The Howlling Fang

Within the dark foreboding and horrific maze known as lycan woods exist creatures that terrify any civilian humans and cause them to flee in fright. The camera quickly zooms into the woods weaving and ducking under scattered trees and the occasional corpse until it stopped in front of an abandoned ramshackle house with Daemon Spade sitting calmly on a bench with Lady Luna resting with her head on his lap. Daemon sighed and looked up at the moon  with a stick of pocky  in his mouth chewing quietly as to not wake Lady Luna. Anyone passing by would ask why two children would be spending their time resting in front of a decrepit house. Anyone except those who were customers.  Despite Daemon and Lady Luna's looks they are actually owners of the bar that exists within the house behind them. Milady it's time to open up." Daemon said softly to Lady Luna who grumbled before snapingher fingers causing the illusion place on the house to vanish transforming the abandoned home into a humble bar and inn. Daemon carried Lady Luna into the bar and up stairs to her private room and lay her down gently on the bed. Daemon then walked back down stairs yawned a little before walking over to the window and turning on the open sign.

Two silhouettes penetrated the thick mist of Lycan forest. One was human in form, garbed in a maid’s uniform with a basket around her hand. The other was slightly less human – she possessed a serpent’s tail where legs were supposed to be.

“Please, Anguis, be on your best behavior when we get there.”

The lamia chuckled sarcastically, “I have no idea what you’re talking about – I’m always on my best behavior.” She ran her fingers through her long, dark-brunette hair. She didn't bother with wearing her combat gear, instead opting for a white, sleeveless button-up shirt with a questionable number of the top buttons undone. Enola absolutely despised the immodest outfit. She didn't think it was possible to screw up a wardrobe when all one literally had to choose from was shirts, yet Anguis managed to do it.

Enola hardened her tone with, “I mean it, young lady. Don’t embarrass me.”

Anguis slithered up right next to her companion and teased, “Don’t worry. I just want to chaperone your little play-date. You know, to make sure things don’t get too wild.”

With a grimace, Enola plainly retorted, “It’s not a ‘play-date,’ it’s just a visit. After all, it’d be rude to decline an invitation.” She patted the side pocket of her uniform were Daemon’s invitation rested.

In truth, Enola did not wish to bring Anguis with her for a variety of reasons. For one, Anguis was a bit of a flirt; in fact, she had tried flirting with the groom of a wedding several days ago. Enola was certain her unlady-like behavior would be the crux of her embarrassment. Secondly, the lamia tended to pick and prod at Enola in all the wrong nerves. Not too long ago, Enola had described Daemon’s rescuing of her to which Anguis proceeded to mock her about for hours. When Enola received Daemon’s invitation, however, Anguis discovered it and resolved to join Enola in her adventure into the Cursed Lands.

There were several more minutes of silent walking until Anguis finally asked, “So… what’s in the basket.”

“Red bean buns.”

“Gross. This Daemon guy actually likes that stuff?”

“I’m not quite sure. He has a friend, though, and she seems to like them well enough.” Enola was referring to Lady Luna, the moon goddess. The maid had recalled the deity chewing on a red bean bun when they met and figured she should bring a basket full. Hopefully, it would make amends for Daemon’s imprinting as an added bonus.

After walking for what seemed like an eternity, the duo finally found their way to a peculiar sight: a tavern with an “open” sign in the window.

“I guess that must be it.”

“You think?”

Enola humbly approached the wooden door with a smile on her face and basket in hand. She turned the brass knob slowly and gently pushed it open with a loud creak.

“Hello? Is anybody here?”

Daemon's sensitive hearing picked up on three distinct words and two distinct sounds Red Bean Buns along with the sound of the front door opening and Lady Luna's practically flying off it's hinges . Daemon all but ran to the door and tackled Enola nuzzling against her cheek affectionately causing the basket to fly into the air while Lady Luna ran down the stairs and leapt up and caught the basket and nuzzled happily against it while landing gracefully before opening the basket and placing it on a bar counter as she jumped up and sat next to it and took one out and happily bit into one as a silver wolf tail and ear combo sprouted from her body as she giggled with glee. Apology accepted so long as you bring me more snacks. Daemon green tea please. Daemon got up after kissing Enola's cheek and helping her up as he led her and her strange friend to the bar at which Daemon let go of Enola's hand and moving behind the bar counter and quickly made three green teas .

Enola was, to say the least, surprised by Daemon’s affectionate tackle, even more surprised to see her basket had wound up in Lady Luna’s hands. The moon goddess seemed happy though, and that was a good sign. Enola was certainly going to bring more next time. The young-looking diety humorously ordered Daemon to prepare some tea, to which he complied with after giving Enola a light kiss on the cheek. Quietly so, the maid whispered during the small kiss, “I’ve missed you so much…” Enola might have taken a few more moments to enjoy the sensation were it not for Anguis chuckling behind her (and yet, she was still bold enough to wink at the Lunar priest).

Anguis and Enola approached the bar while Daemon prepared the tea. Enola took a seat and clasped her hands together in anticipation for a conversation. “Well, Daemon, how have you and Ms. Luna been doing?”

Obnoxiously, Anguis interrupted, “Hey, I hope you have some alcohol to go with that tea!”

Enola shot the lamia a dirty look before returning her gaze to Daemon. “Oh… this is Anguis. Anguis Pisa. As you can see… she’s a lamia.”

At that, Anguis gave a playful – and somewhat mischievous – grin with perfect silence.

Daemon looked at the lamia with an indifferent gaze until he walked over to her and sniffed her. Daemon's nose detected two distinct scents one magical energy and the other was the smell of death. " Interesting" Daemon said with a nonchalant tone, While he did find it fascinating how Enola could have such an exotic pet but he decided to remain calm and composed.  As he brewed his own cup of tea and proceeded to acquire one of the red bean buns a black furred wolf pup appeared onto the counter from a small pocket in his coat wagging his tail happily before lifting his paws into the air begging for the savory treat. Daemon turned to the pup and smiled before Lady Luna beckoned the pup to come over to her with the promise of huggles and kisses. The pup yipped and jumped into Lady Luna's arms nuzzling against her cheek before licking it affectionately. Whos a good boy? Who's a good boy ? " Lady Luna said as she snuggled and petted the tiny pup. Daemon turned to Enola and smiled. We've been doing fine thank you though something odd has been roaming around from what I've heard it's been looking for me...

Anguis grimaced when she caught the flexes of Daemon’s nostrils, suspecting he was sniffing her. The lamia was tempted to give him a piece of her mind but resisted, insisting upon herself that she was merely seeing things. The “interesting” part, however, was enough for her to put aside her frustration – she mistook for a compliment, if not flirting; then again, she thought everyone flirted with her. It was a strange side effect from her resurrection.

When the wolf pup hopped up onto the counter, Enola squealed on the inside. It was positively cute! The maid might have bundled it up in her arms and hugged the life out of it had it not ended up on the lap of Lady Luna. Enola had always wanted a puppy herself but she never seemed to be in the appropriate position to own one. Shohei definitely wouldn’t approve since he had specifically said he disliked puppies. He barely tolerated Anguis. While Enola was caught up with her infatuation of the wolf pup, Anguis was starting at Daemon with a pair of goo-goo eyes, though she kept her peripheral vision on the wolf pup as if he were food.

All the light-heartedness seemed to drain from the room at Daemon’s final statement. So much so that Enola’s grin dimmed down in contrast with Daemon’s smile. She scratched her chin and questioned, “Something’s looking for you? What does it want? Is it dangerous?” A million thoughts rushed through her head as she imagined the worst possible scenarios. Daemon had demonstrated to her before that he could easily handle himself, but it did little to quell her worry.

Anguis, on the other hand, rested her head on her hand casually and laughed, “If it’s dangerous, then we’ll just have to put it down like a dog, eh!?” The lamia smiled and bared her fangs, clearly ignorant of her poor choice of words. Enola might have shot Anguis another angry stare but she was determined to keep her cool in front of Daemon.

Daemon growled at the mention of the word dog and nearly grabbed Anguis but was beaten to the punch by Lady Luna whom wrapped her small arms around her throat  and glared as the force of a small saint Bernard  was lightly exerted on Anguis . You wouldn't be considering that vermin to be at the same level of my children now would you ?  "  Lady Luna said with a dark threating growl until she loosened her grip as Daemon mention that he was lucky enough to acquire the last red bean bun even though there were plenty left Lady Luna turned to Daemon and pouted with big sad eyes as she whimpered cutely for Daemon to give her the last of her favorite snack . Daemon smiled as he gently hugged the goddess and rubbed her back . Mother she didn't mean what she said about the creature being a dog she simply meant it needed to be put down " Lady Luna grumbles and hugs Spade muttering about how she didn't like that phrase and tht she would throttle anyone who used it in front of her .

Enola didn’t dare intervene in helping Anguis out of Lady Luna’s grip; first, Anguis probably deserved it in the first place and, second, Enola suspected Lady Luna could her into a thin red paste with ease. Anguis however was helpless and especially caught off guard by Lady Luna’s strength. Anguis’ face seemed to turn almost purple until the red bean buns Enola prepared managed to coax the upset deity. Despite this, Enola was squirming on the inside – Daemon’s earlier growl indicated his disapproval of the Lamia. In short, Anguis had already managed to embarrass the maid.

Enola bowed her head, as if she were a servant before a queen, and requested, “Please, Lady Luna, excuse Anguis. She’s a tad touched in the head.” That wasn’t quite an exaggeration; being dead for a little while can leave people somewhat mentally disturbed. Although, Anguis had always been outrageous, just not to this extent.

Anguis bared her serpent-like fangs once again, this time in an aggressive manner and toward Lady Luna. The large raddle at the end of her tail even sounded off, a true indication of her anger. However, before the lamia could say anything stupid again, Enola spoke up once more with, “Anyway, tell us about this ‘thing’ that’s looking for you. Maybe we could help.” Enola forced a smile while Anguis was working her hardest to contain her rage; in fact, she was mentally cursing Enola and Lady Luna while calling Daemon a 'mama's boy.'

Daemon chuckled softly before refilling Enola-chan's glass as he looked at her with a calm smirk while Lady Luna nomed on the red bean buns as she stated that she wasn't mad at Enola or Anguis she was mad at the creature for messing with her territory normal creatures she would tolerate but this beast was nothing short of a monster it sought to destroy everything in it's path and ruin the lives out countless innocents. All I want to do is to protect those that live in this forest. This foreboding realm holds something very precious to me and Daemon if you wish to help we appreciate it .

Enola stared humbly at Lady Luna before nodding. “Anguis and I are more than willing to help you, though we didn’t really bring our supplies.” The maid was referring to her and Anguis’ weapons and armor, items Enola didn’t suspect they’d need in their visit. Enola perked the corner of her lips in an optimistic smile. “Regardless, we are at your disposal, especially after what you two have done for me.” The allusion to Daemon’s rescue was something that always warmed Enola’s heart and renewed her hope in Fiore; though she was never quite able to figure out why people considered Daemon a monster.

Anguis shot a nasty glare at Enola before pouting. “Yeah… fine. We’ll help. What do you need us to do?” The lamia held her arms in a cross, still rather upset about Lady Luna. Then again, she could never turn down the chance to hunt something.

Daemon smiled softly until he noticed a scent coming from his basement. Daemon began to growl   as he walked out from behind the counter and headed over to a small cellar door near the central fireplace and opened it  as the scream of a feral beast rang out as a beastly head poked out from the cellar door. Daemon's blood began to boil; this bastard had found his home and sanctuary. Daemon's body was consumed in a pillar of demonic energy. when the energy subsided Daemon had grown several inches taller with his hair switch from his short thick turquoise a  long black as midnight hair  atop his head was a set of grey wolf ears as well as a grey wolf tail while his eyes shifted to a sharp indigo . His automail claw began to pulse violently with a dark aura.  I'm going to kill you bastard." Daemon said in a dark as he grabbed hold of the beasts neck tightly and lifted the creature from his cellar. The creature before them was what looked like a  massive werewolf with crimson red fur and yellow eyes with jet black bat wings. The creature currently in Daemon's steel grip was a werepyre  a combination of the intellect of a vampire and the sheer raw destructive power of a werewolf.