Flame Awakening

'Mother... I can feel the power in the name you had been forced to have. The power I was blessed with. I'll always have you here, right beside me.'

Inferna closed her eyes, sleep inducing her. She felt a strange tug, wrapping her up as she was pulled deeper. Her eyes reopened, a strange red fog circling her body.

"Wh-what?"

"Do not fear me, my child."

Her eyes watered as the fog formed the shape of a Hellcat, then coalesced into the form of a woman. She had no features, but Inferna's mother's voice came from it.

"I'm glad... for many things. You didn't throw away your newly budding friendships, nor did you keep Mina from taking my core. More than glad, I am fully honored by what Mina has done to remember me. My name, now your name. Fufufu... it's enough to bring a tear to my eyes."

"Mother..."

Extending her paws, Inferna noticed a pair of lightly tanned hands reaching forward. They intertwined with her mother's hands, almost as if they weren't her own. She flexed them, feeling the motion move from her arms then down to her fingers. Her eyes stared at her mother, a soft smile almost able to be seen.

"Inferna, my dear, you have been blessed by the Goddess of Werebeasts. This blessing was hidden until you received a name. Your transformation is powerful, but limited. You'll need to evolve a couple of times to take on a more humanoid appearance, though I believe Mina might enjoy the fact that your ears won't vanish suddenly. Her touch is magic... if you hadn't noticed."

"Of course mother. It was somewhat alarming, but to think a spirit can touch physical manifestations. For Mina, I'd go to hell and back!"

A serious aura radiated from her mother.

"My dear, there may come a time when you must truly do that. I believe in your resolve, so do not let it falter."

Inferna nodded, red hair falling into her face.

"This could get annoying."

"But you are stunning. Mina would agree. I take it... you are prepared for any scenario?"

"Of course. I'll burn down that village if I really need to, but I don't exactly... hate all humans. The hostile ones, they are the annoying monsters that struck our den!"

Her mother sighed softly.

"That may have been my fault. I killed two humans, a third killed by a fallen Hellcat. This was just before I met Mina. I'm sure it is safe to assume that they had come from the very same village. The large group came for vengeance, so I believe another is to come some day soon. Not for vengeance, but for a search party. I can't stay much longer, so I must leave you now my daughter."

Inferna leaned her head against her mother's, both smiling as the warmth within them burned brighter.

"We will never forget you, mother. Rest well."

Inferna's mother began to dissipate, one last tear falling down her cheek as she smiled and waved her off. When she finally vanished, Inferna looked around for a few minutes before she finally was released from the strange void. When she opened her eyes, she felt a warm and fuzzy feeling touching her paws. she stared straight into Mina's eyes, her face suddenly scarlet. Before Inferna could say anything, Mina vanished back into the sword between her paws.

"Oh, was she trying to get this? I must have put my paws over it while I was sleeping."

She stretched out, a silly yowl escaping her mouth.

'I'll tell her about the dream when she comes out. Probably scared the daylight out of her when I opened my eyes.'

Inferna looked around, her eyes locking onto the newly changed friends she had made. They were both bigger, as well as more attractive.

'Don't let them outdo you, then you won't lose your position beside Mina... why am I worried about that?'

She shook her head and set off for a quick hunt. She had decided to cool down a little by picking up some breakfast for herself and the other beast girls.

-

Meanwhile, not too far to the south, within the village of humans.

Hunched over a desk, black hair spilling over the pages that were being shuffled through, a woman let out a long sigh. She sat back, her deep blue eyes radiating power and authority. She looked passed the documents, towards the woman standing in the doorway. She was a petite elf, with wide hips and a narrow bust. Her blond hair fell into her eyes, keeping the green emeralds from being seen easily.

"So it's certain. That damn oaf ran off to have fun, then doesn't return. I was sent here from Fennis, not to babysit, but to help this town deal with the beasts that had begun to grow in numbers. Rin, which race did they go to hunt down?"

The elf blinked slowly.

"Hellcats."

"Are you kidding?! The Hellcats are weak and don't number very high! Their race isn't even territorial as long as you avoid their den! Did they get lost or go off to hunt another den of Beasts? Ugh... Rin, I'll have need of your capabilities as a tracker."

The elf nodded.

"Great. Just freaking great. Hmm... where to get the manpower for this... maybe from home? But we would be waiting another full week at the least."

The elf coughed softly.

"Lady Melody, a small group of adventurers had come into town recently. Perhaps hiring them? Their leader... holds a B rank badge. While not impressive, they should be some people we can find useful."

Melody smiled, her eyes twinkling.

"Could you set up a meeting then? I'll have need of their services, price negotiable. Erm... numbers, how many are they?"

Rin seemed to be thinking for a moment before she reopened her mouth.

"Four. The leader wields a pair of daggers, the sub-leader is a mage. The other two are a lower priest and lower berserker. Three rank C, one B. They shouldn't be expensive, but with your status price is but a number."

Melody smiled, getting up from her desk. She made her way up to Rin, the elf's cool demeanor suddenly flushing red. She looked up into Melody's eyes, almost backing away from her.

"Fret not, little elf. I'm merely rewarding you."

She tilted Rin's chin back, pulling her lips towards her own. Rin dug her nails into her thighs, a few tears sliding down her cheeks.

'I won't forget what you've done to my home, blasted human hero.'

Blood began to bead under nails, but the woman was larger then her. Rin was unable to resist as well, for the collar around her neck forbade her from going against her masters. Melody pulled back, saliva on her lips.

"Hmph. Ungrateful brat."

Rin felt a searing heat strike her face as she was flung to the ground.

--

Thank you,

JScott!