How can everything go wrong so fast?

Over a day and a half and we're faced with issues.

My focus relied on surviving and surviving and fighting through hordes of nightmares. On the bright side, these aren't my nightmares; so, they aren't my fears. I kept up my pace. They were obstacles like Father's practice robots testing my abilities and accuracies, testing my limit. The most significant difference was fighting with flesh limbs. I felt more blood pumping underneath my skin than I was used to. I was uncomfortable. But I could adapt, and it is something I'm used to.

I was fighting through my seventh wave. Somehow it was smaller than the last few. The author was losing their edge; or rather, they're planning something big. Maybe I've fallen into their trap without realizing it.

No. I allowed myself to fall for their trap. I volunteered. I knew what I was getting into. Do I regret it? Not in the slightest. Want to know why? Because I know I will win. Because I have a purpose. Because I want to stay by Lee's side; he's worth fighting for.

But during the countless struggles to remain victorious, my bandaged arm began to burn. Back then, the need to scratch was minimum hardly noticeable. Now, it was driving me insane. I had to bite my tongue to replace the urge. It didn't help.

Back to the fight. I was fighting nine – wait, make that eight. I just cut through a Beast's neck leaving a black mist. Eight monsters were gaining my speed. I noticed my surroundings were getting clearer. The fog was disappearing. The village was within sight. I didn't expect to be close by so quickly. What was the author planning?

I twisted my body to deliver a slice through a Beast's torso. As I landed, I keeled over but I managed to stand tall. Damn it! I'm going over my limit! I glared at my seven foes. The monsters grin at my expense. I didn't give them the benefit of the doubt as I twirled my knives. I leaped forward and stuck my weapons onto two Beasts' heads. The latest batch was weaker than the last counterparts. The monsters would've done something more than a cat-and-mouse game. I plunged my knife onto a courageous monster's belly and sliced through his neck.

Everything was a blur. Somehow my fight got me back to the village. I was winning that much I do know. But... it didn't feel like I won. It was as though I was handed the victory. I didn't earn my victory and that was unacceptable.

I finished the last two Beasts. I heaved. I get to finally breathe. "Look out!" Leo? He's here? Obviously. We do live here for the time being. I bit my tongue as I felt sharp claws dug into my backside. I felt blood seeping through my shirt. I glared at the last Beast. Dammit! I got distracted! No! It's not Lee's fault! I let my guard down; I got too relaxed. I glared at the Beast who was licking his claws.

I charged forward while the shadow creature was too occupied licking the remnants of blood. I stabbed him with ease and deadly grace like Mother taught me. Now it's over. It's done. I inhaled yet I smelled a putrid scent; I couldn't describe it. Suddenly, my bandaged arm was frantically twitching. The itch was immense; I couldn't take it! I started scratching. My long claws are deep through the wrappings. Claws?

I looked at my bandaged limp seeing my fingers twitching. My other hand already had sharp claws. Then, my arm began to grow dark and extend. Holy shit. I was transforming! I clung it closely to my chest. I'm turning into one of them!

"Merrill! Are you okay?" I heard Leo's voice and his steps running towards me. No! I couldn't let him get closer. I won't hurt him! When he got closer, I shoved Leo harshly. It was the only way to protect him.

"Get back! I don't know why... but... but I... my arm... it's... it's forming!" The voices echoed like muffled, faraway sounds in a cave. The villagers were coming for me. Angry eyes were taking in the events. I looked over at Raph who held a musket at my direction. There was plenty of space to make an escape; hell, I could've jumped over the angry mob, but my exhaustion was kicking in. The adrenaline was leaving my body. I had enough.

Would the story end if I die?

I closed my eyes to accept my fate. I heard the trigger ignited. I felt no bullets in my body. I didn't understand. Did Raph miss? Not possible. He had a clear shot. "Merrill, run!"

Leo? Did he save me? Instead of looking, I ran with my tail tucked between my legs. I intentionally dropped the knives. It wasn't my best choice, but I would rather deal with that dilemma later.

I ran off. I wanted to stay but I knew the villagers were forming a mob. It's best for them to focus on me. Leo's safer in the village. He doesn't need to get involved in the mess I'm in.

I found a huge tree to hide. I leaned against a bulky tree and lowered myself. Angry yells and stomps ran past me. I steadied my breathing.

How did everything go wrong so fast?

I examined my arm. The wrappings were gone, and it was replaced with a long wolf arm; full fur and claws, the whole shebang. Don't tell me all those wolves were me. All those repeated loops. I played the antagonist! How anticlimactic. I became the Beast after inhaling the black smoke. I didn't know it was contagious.

"Master!" I sunk lower as I peered through the bushes. Was Warren riding Cuddles like a horse? The material was freshly handpicked. I shook my head. Now wasn't the time to think about innuendos! "Master, where are you?"

"Are you sure you saw the kid run off here?" Warren asked.

"Duh! Cuddles know what Master looks like! Cuddles never forget!"

"Instead of finding out where he went!" The worm tugged her ears.

"Owie! Stop pulling you, big meanie!" I rolled my eyes. I took it as my cue to get out.

I crawled out of the bush. "Enjoying your session, guys?" I asked, dusting myself off.

"Master! You're okay!" The rabbit stood up dropping the rider out of her back.

I examined my new arm. The itch stopped bothering me which was bothersome. I need to be on guard in case the tendency begins to rise again. So far, I'm not fully transformed which is good... for now...

I felt the uncomfortable sliver crawling onto my shoulder. "Alright, kid. Where to go next? You got the whole town against you. A little ahead of schedule, but we're adapting! It's a start!"

"We need to find somewhere to hide", I said, "Somewhere where the townsfolk are too scared to even reach."

"How about the castle?" Cuddles suggested.

"Cuddles, we can't go there. There's a giant barrier surrounding it. The author doesn't want anyone to find it."

"Then why is Monster Man over there?" I blinked as I followed where she was pointing. Over the footpath was another Beast. He just stood there looking at us... looking at me. Then, he took off in a sprint.

What? No... He didn't attack us because... he wanted me to follow him...? I'm so confused. I grabbed Cuddles and ran after the retreating monster. He slowed his pace. The Beast didn't want us to be lost? After a while, I recognized the structure up ahead.

The Beast's castle. It was different this time. The barrier was gone along with the fog. What was going on? Was this the author's way of bringing out the red carpet? The Beast became a swirl of dark mist creeping through the door's cracks.

I rushed over and pushed through the large, heavy doors. A heavy cold air crawled through my skin bare skin. Even when I blew air a puff of mist escaped my lips. I looked over the new scenery. How dark and eerie. My kind of hangout. But I'm not here for sightseeing. I followed a monster here. What bothered me was how there's no barrier here. Why was I brought here?

"Whoa", I breathed, "This is my kind of place. But this place needs some heat."

"Oh yes, it's what every goth kid needs. A dark and dreary abandoned building," Warren said.

"I like it!" Cuddles said, "If Master likes it then so do I!"

"Of course, you would. You're his devoted slave."

"You bet your bottom!" Warren sighed.

A growl brought me out of my daze. I looked up at the staircase. A large Beast slouched menacingly. Soulless eyes scanned my form. It ran off. "Hey! Get back here!" I cried, running after him taking the sidekicks along.

"Slow down, kid!" Warren cried, "Tiny arms holding for his dear life!"

"We're on the move! Yippee!" Mrs. Cuddles cheered.

I continued to chase after the shadow creature down the hall. That bastard was faster than his clones. I grabbed a spear from a suit of armor and thrust over to the fleeing Beast. The spear ran through his chest, plunging it to the wall. The monster disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

...maybe that was a bad idea.

"You idiot!" Warren tugged my hair strands. "You got rid of your one chance to find the mastermind! We're never getting out of here!"

Maybe I wanted to let go of a little aggression. I walked over to the spear. Not a trace of the shadow creature was left. Since we're finally inside the castle, we could find the author and beat the shit out of them! I plucked the weapon out of the wall. When I find them, I'm driving this spear through their heart.

"Master, look! Someone's coming!" Cuddles tugged my pants and pointed toward a figure running to us. I pointed my spear at the mysterious figure.

They retreated. "Merrill? Is that you?"

I blinked. "Wonder Boy?" Why was HE here? "Great. Just what I need. Tall, strong, and handsome being the town's hero", I grumbled. Wow, I sounded bitter. "Why are you here?"

"My apologies, friend. I did not expect to encounter you here. Then again, no one would be foolish enough to come to the Beast's castle", Golden Boy said. Not the answer I wanted to hear.

I rolled my eyes. "You didn't answer my question, Craig. Shouldn't you be in the village protecting the village?" Protecting Leo. "Why are you here?"

Greg's eyes lowered solemnly. "I lost Beauty."

I immediately thrust the spear into his neck. "Care to repeat that again", I growled.

Gregory held his hands up in surrender. "Please. Calm yourself, Merrill. You are gaining your more... fur?" I glanced at my arm. It was getting furrier. He's right. Ugh. That's a bad taste in my mouth. I inhaled and exhaled.

"Repeat... that... again..." I sneered.

"I lost Beauty..." I pointed my spear closer to his throat. "Wait! Wait! He ran off to look for you!" I raised an eyebrow. "After he stopped his brother from shooting you, Beauty ran after you. He was so worried for you; he ignored his safety and went off to the dark woods. I followed him but he was taken by the Beast and dragged him to his castle. I lost track of them. I am sorry."

I lowered my weapon. Something wasn't right... The two sidekicks said Leo was taken with Gregory since everyone was starting to hate him. Did Leo run off because he was worried about me?

Plausible.

My instincts were on high alert. As much as I hate Golden Boy, and I really do, he's giving me bad vibes. "I hate to say this, but I think we should stick together. Okay. Ew. Bad taste."

Greg nodded while ignoring my distaste for my idea. "I agree. We may never know what would come at us if we departed separately. I will take point." I didn't bother to disagree and gestured for him to lead ahead. The strong man walked ahead with his sword in hand. I walked behind watching his movements with calculating eyes.

It was rather convenient for Golden Boy Gregory to find us right after the Beast's appearance. Call me paranoid or a jealous goth, but Gregory wasn't telling me something. He wasn't the least bit terrified of my mid-transformation. If anything, the guy was way too calm.

I watched how his arm swayed back and forth. My instincts were kicking in. Something was telling me to get Greg's attention. I latched onto the muscled arm. As soon as I grabbed his arm, I was transported to a different setting. I was in a pub in town leaning against the wooden bar with a mug in hand. Everyone was celebrating like it was a New Year's Eve party. Was this where I landed the first time?

"Our village will be saved at last!" one man hollered.

"Praise above! God heard our prayers and sent us an angel!" a woman cheered.

"An archangel to be exact!" another woman agreed.

"I'll drink to that!"

"Amen!" Everyone laughed like it was a high school reunion. What the hell are these yahoos celebrating?

I turned around in my seat and spotted the bartender wiping a glass cup. I pushed my cup aside. "What's with the big party? Big harvest?"

The bartender rolled his eyes. "You must be too drunk not to realize. Then again, I think it would be for the best if you don't know what the celebration is for." I raised an eyebrow. Well, that's vague. I wasn't even drunk.

I shrugged. "Can I have water? If I'm going to enjoy this party, I might as well be sober to remember my own name." He gave me a once-over before handing over a cup of beer and walking away. "I said water, pendejo!" I cried over the cheerfulness of partygoers. I huffed. Who pissed in his Cheerios?

I grabbed the glass and sniffed. Yuck. I ain't drinking that. I pushed the glass forward. Why was I here? I had a better party than watching an anime marathon. "Not enjoying the party, are we?" I know that voice. Where have I heard it? I glanced to my side to see a large, cloaked figure. They hunched over the counter. Judging from their voice it, they don't sound drunk. Maybe they were drunk, and they knew how to talk normally.

"Not my cup of tea", I replied, "I'm gonna bounce. Later." I jumped out of my seat.

"Don't you want to know what everyone is excited about?" The stranger's voice was loud across the crowd.

I turned around a bit. "Do I look like I care?"

"It seems like you do not. A bit heartless not celebrating Beauty's engagement." Beauty?

"I don't know a Beauty."

"How crude. Beauty. Our town's diamond in the rough." Still don't know a Beauty. "A slender turtle with lovely crescent moons on his face." Leo? He's here too? I turned over to the stranger. They lifted their hood. I saw a toothy grin underneath. "Looks like you do care."

"Leo isn't Beauty. Even if he is – which he's not – there's no way he's getting married, not without his family's consent", I stated the obvious. I turned around and started walking.

I felt a body towering over me. Their hot breath was near my ear. "Such as shame you are disrespecting your dear friend. Not that I think about it, please do. Less competition for me. I would not mind having such a creature on my bed." I clenched my fists. "A young little thing like him has such a big flame. It would be even more enjoyable to extinguish his fire. I do love a challenge. I can't wait for our wedding day."

I thrust my fist at the cheeky stranger. The music stopped. The cheerful mood evaporated. The room grew quiet. My heavy breathing was heard throughout the pub. My knuckles were throbbing. Something hit me on my head. I turned over and punched the assailant. After that hit, all Hell broke loose. One punch became a bar fight within minutes!

I punched each face that came my way until something sharp pierced my arm. I looked down at my arm to see long claw marks. I looked over the crowd. Who scratched me? Over at the exit were the cloaked strangers. They lowered their hood. My eyes widened seeing their face.

That fucking prick!

I shook my head, which brought me back to the Beast's castle. I glared at Gregory. I brought the spear back up. "YOU! You're the mastermind! The author! You brought us here!"

Gregory's face became sour. That sweet, next-door neighbor vibe was no more. "I see you regained your memory", he said.

"I had help. Where's Leo? I swear to God, I will kill you if there's a mark on his shell!"

He tapped a finger on the spear. The weapon in my hand transformed into a bouquet of flowers. I growled. Why didn't I see that coming? "Beauty is safe. I would never harm him. He's too important to be rid of."

I grunted. "Bullshit! Where is HE?!"

"As I said, he is safe. Beauty is away from danger and away from you. It's only a matter of time before he will be mine."

"Over my dead body." I extended my claws. "Don't take it personally, but I never liked you."

"The feeling is mutual, dear friend. As sad for me to say you are not up to my level of power." With a swift of fingers and I was lifted into the air. Greg pulled out a book bound to his waist. "I will set up the stage for the final act. For now, you need rest." He opened the book. Strong currents drew me to the book. I couldn't move. I was weightless.

I got sucked into the book.