and his other friends. They are waiting for him to return and he will not fail.

The cursed sword laughs at his cold statement. "What crimes have I committed? It's not my fault no man is capable of withstanding me. I need a strong man, one worth of me. Any others can simply die." she says, waving her sword around. Nickolas grits his teeth, he does not wish to kill this creature, especially not in her state: as a Cursed Sword she is only a Monster by technicality. The only true part of her that is Monster is the sword itself, the rest of her is purely human. However, once bonded to the sword the two become one no matter how the human feels, their entire being changed. When a girl is monsterized by another Monster the human girl remains as they always were, just more open and aggressive with their desires, but with a Cursed Sword they are changed as the sword's own consciousness takes over the human host. They will still have some of the memories of their human lives, but they will still no longer be themselves at all.

"Enough!" Nickolas Charges the creature, bringing his sword down over the girl's head. She side steps and swings, her blade clashing with Nickolas' as he returns the attack with his own. The two go back and forth, blades clashing, the sound of metal filling the room. The girl's attacks are strong, stronger than he anticipated from her stature. Though he knew that Cursed Swords can increase the strength and agility of their hosts, it is another thing entirely to feel it clash against his own. He swings his sword in a wide arc only for the girl to jump over the attack and bring her own down over him. He jumps back just as the attack would have hit him, the force smashing through the decrepit stone floor. Nickolas watches in awe and horror as she pulls the blade from the ground and smiles.

"You fight well. Perhaps you will last longer than the others." Her voice is soft and inviting and yet it scares Nickolas to death. His instincts tell him to run, to call for aid from a garrison, any garrison. But he doesn't, he is a warden, a warrior. The wardens have served as the vanguard for the Iron Legion for centuries, they are meant to be the example of a warrior for all who look to join the Legion; to inspire pride, awe, and hope in the people around him.

"I am a Warden. I will not fall," he begins, his resolve unwavering. "I will not break, and I will not retreat. Your days end here, Monster!" he says, his voice echoing throughout the hall. She smiles excitedly at him.

"Then come, warden. Show me your worth!" her voice echoes loudly as she charges at him, her blade shooting for his chest. He parries the attack and reaches for her wrist, twisting and throwing her back towards the stairs. He has realized he cannot win through pure strength, if he is to survive, he must outwit her, and he believes he can do just that.

The Cursed Sword stumbles but regains her footing quickly and charges again. Only Nickolas does not raise his sword. Instead, he pulls the totem from his belt and holds it up. "By the light of the Gods, I command ye to retreat!" Nickolas' words are answered as the totem glows softly before exploding with light. All holy totems are blessed with a spell that allows them to call on a burst of holy light to purify Demonic Energy and demonic Monsters; however, it only works once, and the totem is destroyed from the release of the spell.

The girl stumbles, screaming out in pain as the light blinds her and burns her entire body, smoke rising from her skin. The spell does not cause physical damage, but it does burn the Demonic Energy from her body in a violent and painful manner. Nickolas tosses the charred totem aside and charges, driving his shoulder into her chest, her screaming cut short by the blow. As she is thrown back her blade swings down on his arm, cutting through the chainmail. He sneers in pain but ignores the injury; not wanting to give the Monster a chance to recover, he advances towards her. Her sword whips out again, but he dodges it before slamming the side of his blade into her forehead. She gasps and stumbles back, dazed before he drives her back even further, up the stairs until only the stained glass window is behind her. She whips her sword again in a wide arc only to be parried by Nickolas, leaving an opening for him. Bringing the sword down at his side, he drops low before driving his shoulder into her stomach again, shoving her through the stained glass. The sound of shattering glass fills the room as she falls to the forest below the cliff.

"Te secabo," Nickolas whispers as he watches her figure disappear into the tree cover below him. He regrets having to slay her, but she left him no other choice. Now, the Demonic Energy in the forest should deplete over time and return to normal. Nickolas turns and walks down the stairs ready to leave the fort and return to town. Just as he makes it down to the last step, he hears the sound of a sword being drawn. Turning on reflex, he brings his sword up just as another blade clashes against his own. He does not have time to react as his attacker then kicks him away, the force of the attack sending him to skid and roll across the stone floor.

Nickolas scrambles to his feet just as his attacker comes again with another sword stroke, this time he actually sees who is attacking him: a woman, a Monster, dressed in dark plate armor with her platinum hair pulled back into a braid and a set of pointed ears; a Dark Elf perhaps. She glares at him with a pair of murky green eyes as she rushes him, slamming her small kite shield into his stomach. The blow shoves him back as she raises her sword again. Nickolas fails to react, and her blade cleaves into the leather armor just past his pauldron. Nickolas screams in pain and anger before using his own sword to push the blade up and out of his shoulder before swinging wide. The Monster dodges and brings her shield up, her green eyes searing him.

"I bet you enjoyed that, huh? Killing that girl? Does that get you hard," the Monster taunts him as he goes down on one knee, pain burning through his shoulder. He glares at the girl, pushing himself back to his feet and bringing his sword up.

"I don't enjoy killing anyone." Nickolas' words are simple and true, but the Monster just sneers at him.

"Don't bother lying. The townspeople sent you, I know they did. Those bastards sent you to kill me just like they sent those other men to kill my husband!" Nickolas arches a brow behind his helmet. Other men...her husband...wait…

"You're the one who murdered those men," she laughs at his observation.

"So, you really didn't know? For a knight you truly are stupid." She charges without warning, slamming her kite shield into his sword. He shoves her back, his injured shoulder burning viciously, before swinging his sword again. The two match each other stroke for stroke, or at least to Nickolas' best ability. She lands several more attacks that draw blood: his right arm, his left hip, she even lands an uppercut with her shield that sends his helmet flying. He manages to block her following sword strike just as it would have taken his head. He spins as she raises her sword again brings his blade down on her leg, the blade passing between the links of plate, cutting her deep.

She yells in pain, cursing him as she draws back her shield to strike him again, but Nickolas anticipates this and twists to avoid the attack while bringing his sword around again. She cries out as the blade sinks into the side of her neck. Grunting from the pain of his injuries, Nickolas spins once more and brings his sword the rest of the way through, severing her head from her shoulders. With the sound of clattering metal and a sickening thud she falls to the ground in a heap.

Nickolas falls to his knees, using his sword to keep him upright, his breathing ragged from the fights as pain shoots through his body. His mind is racing from the information: The Cursed Sword was innocent, of the murders at least, and he killed her for them. Guilt racks him, though she admitted she had killed men in the past it is unjust to kill a person for a crime they did not commit. The fact that he made no attempt to verify her guilt proves to him that he is not ready to progress in the Legion; his mission may be complete, but he is no Sergeant. Nickolas tries to push himself to his feet, only for a massive force to slam into him, lifting him into the air and sending him sailing towards the stairs. He screams as he slams into the stone floor just in front of the broken window.

The room spins as Nickolas tries to regain his senses, his vision blurred from the blow and from the pain of his other injuries. He manages to locate his sword; it rests at the bottom of the stairs. He tries to push himself up only to freeze as he sees the thing that sent him flying. The Monster that attacked him stood in the center of the room, slowly making her way towards him. His mind goes blank as he recognizes the body of the Monster girl he had just killed, her severed head glaring at him as it sits tucked under her shield arm. What truly scares him, though, is the large, swirling mass of darkness that seems to be coming out of her body's severed neck.

A dullahan, the headless, undead vanguard of the Demon Lord's army, they are known to be excellent swordsmen and warriors. Iron Back Keep's library had several books that described the dullahan as the 'catalysts of destruction'. In the age of the old Demon Lord the dullahan acted as the front lines of their army and were vicious headhunters. Now, under the new Demon Lord, they are still the forerunners but serve to steal men for their Lord and themselves. Normally dullahan act as disciplined and serious soldiers until they find a man they wish to take has their husband; however, should their head been taken off their collection of Demonic Energy will rise through their necks in a cloud of lustful energy and their serious persona disappears as their true desires come to light. Normally their Demonic Energy appears as a cloud of pink mist with a sweet fragrance; however, the dullahan in front of Nickolas appears nothing like that.

The cloud of Demonic Energy rising from her neck is black with streaks of dark blue, billowing out in thick, oppressive puffs of smoke. It also moves and twists with sharp, jagged jerking. The dullahan's head looks at him with a sinister smile as her opposite arm twirls her sword, as if she is already trying to decide how she wants to kill him and enjoying all the possibilities. "You thought this was going to be a simple hunt, didn't you," her head asks as she reaches the bottom of the stairs, the Demonic Energy moving down to surround her body from behind like a twitching, jaggedly pulsing cape. "You'd swoop in, fight the evil Monster, fuck her if need be, kill her, and then go home; just like those bastards that killed my sweet Herman," she continues as she reaches the top of the stairs.

Nickolas pushes himself up to his knees and the Demonic Energy pulses towards him, forming long, wicked looking spikes that pulse like the stingers of wasps. Nickolas has no thoughts as the feeling of dread washes over him, the dullahan's eyes burning into him with sickening delight. "Those men enjoyed fucking me after they killed my husband and then left me for dead. So, I decided to have some fun with them after I came back. I cut them, stabbed them, made them bleed while I fucked them for every ounce of Spirit Energy they had." She narrows her eyes at him, her hatred burning into him as the truth hits him. "And soon, that whole town will join them. You'll go first though!" Her words are punctuated with a vicious kick to Nickolas' chest, sending him out the window and down to the forest beneath.

---

Later…

Failure...You have failed the Legion...What happened Nick?...You have wasted my time, boy...You'll go first though! Nickolas jerks awake, shooting up into a sitting position and instantly regretting it as pain shoots through his entire body. To his surprise, he is alive, despite the distinct memory of being thrown off a cliff by a murder-crazy dullahan. He remembers the terror he felt, seeing that massive cloud of Demonic Energy, the way it pulsed at him as if it only wanted to run him through. Guilt and shame rack him as he remembers being so scared, he could not even move as she kicked him out the window like a piece of trash.

"You are awake," a soft voice says, pulling him from his thoughts. Nickolas jerks, regretting it again as his body stings from the sudden motion. Gasping, he falls over onto his side, his arms being enveloped by warmth. Confused, Nickolas looks around to finally notice that he is laying in a shallow pool of water, which is surrounded by others with steam rising from them: a natural hot spring. He finally looks up to see a familiar face, but his blood runs cold at the sight of her.

"How are you alive?" The Cursed Sword steps towards him, ignoring his question, and Nickolas tries to put distance between them, slowly dragging his body back despite his pain. She continues to saunter towards him despite his obvious distrust of her, laying her sword down as she looks over his body. He looks over his shoulder to see her looking him over from head to toe; it is also at this time that Nickolas becomes fully aware that he is completely naked. How the fuck did I not notice this!? He jumps from a sharp pain in his shoulder and looks to see that she is poking one of the wounds from his fight with the dullahan.

"OW! Would you stop that," he yelps, slapping her unarmored hand away. She glares at him before pushing his hand away.

"I'm trying to check your wounds." She tries to continue her observation and Nickolas continues to resist.

"Poking it won't make it be-" he stops as actually sees the wound she is trying to examine, the wound had been deep and painful and yet it is already scarred over, though still painful. "How is this possible?"

"I healed you," the Cursed Sword says as she turns to examine the back side of the wound. Nickolas arches a brow at her simple explanation; he's never heard of Cursed Swords that could heal people, not unless they…

"You raped me while I was passed out?!" Nickolas slides himself deeper into the pool, ignoring the pain of his wounds as he puts distance between himself and the Monster girl, glaring at her the entire way. She returns his accusing eyes with an unaffected stare.

"No. Though I did think about it."

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Nickolas bolts up to his feet, his outrage making him ignore his pain. The Cursed Sword continues to look at him with innocent eyes.

"If you keep moving around so much, you're going to reopen your wounds. Let's go to one of the warmer pools. It'll help sooth your body." She walks across the pool without looking at him, her face showing no ill intent. Nickolas wants to get as far away from her as possible, but his body will not last long in this forest as it is. It would not take much for another Monster to take him, or worse, wild animals looking for food. Growling at his helplessness, he follows her to the nearest large pool, his aching body making it difficult to cross the pool as he slowly limps his way over.

When he finally reaches the larger pool, the Cursed Sword tries to help him sit down but Nickolas waves her away. "I can sit on my own." She gives him a droll stare, holding her hands up in compliance. Nickolas tries to bend his knees only for his wounded leg to give under his weight and he falls. He yelps as he splashes into the water, his body being enveloped up to his neck, the water rushing up his nose. He sputters, becoming aware of the feminine laughter near him. He glares at the obsidian clad girl. "I'm glad my pain amuses you." She laughs at him again.

"I did offer to help, you know." Nickolas says nothing as he pushes himself into a sitting position, the water coming to his chest. "How does it feel," she asks, stepping closer to him. He does not react as the water soothes his body.

"It's warm," he says simply. He looks up at her as she approaches him, his face becoming extremely hot. As she draws closer to him, her armor begins to recede, flowing up to her right shoulder before going down to halt at her elbow; the armor of her right arm and hand deflates till it looks like a skin-tight glove. "W-what are you doing?" Nickolas cannot help but stare at her soft, creamy skin as well as the ample breasts that were contained by the demonic armor, and his eyes dart down to the tempting V between her thighs.

"Joining you, of course. I can't take a bath with my armor on." she says. Nickolas wants to argue but he cannot think of a good argument. He lets the heat soak into him, his pain slowly easing. Nickolas sighs as he feels soft hands press against his back and slowly running up and down, the sensation almost pleasurable. "How does it feel?" He sighs in response, letting her touch erase his pain. He hears her giggle behind him and smiles. Such a nice voice, he thinks to himself. "That's it," she coos behind him, "just let me take care of you. You won't have to worry about that mean little dullahan."

"Yeah...that Dulla-" Nickolas' eyes shoot open as he remembers the dullahan. Those piercing eyes… her vicious cloud of Demonic Energy… She wanted… She wanted to attack the town! Nickolas bolts up to his feet, limps past the Cursed Sword and makes his way back to dry land, ignoring her surprised yelp and her frantic attempts to stop him. "I have to go. I have to get back to the tow-, OW!" Nickolas cries out as his leg gives out, again, and he falls to the sandy ground between the pools. "Damn it all."

"I told you, you keep doing this and you're going to hurt yourself. Just relax and let me work." Nickolas starts to argue, but then stops. He rolls over to look at the Cursed Sword, his face accusing.

"What kind of work are you doing, exactly?" She goes silent, her face blushing now, her body language answering his question. Not giving her time to answer or lie, he rolls back onto his stomach and starts to pull himself across the sandy ground as fast as he can, the Cursed Sword protesting as she follows him. She's been trying to seduce him, whether the pools are infected with Demonic Energy or if she was somehow using her own to infect him her guilt has been exposed and he must get away before she can finish the task. He doesn't get far before his vision becomes blurry, his arms becoming weak. He thinks he hears the word 'blood' come from the Cursed Sword but he passes out before he can be sure.

---

Later…

Nickolas groans as pain racks his head, a slow, painful pulsing in his temples. He gasps softly as a cool breeze washes over his body and he clings to the soft, warm object he feels pressed against his side. He slowly opens his eyes and is met with a set of big red ones staring at him.

"Hi," Nickolas yelps, seeing the still naked Monster girl curled against his own naked body.

"How fucking determined are you?!" He tries to push her off him only for her to push herself up to straddle him. She glares down at him as she crosses her arms over her chest.

"Why do you keep trying to get away?" He stares up at her with his own glare.

"I have to get back to town! That dullahan is planning to attack. She'll kill everyone!" Nickolas protests but the Monster girl just waves her hand at his fears.

"Oh please. She's probably just looking for some cock. Kinda like me," she glares down at him with intent and he grits his teeth in frustration.

"No, you idiot! She told me she was planning to kill everyone! Right before she kicked me off the cliff!" Nickolas lifts his arms in outrage, his shoulder stinging from the motion. The Cursed Sword raises a brow at his claim.

"But why would she do that?" Nickolas goes silent for a moment, remembering what the dullahan had said to him before he fell from the cliff.

"I...I think she was raped by some of the men in town. She said they killed her husband before doing it and then left her to die. She survived and now she wants to kill everyone in town for it." The Cursed Sword looks at him in outrage.

"Well then that makes sense! If that's the case, then those guys deserve it." She says, her eyes glowing in anger.

"I don't think the whole town was involved. At least I don't think so. She said she already killed the men who raped her." This is not the first case he has heard like this. In the event that a Monster girl is raped they can become bitter and angry, seeking out revenge. Normally, once they've enacted their revenge they soon return to their normal selves. In these circumstances the Iron Legion views this as a lawful act, as the perpetrators would be executed anyway, if proven guilty; though the Monster girl in question would have to leave the area and vow to never return. However, for a Monster girl to go as far as to murder an entire town… "Look, regardless of the situation I have to get back to town and find out more. I can't let her destroy the town."

The Cursed Sword crosses her arms, her face vexed. "Well, I guess so, but how can you fight her now? You don't even have a sword anymore." Nickolas starts to ask what happened to his sword, but he then remembers last seeing it in the fort.

Damn...wait a minute, he thinks to himself as he realizes another important question. "Where is my armor?" She points to his right without a word and he looks over to see his armor piled at the base of a tree, dented and bloody in multiple places, the sight making his heart sink. He sighs, realizing that worrying about his armor proves no point if he cannot even stand, let alone fight. Nickolas closes his eyes as he brings his hands up to rub his temples, his head aching from the situation. "Gods...what will I do."

"I have an idea," he looks to the Cursed Sword as she raises one hand over her head, Nickolas staring at her in confusion at the innocent, child-like pose as she straddles him.

"Um...go on."

"Marry me." Nickolas' questioning expression turns to a droll stare.

"Will that actually help my situation or are you just that horny?" She answers him by nodding her head vigorously. He says nothing for a moment, waiting for her to give an explanation but is only met with her innocent, crimson gaze. He groans, "Please explain."

"Well, if you marry me, then we will have sex." His brow furrows even more.

"And?"

"Then your wounds will heal, and you'll be able to use my sword." Nickolas' eyes go wide at her reason. That actually helps...wow. Nickolas had read that only the husband of a cursed sword can wield her blade, anyone else foolish enough to try will have the Spirit Energy drained from their body almost immediately as the sword itself is the true Monster while the human body is merely an extension. Furthermore, when the husband takes up the sword, they gain some of the abilities of their wife as well. However, …

"But if I do that I'll turn into an Incubus." Incubi are the only male Monsters in existence since the rise of the new Demon Lord. The results of men who have married demonic Monster girls, they become infected with Demonic Energy from their wives and eventually becoming a lesser form of a succubus. They gain many of their wife's abilities and become just as lustful as any Monster, though the actual time and amount of Demonic Energy needed for this to happen varies. What's more, any children conceived between and Incubus and a Monster Girl will always be female.

"Not right away. It takes a while for that to happen." Nickolas narrows his eyes at her for a long moment. She returns his glare with a self-conscious pout. Unable to sense any dishonesty in her he sighs heavily.

"What is your name?"

"Huh?" She arches a brow at his random question.

"If I'm going to marry a woman, I would like to at least know her name." The Cursed Sword puts a finger to her chin in thought.

"Um...I don't remember." Nickolas scoffs at the Monster.

"Surely you have a name?" The girl crosses her arms over her chest, her face deep in thought. Nickolas knows that Cursed Swords alter the minds of women who take them, but he cannot believe they would cause the host to forget their own name.

"I know I have one but..." The Cursed Sword closes her eyes, trying to focus. Her memories are hazy before finding her 'self'. She remembers living in a small house in a large, open area. There was two more people: a man and a woman. They took care of her, the man would carry her around on his shoulders and the woman would wash her hair and read her stories, though she does not remember which ones. She remembers a boy, too. He was older than her, but not by much. She remembers kissing that boy, her face blushing whenever she saw him. Then she remembers fire, her house was on fire and men on horses were riding down the road. She remembers seeing the man and woman fall down beside them. She remembers running, running really fast, and then something hit her shoulder, but she kept running. She remembers seeing her home, her 'real' home where her real 'self' was. She hid from the men inside the dark halls of her home.

She wandered for a while, her shoulder hurting for some reason. Then she found her 'self' in the center of a room deep inside. She remembers picking her 'self' up and leaving her home. She found the men on horses after that and they fought with her. They were not as good with a sword as she was, so she won and then they had sex. It was fun, but the men were weak, so they did not last long. The others ran away; but through all those memories she cannot remember what she was called.

"Nope, not a clue." Nickolas lays his head back against the sandy ground as he groans out of frustration. "Why don't you give me a name?" Nickolas looks back up at her, his face confused. "Yeah, people name swords all the time, right? Just give me a name you like. I'll be your wife after all." She smiles down at him and he cannot deny how cute her expression is. Nickolas lays his head back down, his mind going around in circles.

Am I seriously considering this? he thinks to himself. There is no rule or law against marrying a Monster like her, so long as she does not attack other people and does not impede him in his work. Logically it is the best option as he will gain not only the abilities she has, but he will also have a weapon that he can possibly use to defeat the dullahan before she can destroy the town. Nickolas comes to realize that the only reason he is hesitating on this is simply out of his own indecision. He is not sure he is even ready to marry this Monster, let alone if he even wants to. Marrying her out of sheer necessity seems bad enough but doing it for his own gain sounds even worse.

"Why do you want to marry me?" he asks, and she looks at him with another peeved glare.

"Are you just trying to stall?" He rolls his eyes at her accusation.

"Just answer the question." She pouts at him again and huffs defiantly, but his continuous droll stare succeeds in making her sway.

"I want to marry you because you defeated me earlier. My kind seek out warriors who are worthy to wield us, to be the sheathes to our combative nature. You beat me and I think you are worthy to wield me. And I think you're sexy." She smiles down at him and he cannot help but relax at her explanation. He knew that Cursed Swords sought out warriors who could use them, but he did not think of himself as worthy. But they chose you. Lex's words ring in his head. Nickolas had been questioning his worth from the very beginning, especially since the dullahan kicked hip from the Fort. Just like Lex had said, his instructors had chosen him to promote and the Grand Master had agreed. He had faced the Monsters leading to the fort on his own using his training and skill to its fullest and even managed to defeat the very Monster girl straddling him now. Nickolas realizes that he does not need to question his worth, he just needs to prove it.

"Okay." The Cursed Sword's eyes go wide at his simple words and yet she smiles widely. "I name you Colada and I ask you for your hand in marriage." His proposal is not the most formal; normally when a knight asks for a lady's hand he rides to her home, sword on his hip, and wearing his finest suit or even his armor. Unfortunately for Nickolas his birthday suit is the best he has; though, he believes Colada prefers it like this. She covers her mouth with both hands, tears forming in her eyes. Without warning she slams her lips into Nickolas', clashing and prying his lips open before sliding her tongue against his.

Nickolas' head begins to spin as he tastes her mouth: strawberries and honey. He puts his arms around her, her breasts pressing against his chest as the two explore each other's mouth. Their kissing seems to go on forever with light moans as Nickolas lets his hands roam and skim over Colada's back, making several stops to her firm behind. All of a sudden, Colada gives a slight gasp before breaking their kiss. She raises up to look down between them and Nickolas follows her line of sight to his hardened member, and he does not miss the way she bites her lip at the sight of it.

She does not bother asking as she leans back before taking his member in hand. Nickolas gasps as he feels her soft hand begin to slowly stroke him as Colada raises her hips to position herself. She smiles as she sees moisture already beginning to form at his tip just from a few strokes. She just starts to press his tip to her folds when he stops her.

"What is it now," she asks impatiently, wanting to feel her husband in her for the first time. He narrows his eyes at her.

"You never asked for my name." She goes blank for a moment, her cheeks starting to burn from the realization. She had been so preoccupied with consummating their marriage that she forgot to ask her husband's name, even after he had given one to her.

"Oh," she says bashfully, realizing her misdeed. Nickolas does not know why, but the sight of her bashful face is the cutest thing he has ever seen. He smiles at her innocent reaction, not wanting to ruin the mood.

"Nickolas Mordone," he says, and she snaps out of her self-consciousness.

"Nickolas and Colada Mordone," she whispers, and Nickolas cannot help himself but to smile.

"Has a nice ring to it," he says as he places one hand on her hip and the other, he reaches down between them to grip his member and presses himself against her nether lips. She coos, feeling his tip slide between her folds, her wetness coating him. With a single movement, she slides herself down fully onto his shaft and both of them call out in pleasure.

Nickolas cannot believe just how tight the Monster girl is, feeling almost like her entire body has suctioned itself to him, her warmth soaking in and flowing through his entire body. When she slowly begins to bounce on his hips he moans loudly, the sensation so intense he fears passing out from the sheer ecstasy.

Colada cannot describe the feeling of her husband being inside her. The feeling of being full, like a piece of her has been returned to its rightful place after so long of being absent. She places a hand on his chest, feeling the taut muscles of his pectorals. She had admired his body when she had removed his armor, but feeling him now, seeing his muscles contract and spasm from their mutual pleasure; it gives her a new appreciation for her husband. She also enjoys the look in his eyes, the hooded stare of a man enthralled with lust; she quickens her pace, moaning as she begins to slam herself down his member even harder.

Nickolas arches his back as Colada starts to bounce harder, her body seeming to latch onto his like a vice. He looks up to see her scarlet curls bouncing and he cannot help but think she is exquisite. He also cannot help but notice the bouncing orbs on her chest; he had seen her breasts already in the hot spring but had not taken the time to appreciate them. Two, perfect globes, easily more than a handful with rosy nipples that are begging him for attention. He wastes no more time as he quickly pushes himself up to capture one of them with his lips. Colada gaps at the sudden sensation as Nickolas begins to suck and tease, the Cursed sword wrapping her arms around him as she continues to work her hips. Nickolas lets his hands explore Colada's body: from her toned shoulders to her tightened stomach and even to the firmness of her buttocks.

"Ni-Nickolas! I'm almost there. I'm almost there!" Colada cries, her arms growing tighter as she presses Nickolas' face between her breasts. Nickolas says nothing as he teases her skin with kisses. Nickolas starts to buck his hips as well, meeting her stroke for stroke as his pleasure begins to reach its own peak. The two do not last much longer before Colada lets out a scream of ecstasy as they both climax in unison. Nickolas cannot breathe as his pleasure overwhelms him, and from Colada's breasts enclosing his face and blocking his airway. Nickolas bucks his hips a in a few, jerking spasms, letting the aftershock of their pleasure melt away as the two settle down; Colada sliding back down his length. Colada pulls Nickolas' face up so that she can kiss him, and he returns every ounce of her passion with his own.

The two of them continue like this for what seems like hours, working each other to climax after climax, exploring each other's bodies with a newfound passion and curiosity. By the time the two of them finish they are covered in sweat, their bodies spent, and their souls satisfied. Colada lays beside Nickolas, her head resting on his chest, her breathing heavy but slow. Nickolas lets his hand slip through her curls, enjoying their softness as he enjoys her warmth.

Nickolas looks up at the night sky. When he had awoke earlier on the sun was only then reaching the horizon and now the moon sets high above them, it's light painting the landscape with soft light. He still cannot believe what has transpired: marrying a Cursed Sword, anyone else would call him mad. Hell, perhaps I am. He would not deny it, but he would not care, either. Perhaps it is only the aftershock of their play but he finds himself picturing a future with Colada: perhaps having a proper wedding when they return to Iron Back Keep, her crimson hair pulled back behind a veil as she walks up in a snow-white dress, the two of them riding off on his horse to a honeymoon spot by the beach. He laughs at himself, thinking about something foolish, but he does not care.

He then becomes aware of the soft kiss he feels on his rib cage. He looks down to see Colada, trailing a kiss up to his nipple before encircling it with her tongue. He hisses from the pleasure before pulling her up to his lips, plunging his hand into her curls as he engulfs her mouth. She moans at the taste of him and he savors the sound, the deep echoing in the back of her throat being music to his ears. He pulls back from the kiss, resting his forehead against her own. "I don't want this to end." He smiles at her whispered wish.

"I would give anything to have this night continue forever," Nickolas says, letting his hand caress her hair. His face hardens suddenly, and she sighs in disappointment.

"But you have a job to finish," her words have no emotion to them, they are simply a statement of fact. He answers with a soft nod. She leans up to kiss his forehead before crawling over him and reaching for something in the grass. "Well, a knight must have his sword." When she holds her sword up to him, his eyes go wide in shock.

When they first met, Colada's sword looked like a raw piece of sharpened metal: rough with no hilt or hand guard. But now, the sword in front of him looks like something out of legend: a long, leaf-shaped blade with a spear like tip, the base having symmetrical grooves carved into the edge to serve as a grip as well as to catch an enemy's blade. The hilt is shaped like a ram's horns, two, blacked spikes curling inward towards the blade; the handle being sectioned: the top half being rounded while the bottom an angular shape that ends with a rounded-spike. She offers the blade to Nickolas and, hesitating only for a moment, he takes it.

The sword is almost weightless in his hands, with a fine balance and comfortable grip. He also examines the glowing, eye-shaped jewel in the center of the hilt; glowing red lights flowing from the jewel and snaking their way around the horns, handle, and down the center of the blade. He also runs the pad of his thumb along the edge and feels the sharpness. "This is fantastic," he breathes absentmindedly. A soft giggle brings him back to reality and looks to the proud-looking Colada.

"Thank you," she says. He smiles at her, drawing her closer he kisses her temple.

"I have to return Lemerstead, the townspeople need to know what is coming." In truth, Nickolas wants to leave the town to its fate. Nothing in the world matters to him more than the scarlet eyed woman in front of him now. However, he has not forgotten his oath: he is a warden, a warrior of the Iron Legion. It is his plight to defend the people of Ashfeld and he will rise to the call. Colada nods, her face disappointed.

"I know," she returns his kiss before standing up. She helps Nickolas to his feet, and he realizes that the pain of his injuries is gone.

"You weren't kidding. My wounds don't hurt at all," he says with surprise. If anything, he feels empowered, even. She giggles, glad that he is well. "Well, it may take a while to get to town on foot," Nickolas says as he steps towards the tree where his armor and clothes are piled.

"Why don't we just take your horse?" He laughs as he turns to answer her but stops, his brows knitting together in confusion as he sees her pointing. He follows her finger to a spot down the tree line where he sees his horse, quietly chewing on grass.

"How long has he been here?"

"Since you passed out the first time." Nickolas stares at the horse for a few minutes with a blank stare before shaking his head, saying nothing as he moves to his armor to begin dressing himself.

---

The next morning…

Both Nickolas and Colada ride down the main road towards Lemerstead, the horse huffing as he trots along. It had been a difficult ride from the hot springs, having to traverse the forest in the dark. Fortunately, having Colada with him meant that no Monsters attacked them during the night. Other Monsters can sense when a man has been claimed by another as their husband. While there are many types of Monsters that practice polygamy, there others that are strictly monogamous. Nickolas has not yet figured out which one Colada is, but it seems that, somehow, she has made it clear that she does not want to share him.

After rounding the cliff through the surrounding forest and finding the road again, Nickolas steered his horse towards Lemerstead and kept him between a walk and a trot. Normally he would have kept him at a gallop with breaks in between, but the added weight would surely kill the beast.

"How much farther," Colada asks from behind him.

"Shouldn't be much farther," Nickolas says as he looks over his shoulder. When they found the road, Nickolas had been worried about Colada's appearance. At the time her armor had taken the same, scantily combative form she had been in when he first found her; he doubted the townsfolk would appreciate him riding into town with a Monster girl on his horse. More than likely they would even attack them on sight.

However, to his surprise, Colada said that the armor itself is actually made of Dark Matter: Demonic Energy that has taken on a physical form. Without a word, the armor liquefied itself, sliding and contorting itself as it reformed into a completely black set of shoes, trousers, shirt, and even a traveling cloak. Nickolas had been stumped by his wife's abilities. She also made sure to tell him that she can transform it into any kind of outfit or underwear he wanted, her tone dripping with lust.

Nickolas looks over the horizon and his eyes widen in horror. "Hold on," Nickolas calls as he heels his horse into a gallop. As they pass over the next hill, Nickolas brings his horse to a skidding halt, his fears becoming material. At the bottom of the hill he sees the town's western gate, the smell of smoke filling his nose as the breeze casts the stench into his face. At the bottom of the hill is a farmhouse, the furthest one from town, and it stands ablaze. People run back and forth as they bring buckets of water in a futile attempt to put out the flames. Nickolas spurs the horse again and they race down the hill to meet the people.

As soon as his horse is seen several people come to meet him, some crying aid while others continue their onslaught on the flames. Nickolas looks around as a small crowd surrounds him, searching for one person in particular. "Mr. Mayor," Nickolas calls out when he spies the stocky man, speaking to several people, an entourage of armed guards at his side. He looks up to see Nickolas and waves for the warden to come. Nickolas dismounts, helps Colada from the horse, and shoves his way through the crowd till he meets the Mayor's guards who keep the crowd from trampling them both.

"Bless you, my boy! The Gods watched over you," the Mayor starts, but his eyes go wide when he notices the state of his armor. "Good Gods, what happened my boy?!" Nickolas' head falls, shame racking him.

"I found the Monster, but she was more powerful than I could have expected. She nearly killed me, but I found some help." Nickolas thumbs over his shoulder, indicating Colada who keeps her hood down over her eyes. The Mayor pats Nickolas' arm.

"I'm glad to hear it. But I'm afraid the Monster attacked again, as you can see." The Mayor gestures to the blazing scene before them. "Killed two people, Mason, the owner of this farm, and his wife." The Mayor wipes his forehead of sweat before turning back to Nickolas. "Please tell me you know how to defeat this creature, I beg you." Nickolas nods, giving the Mayor a hard and determined look.

"I think I do, but I have some questions for you, Mayor."

---

"Oh damn me, damn me straight to hell for this," the Mayor cries, his head resting in his hands. Nickolas described the events after he entered the forest. He explained what the dullahan had said during their fight and why she killed her first victims. He decided to keep Colada's identity to himself, for the moment at least.

"Do you know anything about this incident? Any information you give me could be vital." The Mayor looks up at Nickolas' question, his eyes running with tears. He sighs heavily.

"Yes, I know of the 'Herman' you spoke of. There is only one it could be," the Mayor begins. "About a year ago, Herman Stalmok was a farmer in town, no different than any of the others. He grew plenty of good crops and made a decent living. There was a short time, about a month, where no one saw him in town. People were worried about him as even his neighbors and friends hadn't seen him in that time. Then out of the blue, he shows up in town again, just like nothing happened, only this time he had a wife."

"She was a Monster, it was plainly obvious with that beauty of hers, not to mention the long, pointed ears on her. Nora was her name; everyone just thought she was elf, though. While there were a few that were not happy about a new Monster girl showing up, Order worshipers the lot of them, the rest of the town celebrated their union. I even gave them a bottle from my private stock as a gift. Some people questioned where she came from and where they met but most didn't care."

"Though, it wasn't meant to be," the Mayor continues. "After a few months, the two would always be seen in town together, just like any other couple. One day she went into the town's medicine shop in the square. While looking for something her head came loose, not falling off completely but enough that anyone who knew anything would know what she truly was. One of her first victims, his name was Dorian, was a war veteran from the war of Lescatie and saw her head come loose from the store window. He recognized what she was and told his friends about her. The four of them either fought in the war or had family who did, and they all harbored hostility towards the Demon Lord's soldiers."

"So they attacked them," Nickolas assumes aloud. The Mayor nods, his eyes squeezing shut.

"Yes. Gods, yes they did. They broke into Herman's home and killed the man before he could even defend himself. They dragged his wife from their bed and...damn it all..." Nickolas nods, sharing the Mayor's disgust. The Mayor takes a moment to collect himself before continuing. "The next morning the guards arrived at the scene and found the house burning to the ground, Herman was outside, though. The bastards dragged him outside and put his head on a pike, Gods damn them. But his wife's body was never found, we searched the surrounding area but there was no sign of her. A witness said they saw Dorian and his friends leaving the town gate towards Herman's home but there was nothing we could do." Nickolas raises his brow and the Mayor clarifies.

"No one had actually seen the attack. Not to mention that no one had seen the men near Herman's house. The whole town knew they were responsible, they didn't hide their distaste for most Monsters. But without proof there was no way we could prosecute them, despite knowing the truth. Even had we accused them they would all just deny it and there was no one who could prove otherwise."

Nickolas nods, understanding now. But Nickolas has one more question, "How do you know Dorian and his friends knew she was a Monster?" The Mayor shakes his head.

"Dorian and the rest of them would go on drunken rants about her being one of the Demon Lord's minions. Saying he saw her head come off in the medicine shop after the attack. None of them ever admitted to the crime, damn them for it, but everyone knew they were responsible. The made it very clear they were happy she was gone and that the 'traitorous Herman' was dead with her." The Mayor looks to Nickolas with woeful eyes. "Tell me, Sir Mordone, what can we do?" Nickolas' face hardens. Knowing the circumstances his heart aches for the dullahan, a cruel fate thrust upon her out of senseless violence. But despite her circumstances and her reasons, it does not change the Warden's answer.

"She must be dealt with. Had she killed the men responsible I would be able offer mercy, but as is she has taken the life of innocent people and that cannot go unpunished. She will most likely return tonight, and I must face her again, for one last time." The Mayor's face is hollow, but he nods, understanding the situation.

"What shall we do?" Nickolas taps his metal clad fist against his dented pauldron.

"I need to see a blacksmith and soon. Then, I need to see the captain of the guards. We need to prepare a defense." The Mayor nods and Nickolas notices the older man's eyes as they stare at the sword on his hip. "And," Nickolas sighs, "there's one other thing I need to mention before we get started..."

---

Later that day…

"So you told him," Colada asks as she lays sprawled across Nickolas' bed; her armor taking the form of a black, string underwear set that did little to cover her body, not that Nickolas is complaining. Sitting beside her in the only wooden chair in the room he smiles, remembering the Mayor's shocked face when he explain how he met and married Colada; keeping most of the details to himself, of course.

"Yeah. He took it well, actually." Nickolas had come back to his room after meeting with the Mayor and the captain of the guard to relay their plan to her. Simply put, Nickolas believes that Nora will attack again from the West, and if Colada's input turns out to be true, she may not come alone.

"So how many people do we have?" Nickolas looks up to the ceiling as he calculates the number.

"There are sixteen guards in all that can join us, and the Mayor is planning to put out a call to arms to any able-bodied man in town. We could have more than forty in total if everything goes well." Colada nods. "Is that really necessary for just one girl? I know she's a dullahan but even so," Nickolas asks, looking back to his wife. She nods, propping her head up in her hand.

"At her current state, she's gained enough Demonic Energy to infect other Monsters, when you showed up at the fort you had already been attacked by a number of them. From what you described about the Demonic Energy from her body it wouldn't surprise me if she hasn't already used it to take command of other Monsters."

Nickolas nods, he had read that when certain Monsters gained enough Energy they could influence and even command other Monsters, similar to Hobgoblins and High Orcs.

"You're not wrong. I saw that Demonic Energy she had; it was like nothing I've ever seen before. It wasn't just lustful, it was sinister, twisted. She's starting to enjoy hurting people, killing them." Nickolas shudders as he remembers the sight of her, the Demonic Energy swirling towards him like a specter after his soul. However, he also feels sympathy for her, too. She had not asked to be like this, the cruelty of ignorant individuals turning her into a blood thirsty killer, a true monster. "Can't imagine what kind of pain she had to endure to turn into something like that."

Colada crawls from the bed and moves to straddle Nickolas, his face questioning but he does not resist as she puts her arms around his neck as she looks down at him, her eyes hooded. "I can't imagine it. But I don't blame her either." Colada's voice is a whisper, Nickolas' body coming to life as he feels her weight against him.

Part of being the husband of a Monster, they automatically insight lust within each other, their bodies like magnets. Everything from physical contact or even just speaking is enough to get both husband and wife hot and bothered. If they two stay separated for more than a day, they effects will be twice as strong when they come back into contact. Nickolas has no issues with this future, even looks forward to it.

Nickolas puts his arms around her, her warmth soaking into him; a comforting feeling that puts his mind at ease. However, the look in her eyes both makes him worried and incredibly turned on. "What's wrong?"

"Just thinking about her, everything those men did, I can't imagine what she is feeling. I don't want to, either." Nickolas tightens his hold on Colada, wanting to comfort her.

"I'm not going anywhere, Colada." Her face turns a deep shade of red as he says her name. "No one is taking me away from you. And the Gods be damned before someone takes you away from me." Her restraint breaks, his words driving her over the edge as she crashes her lips into his. They both moan deeply as their tongues dart into each other's mouth. Colada's 'underwear' dissolves into her skin, leaving her naked as Nickolas' hands start to explore her body.

His mind reels as he feels her breasts press against his shirt, wanting nothing more to press his face into her soft mounds and let the world melt away. He trails his lips down to her throat, moans echoing through the room. He traces a line of kisses down her throat to her collar bone and finally down to her breasts. He takes his time, kissing and licking over one of the soft, fleshy globes before finally enclosing her hardened nipple with his lips. She gasps as he teases her before going to the other.

Colada cannot think straight as Nickolas teases her body, shuddering from his touch. They have not known each other very long but she has already become attached to him, just his very presence is both comforting and stimulating to her. She never expected having a husband would be this wonderful. She bites her lip, an idea coming into her head. "Take me," she whispers, feeling a shudder go down Nickolas' spine that only drives her own lust through the roof. Nickolas reaches down to the drawstrings of his trousers only to be stopped by her hand. He looks up at her, her face confused. "On the bed," she clarifies. He smiles as he stands up, taking her up in his arms. She squeals in delight, feeling dainty and precious as he carries her to the bed.

He lays her down, his lips going back to hers as he reaches for his trousers again. "Ah ah," Colada says and Nickolas eyes her again, both confused and anxious. She returns his stare with an evil grin. "I want to watch you take your clothes off." He arches a brow at her request.

"Why so?"

"Consider it pay back for making me wait so long back at the hot springs." He gives her a half smile before sighing, shaking his head. He says nothing as he gets up, jerking his shirt over his head. She coos as she watches his muscles contort, the soft indents of his abdominals and the bulging of his biceps. She spreads her legs invitingly, her center boldly displayed. His face goes blood read as she starts to run her fingers over herself enjoying his expression as well as her own pleasure. "Don't stop."

Nickolas cannot remove his trousers fast enough as he watches his wife touch herself, the sight being one of the most erotic things he's ever seen. "So, this is a punishment?" She hisses from her pleasure in response, smiling at him. He laughs at her, deciding to take control of the situation. "Let me show you what punishment is," he says as he suddenly grabs her thighs and pulls her to the edge of the bed. Colada yelps in surprise, looking down in confusion as she sees Nickolas kneel down between her legs. Before she can breathe a word, he covers her center with his mouth.

Colada's head goes back as she feels his tongue delve between her folds, lightning sparking through her body in a way she's never experienced. "N-Nick-Ah!" She cannot even manage to say his name as he explores her body with his tongue.

Nickolas moans, letting his tongue delve as deep as he can manage. He lets his tongue slide over her hardened clitoris, and she jolts. "Nick! Ah-No. Not there," she gasps but he does not listen as he latches his lips around the sensitive bud. Her breathing becomes deep and uneven, her back arching multiple times as he continues to work her body with his tongue. "Ni-Nick! I-I'm...Ah!" she cries as she nears climax. Nickolas continues his onslaught, showing no mercy. Wanting to push her over the edge he begins to slide his tongue over her clitoris in short, darting strokes, her moaning becoming louder and louder.

When her climax finally mounts, she arches her back, her mouth wide open as she lets out a silent scream. She gasps for air, her body tightening as she comes down from its pleasure. She moans deeply as lava seems to spread through her veins, a slow warmth seeming to flow back to her center where Nickolas continues to lick in long, slow strokes. She runs her fingers through his hair, enjoying the feeling of having him between her thighs.

"I've never felt that before," she says breathlessly. Nickolas gives her one last lick before looking up to smile at her.

"All that matters is that you enjoyed it."

---

Several hours later…

Nickolas fastens his gauntlet, satisfied with the repairs. While the town's blacksmith is not as skilled as those of Iron Back Keep, his work will do for the moment. He looks around the square where the guards and volunteers are gathering, suiting themselves in what sparse armor they can scrounge up as the evening sun shines down. There were enough weapons to go around as far as swords and axes. Nickolas would have like to have more spears and pole arms, but they are making do with the few pitchforks and wooden pikes that they can. Their no army but they should do against one Monster.

"How do I look?" He turns to see Colada, her armor taking the form of a full set of plate, not unlike his own; though, her breast plate gives a very clear definition of her cleavage. He smiles and nods.

"You look deadly," he says, his words making her blush. "The swords they have here aren't the best quality, but they should suffice, if you're okay with them." She smiles at him and raises her hand. His eyes go wide as her gauntlet starts to stretch over her fingers, flattening into a blade as long as a short sword.

"I think I'll be okay without one," she says, her red eyes glowing and Nickolas swallows hard as his body begins to stir. He's never been so terrified and turned on at the same time in his life.

"Sir Mordone," Nickolas and Colada turn to see the Mayor coming down the steps of the town hall. "The Captain just sent word; they've prepared just like you said. They are ready whenever you are." Nickolas nods.

"Good, have everyone move to the western gate. We need to be prepared," Nickolas looks up to the sun, the crimson orb already reaching the horizon. "And it looks like we're running out of time."

Two hours later…

Nickolas watches as the last rays of sunlight dwindle, the sky losing more traces of crimson and being replaced with darkness. The majority of the western side of town is surround with large, wooden siege walls; they are rickety and rushed but they should suffice for now. Or, that is what Nickolas hopes. The men they were able to scrounge up stand behind the walls, their weapons ready.

Colada stands on Nickolas' left side, a man on his right. The man has a spy glass to his eye, watching the hill tops for any sign of movement. He's an older man by the name of Watmore, a farmer by trade. He stands in a chainmail shirt, a shield on his back, and a wood ax on his belt.

"Any sign, Watmore?" Nickolas asks and the man shakes his head without lowering the glass.

"Nay, sir. Not a one." Nickolas furrows his brow. She has attacked at dusk already and there is no reason why she wouldn't now. Any strategist would say that if an enemy were going to attack, dusk and daybreak are the most likely time for them to strike. Yet, here they sit, waiting. This continues into the night as the full moon casts its own dim light over the hill tops, Watmore continuing to use his spy glass, mostly as a means to avoid sleep. Many of their men have already set into a sleep schedule, with only ten men up at a time. Nickolas, however, remains awake.

Where are you, he thinks to himself, scanning the gray-topped hills. Colada stands beside him, unable to sleep as well. "It is possible she won't attack tonight. Perhaps she's gathering strength for another attack tomorrow or even the next day?" Nickolas shakes his head, despite being a dullahan and an exceptional warrior, Nickolas believes that Nora is too consumed with her vengeance to rest. She wants to attack; he just doesn't understand why she-

"I got somethin'. I got somethin' sir!" Nickolas jerks around to where Watmore is calling, several men jerking up from their sleep and taking up their weapons.

"What do you see?" It is the captain of the guard who asks, he's a heavy set man in plate and chainmail armor, a buckler shield on his left arm and a spiked mace in the other. His hair is slicked back from sweat and bushy beard hangs from his face.

"I see shadows moving over the hills, sir! Several, an' their comin' hot!" Watmore calls before he collapses the spyglass before taking up his ax and shield. The Captain takes up his pot helm, draws his mace and shield and turns down their line.

"To arms men! To arms," he calls, several men echoing his call. It does not take long before every man is standing with weapons ready. They do not wait long before they can hear the sound of feet against the earth, and many of them. Soon they can even see them, their humanoid shapes highlighted in the moonlight, their yellow eyes glowing in the darkness, and their deep growls that grow louder as they draw closer.

"Werewolves!" The call echoes to both ends of the line. Nickolas had already guessed it to be so, with their glowing eyes and the vicious growls, along with their humanoid shapes gave them away. Even now he can make out their pointed years and tails. Each one is naked save for the fur that covers from their elbows and knees down, their hands and feet equipped with jagged claws. As the pack approaches the line they come towards the center, right in front of the western gate where Nickolas is waiting. Judging from how many different howls he could distinguish he can tell there are more than ten of them.

Nickolas takes up his sword as a howl sounds from the pack before it becomes louder as the entire pack returns the call. They draw to a halt a ways from the line, enough to where they can see them in the moonlight but just outside the range of their torches.

Nickolas watches as the pack shifts, their glowing eyes moving back and forth till he notices a different set, this one a glowing green. "So, this is all you could muster?" Nickolas watches as Nora's voice comes from an outlined figure that steps towards to the front of the pack, the moonlight gleaming off her breastplate and sword.

"Stop this Nora! You've had your vengeance, there is no need for more people to die!" Nickolas words are answered with Nora's sinister laughter and growls from the werewolves.

"Oh, you're that knight from the fort? I figured you'd be dead by-" her words cut off suddenly. He watches her eyes shift in the darkness. "You! You're helping him?" It was more of an accusation than a question and Nickolas realizes that she is talking to Colada to his left.

"He's my husband, I'll stand with him wherever he needs me." Nickolas' chest swells at her words, but he does not take his eyes off Nora.

"Then you can die, too. He's only using you to take me down anyway." Nickolas hears his wife his in outrage as she steps forwards to attack the dullahan, but he throws up his hand to stop her.

"Nora, I know what those men did. They were cruel and they got what they deserved. No one faults you for that. But you killed innocent people-"

"They were not," Nora cries, cutting off Nickolas' words. "None of these people are innocent! Herman and I, we were innocent! Yes, I served the Demon Lord in Lescatie, but I laid down my sword a long time ago. All I wanted was to live happily with my husband," her voice trembles, as if she is on the verge of tears. "But those bastards took that from me," her voice returns to its original vicious tone. "When I finally managed to heal my wounds I went back to town for my vengeance, but what did I find? Those men were in the tavern, drinking, laughing, bragging about what they did! And no one lifted a finger to punish them. No one did anything! This entire town is guilty, and I will have my justice!"

Nickolas shakes his head, wishing he could help her. "I truly am sorry, Nora. I cannot let you harm these people." With a battle cry Nora lunges towards the line, a howl surging up from the pack of werewolves as they follow her. The Captain gives the call and the advancing force moves forwards, leaving some of their soldiers at the walls to cover their rear.

The sounds of men and beasts fill the air as the two groups clash into each other. Nickolas could not determine the number of werewolves, but from all the sounds of howling and screaming it sounds as if both sides are equal in number. Nickolas, Colada, and the Captain rush towards Nora, her eyes burning with hatred as she raises her sword. Nickolas parries the attack as she follows up with her shield. As he raises his sword to block the attack, he sees a pair of glowing yellow eyes at her side as they move towards him. He makes out the face of a werewolf, the light of the torches shining off her saliva drenched teeth. Just as the werewolf would have bitten into him, the Captain slams into her with his shield before swiping at Nora with his mace only for her to step back, dodging the attack.

"We fight together, lad!" The captain calls as he raises his shield to hold off the werewolf, the Monster girl snarling as she claws in a frenzy. Colada moves forward to attack Nora, her gauntlets shifting into blades, only to be met with another werewolf. The beast girl slashes at Colada with her claws and she parries, driving her heel into the Monster girl's stomach and sending her rolling.

"Bitch!" Nora yells as she moves to strike Colada with her shield only for it to clash with the blade of Nickolas' sword.

"You won't touch her!" Nickolas growls, shoving Nora back before gripping the blade and slamming the guard in her shield. Nora yells as the force of the blow spins her, the dullahan barely able to bring her sword up to block his next slash. Nickolas and Nora go back and forth, slashing and striking each other. Nickolas notices the difference from their first fight, the force of Nora's attacks had been staggering to the point that even when blocked and countered they still jarred him or even still managed to injure him. Now, her attacks feel light, easily bouncing off his blade as he parries them; he can also tell that his attacks are far stronger as the dullahan struggles to counter him. She calls for aid from nearby werewolves multiple times only for them to be met by Colada, her armor changing to shape weapons for herself before she sends them reeling.

"Why. Won't. You. Die!" Nora's words are punctuated with sword strokes that easily glance off Nickolas'. The last he parries before striking her in the chest with the horn-shaped guard, leaving a sizable indent in her breast plate. She gasps, the force knocking the breath from her body as she stumbles backwards. Seizing the opening, Nickolas charges forward and drives his shoulder into Nora's chest. He hears her yell before she topples to the ground in a heap. Just before he can land the final blow, he is struck in the shoulder by something heavy and sharp. He looks to see the glowing outline of a large blade that has sliced into his pauldron and even into his shoulder. He cannot react as a glowing tendril slams into his chest and sends him rolling through the grass.

"Nickolas!" He hears Colada's cries but cannot react as his body tumbles through the dirt, only managing to keep his grip on his sword. His vision is blurry and dark till he feels someone take his helmet off, a beautiful set of red eyes coming into focus. "Say something!"

Nickolas struggles as he tries to focus enough to speak, only for Colada to be hit with the same tendril that had sent Nickolas rolling. "No!" Colada tumbles through the grass as well, though to Nickolas' breathes a sigh of relief as she rolls back into a fighting stance. He has to admit, she outmatches him in terms of grace.

Nickolas turns to the source of the dark, glowing masses to see Nora, her severed head in one hand, her eyes glowing with a sinister delight as her mass of Demonic Energy flows and pulses above her. "Now we're going to have some fun." There is no warning as the mass surges forward, tendrils lashing out as they take the forms of spikes and blades. Nickolas rolls and dodges the attacks, ignoring the pain in his shoulder. Colada manages to get to Nickolas' side as she parries the tendrils. With cackling laughter Nora surges her Energy forward, the tendrils attacking in mass.

"How the hell do we stop this," Nickolas yells as he parries and blocks attack after attack with Colada's aid.

"We need to physically hit her. The sword will absorb the Demonic Energy just like a Demonic Silver weapon. Once you've drained enough, she'll be vulnera-AH!" Colada cries out as one of the spiked Tendrils strikes her side before smacking her away. Nickolas' eyes go wide as he slashes at another tendril before rushing to his wife's side. Just before he can make it to her, three spiked tendrils plunge into the ground, cutting him off.

"You're playing with me right now!" Nora calls with a playfully sinister call, her head smiling wickedly from her grasp. Nickolas growls in anger at the dullahan, his sympathy drawing thin.

"Enough of this," he says, bringing his sword up to rest on his free forearm. "Let's finish this, Nora!" he calls. Her smile widens, her energy spawning more tendrils as it pulses forward. Nickolas rushes forward to meet them, slashing, blocking and parrying the glowing masses as they come. As he draws closer and closer Nora's expression changes, in the beginning her face had been smiling with a sickening glee as she watched Nora and Colada fight off her Demonic Energy. Now, seeing Nickolas draw closer and closer, his resolve unwavering, her face is now contorted in a frantic snarl.

"Just die!" Nora's cry pierces Nickolas' ears as he brings his sword up to stop three bladed tendrils, standing only a few feet from her. Gripping both the blade and the handle of his sword he uses the motion of his parry to close the distance between them and bring the guard of his sword down on her shield. She cries in outrage as she stumbles back, her shield swaying to one side. Nickolas sees the opening and twirls, bringing his sword around in a wide arc.

Drain her, he thinks as the sword passes through Nora's abdomen. There is no physical wound, confirming what Colada said to be true; but it is not enough. Nora brings her shield over her stomach, gripping where the blade passed through her body. As she regains her footing more tendrils converge on Nickolas. He dodges, closing the distance with Nora again as he brings his word around for another strike. He knocks them away with a sword stroke before going after Nora again. He did not think one hit would be enough to drain her, but he did hope that it would weaken her attacks at the least.

Nickolas lands another attack on her shield arm, his sword passing through her shoulder. He tries to swing again but three more tendrils block his path before whipping out towards him. As he brings his sword up, the spiked tendrils wrap around the blade of his sword as they try to rip it from his grasp. He hangs on, despite the tendrils lifting him up into the air. He can hear Nora laughing hysterically until it is cut short by a battle cry. Just then the tendrils evaporate, and Nickolas falls back to the ground to land on his feet. He looks up to see Nora stumbling and Colada there, glaring at the dullahan.

"Keep your tentacles off my husband!" Colada's cry brings a warmth to his chest as his wife materializes blades from her wrists again and moves towards Nora, laying into her shield with them. Nickolas surges forward, his sword raised over his head. As she blocks Colada's blades, she does not have time to react as Nickolas' sword comes down to pass from her right shoulder to her left hip. She cries in outrage, spinning to strike him with her shield, only for it to crash into his sword. Using the guard, he hooks the shield and jerks her around, leaving her entire front side open. He brings the point of his sword across, slashing through her chest as she cries out again. With a final plunge, he shoves the sword forward, the blade passing through her chest to the hilt.

Nora's cry echoes so loudly that Nickolas would not be surprised if his ears began to bleed. Nora tries to retreat and to push Nickolas away, even bashing him with her shield, anything to get the sword from her chest. Nickolas grabs her by the leather pauldron she wears, holding her still. She even tries to use her Energy to free herself, forming more tendrils and other constructs to force him away only to be met by Colada as she guards his back. As the sword stays plunged in her chest her Demonic Energy begins to collapse, the glowing, pulsing figure growing smaller, the tendrils becoming fewer in number. Before long Nora's struggling weakened, the mass of energy above her shrinking in size till becoming a small pillar of dark mist.

Satisfied with her weakened state, Nickolas shoves her back, drawing the blade from her chest. She stumbles back, falling to the ground and crying out in pain. Grunting and cursing, Nora places her head back onto her shoulders before pushing herself up to her knees. "Why?" Her voice is hardly a whisper. "Why did this happen?" Nickolas becomes aware of her voice breaking. She looks up to him, her green eyes shining with tears in the torch light. "What did I do to deserve this?"

"You attacked innocent people, even after taking revenge. I understand your hate, your vengeance," Nickolas places his sword in front of him, tip in the dirt, resting his hands on the pommel. "Those men deserved what you did to them. But this town," Nickolas looks to both sides of him where the townspeople are forcing the werewolves back, their numbers dwindled as most have collapsed or have been incapacitated. He cannot see any casualties, hoping that no one on either side is hurt. He looks back to Nora, still kneeling as tears run down her face. "This town is not guilty for the actions of a few. I know they didn't punish those men. They couldn't prove they were the ones who killed your husband. Had you gone to the mayor, they would've been arrested and punished, but now you've only caused the deaths of two innocent people, Nora. I can't let that go unpunished."

Nora grits her teeth, whether out of anger or frustration he does not know. She looks around before picking something up from the ground: her discarded sword. Nickolas does not move, waiting for her response as she rises to her feet, sword in hand. When she looks up at him, her eyes have changed; their hatred gone and now only filled with regret. She raises her shield in front of her, her sword held down at her side. Nickolas understands her gesture and takes up his sword again, ready to end this.

Without a word, the two approach each other, a slow and steady pace. When they come into range, Nora swings her sword. Nickolas parries, her shield comes forward to strike him, but he knocks it away with the guard of his sword, making an opening for him to drive the pommel into her gut. She heaves from the force, air leaving her lungs; she stumbles back but recovers and brings her shield back to her front before rushing forward. Nickolas raises his sword and brings it down in an overhead swing, letting the weight of the sword carry it down. The blade lands on the top rim of her shield, but in her weakened state she cannot stop the blade from forcing her shield down and plunging itself into her shoulder. She cries out as the blade cuts into her flesh, the blade becoming focused on Nickolas' intent. With a hard jerk, Nickolas pulls the sword free of her shoulder and pulling her towards him before sliding the blade into her rib cage and forcing it through to the hilt.

Nora gasps, her eyes widened as she looks down to see his sword piercing her. She drops her sword, her legs buckling underneath her. Nickolas holds her, lowering her gently to the ground. She growls in pain as he sits her down, even Colada coming to aid him.

"Why...why are you helping me?" Nora looks at them both, her face so confused. It is Nickolas who answers.

"Because you've been through enough. It's the least we can do, two warriors to another." Colada nods, agreeing with his sentiment. Nora just shakes her head, not sure what to think about the two of them.

"You two are foolish. I'll never understand it," she sighs, clutching at the sword in her chest. "This is a beautiful sword, though." Nickolas looks to Colada and her to him. He nods, agreeing with the statement. The sword took its shape after they consummated their marriage and in itself is their marriage: a beautiful and deadly force to be reckoned with. Nora sighs heavily, her breathing becoming raspy and labored. "I just wanted...to be with Herman...that's all." Her head leans into Nickolas' chest, laying against his breastplate.

"I hope you find him," Nickolas whispers. He doesn't know if she hears him, but he does wish for it. This woman has been through enough, she deserves to find her husband in the next life. "And may your next end be happy." Nora says nothing more as the last of her life drains away, her body going limp.

---

One week later…

"Well, this was not what I expected to happen," Grand Master Demour says as she reads over Nickolas' report for the fourth time. After the battle with Nora the werewolves had been driven back towards the forest, most of them being carried by their weakened companions who could still function. There had not been any casualties, save for Nora, though there were many injured. The following day, Nickolas, Colada, the Mayor and many others laid Nora's body beside her husbands in the empty grave they had marked in her honor. No one said a word during the service, other than the Mayor, who made a nice speech on her behalf.

The following day was a day of celebration as Nickolas and Colada set off towards Iron Back Keep, the entire town cheering the two of them as they went on their way. When they finally arrived, Lex, the Grand Master and his instructors were present when he arrived; each of them eager to learn the details of his quest and his new engagement. Now, Nickolas stands in front of Grand Master Demour, wearing the new set of armor that was awarded to him at his promotion ceremony with his sword placed in front of him.

"Believe me, Grand Master, it did not go as planned." Nickolas says with a laugh. Eclipsa returns the laugh, glad that the young warden has grown since he left those short weeks ago.

"So, how is Colada enjoying her new life here? I hope she hasn't been preoccupying you with wedding plans, hmm?" Nickolas blushes at the Grand Master's raised brow, not wanting to admit that she's actually been keeping him preoccupied between the sheets more than anything else.

"We've made some progress on that subject." Eclipsa nods.

"Good, and just so you know, you may want to make some trips to the chapel every few months to be baptized. Can't have you turning into an incubus; can't have you spending all your time in the sac, now can we?" Eclipsa howls with laughter as Nickolas' face screws up from embarrassment. He takes a long breath before responding.

"Y-yes, Grand Master." She nods again, satisfied with his answers.

"Very well, you're dismissed. I'll speak with you tomorrow about any future assignments, Sergeant Mordone." She smiles at him as she uses his new title and he returns it, feeling pride in his achievement. Nickolas takes up his sword and turns to leave, pushing through the heavy wooden doors of her office. He navigates the stone corridors to his new quarters, Men-at-arms and below live in shared barracks while Sergeants and above live in private rooms; and being that his wife is sharing the living space with him, it comes in handy. Nickolas pushes the door to his quarters open to find Lex and Colada sitting at the table, laughing to themselves as he comes into the room.

"I'm glad you two are getting along," he says, being both sarcastic and truthful at the same time. While he is glad that his friend and wife get along, he also dreads the stories that Lex has undoubtedly told her of his more embarrassing moments.

"Yeah, we get along pretty well," Colada says as Nickolas places his sword on wall-mounted hooks by the door.

"Your girl's a real keeper. When are you guys actually having the wedding?" Lex asks for the ten-thousandth time in the past two days. The two of them have talked about a ceremony but have not worked out the specifics just yet.

"Soon," Nickolas says, giving her the same annoying answer that makes Lex's eyes roll.

"If you don't put a ring on this girl's finger soon, I'm gonna brain you." Colada laughs at the Conqueror's threat.

"As long as you keep the rest of him functioning, I won't stop you."

"Hey," Nickolas calls, holding his hands up in questioning outrage. She smiles at him warmly.

"You know I love you, Nick." After coming to Iron Back Keep, she started to use his nickname after listening to Lex. Nickolas shakes his head, not knowing what he is going to do with the pair of them.

"Lex, can you give me a minute with Nick for a bit?" Colada asks as Nickolas begins to take off his armor. Lex raises a brow at the Monster girl.

"If you want to fuck him all you have to do is say so." Lex says as she stands up. Nickolas starts to scold her for her language but Colada answers back first.

"I want to fuck my husband's brains out." Both Nickolas and Lex stand, open-mouthed, at her boldness. It is Lex who recovers first, bursting into laughter as she makes her way to the door.

"You...y-ou two have fun," is all she manages to say between her howling as she makes her way out of the room, her laughter stilling being heard from behind the closed door.

"What am I going to do with you," Nickolas asks as he lets his face cool off, still removing his armor.

"There's a lot of things you can do with me." Nickolas' eyes go wide as he recognizes the tone of his wife's voice. When he had come in her clothes had been her simple black trousers, shirt, and slippers; her normal, everyday wear. Now, as he looks back to her, she is wearing black stockings, a frilly corset, and a pair of string underwear that she has pulled up high on her hips. Nickolas can't breathe as she steps towards him, her hips moving in a way that should be outlawed by the Gods; in fact, it probably is. She comes to stand before him as she reaches up to press her lips against his.

Nickolas lets her sweetness soak into him as he pulls her into his arms as he deepens the kiss, their tongues clashing against each other. He does not even realize she has done it until she has already pushed him to their bed, straddling his hips and feeling his erection through his trousers. She breaks their kiss so that she can lean back, letting him get a good view of her outfit, her eyes hooded with pleasure.

"So, what do you want to do with me?" she asks as she bites her lip in the way that makes his blood boil. Nickolas does not know what he will do with his wife. Nor does he know what the future holds for the both of them. What he does know; however, is that he is going to cherish every moment of it.