Chapter 11-Monster Unleashed

These poor extremists don't stand a chance. Should probably just rush and start tearing into them, but as a wolf or human? I'm able to choke and block in my human form, so probably that. Now let's see who's in the hallway... ha, just the three of them! It looks like I did better than I thought, too; the two that I thought were injured were actually decapitated, while the other one has already bled to death, as noted by his pale complexion. Wonderful, so much easier. No need to waste my time. Now, the stables should be up the stairwell and to the right; I just need to head down this darkened corridor. I guess they went into lockdown, how interesting.

Well, the stairwell seems to be guarded by only a single Etiord. Pathetic, absolutely pathetic. Just need to sneak along and get him from behind, then-

"I know you fight within the shadows, mutt!"

Guess I'll have to actually fight.

He's swinging overhead and down to his left in an arc, so I can step under his swing on my left, come under, spin around, and chokehold!

"Shhh... quiet."

Flames, he's thrashing around a lot, and- finally! He went limp and dropped his sword. Now to twist his head hard and to the right to make sure he's dead-

"Crk!"

-and discard the body on the stone. Gone without much of a sound, as if taken out by a monster: perfection.

"Wh-what did you do?!"

Flames, a tiny Etiord next to the stable door!

"Y-you're the monster, aren't you?"

"Monster? If that's what you see in me, then sure. I'm whatever you see in me."

"Y-you killed him! You're a monster! Help!"

Flames! Kid's going to get me killed!

"Shut it! Hush!"

"Someone help! He can actually fi - stop!"

Flames, I need to stop him. Feel the shift go through me, get down on all fours, oh yeah; that feels good. Time to silence him.

"No! No! No!"

Sorry kid, but you left me no choice. Might as well bite the head and make it quick for the kid.

"Hngrgrgrg..."

Dang it. Now my mouth is all bloody. At least I'm in the clear now. Now where was I... oh, yes. Free everyone in the stables.

As soon as I go through this door, the Etiord are going to freak out. I can't just choke them all, so a blitz would be best. Then stop and take them out in sword combat. Yeah, that could work. I can't send the door flying again, because I can't hurt the pack. I guess I have to open it and act quickly.

First, to shift so I can grab the handle. Oh, this feels better and better each time. I should really find out how to stop between forms, as it feels the best. But first: save the pack.

Man, this handle is cold. I can't wait to get out of this accursed place. Well, here goes.

Woah, that's a lot of Etiord. There's got to be at least a hundred of them. Here goes nothing; run at the first one, knock him down, grab his sword, impale one on the right, slash the cable for the lock on my left, and get ready to block a barrage of attacks.

There's only sixty of us or so, we'll never be able to take all of them. We need to run, hope this works.

"Go! Get out! C'mon!"

Wow, they're fast. Better follow them.

"Come on, Eneipe!"

I would recognize that deep, commanding voice anywhere: Alpha!

"Go! I'm right behind you!"

"We're not leaving you! You're one of us now!"

"We need to leave as fast as possible! Please! I'll hold them up and catch up with you."

"Fine. We'll be awaiting your return, young Eneipe."

"See you soon, Alpha."

Whew, they're all out. Now for my escape.

"Where do you think you're going, 66?"

Flames, it's Him.

"Ehrm, not here?"

"Well, seeing as the pack is now a threat, we have to let them go. But you, oh, you are going to pay for everything that you've done. Now, I do believe it is time to take you out. You can't stop the attacks from all of us."

Flames! Why does it have to go down like this?!

Brace for the signal, and... He nodded!

"Yip!"

Ow, the wall! That was a rather strong barrage, and while I blocked, I was knocked back somehow. Maybe if I pretend I hit my head harder, they'll come closer, and I can get them!

"Finish him! He's been a thorn in my side long enough!"

That's it... closer... closer... perfect!

"Hey! He's-augh!"

He couldn't even hold onto his sword when I kicked him in the knee! They're not even worthy of their swords. Unless, of course, it's to feel the blade like he did. Ha! They're in guard positions, but their stances are so weak! They clearly favor attacking.

Ooh, I can stab one on my left. Their stomach is open...

"Ahh!"

"Don't you ever practice blocking?"

I've got my back to a wall, so they can't completely encircle me. Lucky me.

"You monster! Get him!"

Woah, they're all rushing! Not good, not good! Side step, stab-

"Arg!"

-slice-

"Hungh!"

-and backhand stab behind me.

"Hargh!"

Why are there so many of them?!

"Yip!"

Ahh! The back of my knee! I went too far from the wall!

"Yip!"

Back!

"Yip! Yip!"

Everywhere, flames! It stings! Why can't they go deep on even one of their strikes?!

"No, it needs a much more painful death to purge the evil from within it. Take it to the lower levels! We'll dispose of it and the other one at the same time!"

Wait, other one?! I thought everyone else was out!

"Knock it out and drag him down. I'll be down to deal with it soon."

I really don't like him.

"Yip!"

No... must... stay... awake...