Night's Fury

Night's Fury
>be me
>chilling post-apoc
>still trynna LARP in flecktarn with G3
>stuck innawoods thanks to TPTB
>all my friends are dead
>are they? it's complicated
>I mean, I still see nam when it's bad
>saw rhodie once long ago
>and slav was just trying to talk to me earlier
>was it real? am I dreaming?
>is this the real life? is this just fantasy?
>caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
>no really, I'm stuck
>middle of digging new cache
>dug too deep, partial structure collapse
>didn't think it through or plan it right
>part of it hit hard enough to put me out
>not a big fan of sleep, get weird nightmares
>slav in this dream
>not that kind of dream
>trying to tell me something
>forgot most of it when I woke up
>dug myself out to find a mess
>need to take stock of everything
>rifle is fine
>webbing still attached
>planned cache is a wash
>rucksack and loot got buried
>focusing on unburying rest of gear
>nearly done when there's a familiar presence in the woods
>grab all my loot, bugger off

>three of them, one in front with escorts
>all of them wearing dusters
>Hunters with a capital H
>just my luck
>leftie sporting black spear, bandoleer full of stuff
>right-hand has a spear, but a bundle on the back
>front-guy carrying ornate staff, distinct tracking light shining
>getting real sick of that
>tracks they following really faded
>must've been out a while
>easy enough to keep ahead of them
>hunters stop around dusk
>tent gets set near a campfire
>one in the tent, two by the fire
>tinted lantern set next to watcher
>they know to watch for me

>start approaching camp after hunters settled
>stop when lantern shifts from normal light to orange
>hear the watcher say "The creature is near!"
>other guy up with a spear, looking nervous
>no sign of staff-guy
>lantern gonna give away the surprise
>easy enough shot with raifu
>lantern shatters on impact
>both hunters jump at G3's bark
>spears and staff left
>watchers start charging towards the gunshot
>what kind of idiot charges an entrenched sniper?
>the kind that lets their opponent sneak past them
>hear them WTFing around sniping spot
>points for finding my old position
>penalty for not spotting me in their rush
>loudest mocking laughter I can manage as I put out their campfire
>camp plunges into darkness
>got the lantern, feeling lucky enough to try for staff too
>enter tent rifle first
>greeted with a face-full of buckshot
>FUCKFUCKSHITKUBEFUCKINGDAMNIT
>blinded, unsure of extent of damage
>swing blindly
>hear a shotgun pump
>nope.jpg
>pull out and flee deeper into the forest

>stop running after a while
>need to gather my thoughts
>pain making it hard to think
>deep, deep pain cutting to the bone
>visible damage doesn't look bad though
>missing chunks from head and chest
>need to patch parka again
>can't go back for material till this is settled
>vision slowly coming back
>I can work with this
>turn back towards their camp
------------------------------
"Why did it attack?" one of the escorts asked. The smell of blood faded away and animal sounds were returning, but still the hunters looked around cautiously.

"We are unmarked, armed and we've been using witch magic in it's territory," their leader answered, her voice harsh, "Stay alert, it will be back."

"It doesn't like magic?" the other hunter asked, more curious than anything.

"It doesn't like witches," the Hunter-Witch Sylvia replied. She loaded another ashwood shell into her shotgun, "We insulted it by using the tracking spell. I probably just pissed it off with old Bess. Let's hope it is still reasonable..."
----------------------------
>they're ready for me
>probably the silence and that smell warned em
>3v1, not optimal
>some solace that I can still sneak around them
>can't just shoot em
>didn't get a chance to test their coats, not sure if these are bulletproofed too
>now's a good time to try
>getting close to attack when staff-guy calls out "We just want to talk, beast."
>sounds like a girl, make a mental note
>bull rush right side hunter
>knocks hunter into staff-girl
>left hunter tries to stab me
>rifle parries spear, followed by a headbutt
>right hunter back on feet and tries to rush me
>jab hunter in the face with rifle to stop him
>follow up with full body kick
>right side hunter down again
>turn to face last hunter
>"We only came to talk!" last hunter stammers
>whoops
>move in for another attack
>staff-girl cuts in
>bayonet drawn in a flash
>shotgun jammed into face
>bayonet at staff-girl's throat

>Mexican standoff, nice
>staff-girl says real slowly "We. Want. To. Talk."
>missing part of my mouth missing, still managed to growl "NO MARK."
>growls back "The Magister refused to part with any of his precious teeth. We had no choice."
>other hunter twitches, still unconscious
>last hunter starting to panic "You're being hunted!"
>no shit, sherlock
>staff-girl says, "The Coven of Shadows, the witches, sent assassins to bring them your head."
>"Or what's left of it," hunter mutters
>"We're here to help." staff-girl manages
>lowers shotgun, "Really."

>witches sending assassins
>sounds like a bad movie plot, or a really bad fanfic
>what's their beef?
>probably those time you killed them, says bayonet, or when you killed their shadow-friend. How about when you ate their hearts?
>what about that expedition, raifu chimes in, they might have been involved with witches
>that's all just crazy talk
>first things first
>what kind of assassins are coming?
>right-hand beat me to it
>"Shapeshifters," staff-girl explains, "Once-men who've made pacts with demons for the ability to shed their human form..."
>stopped listening
>furries coming, need to fix my shit ASAP
>slur out through broken teeth, "NEED REPAIRS."
>right-hand stands up, "We'll travel together. It's safer that way until we know where they're at."
>hell no
>"NO. STAY HERE. OR GO. DON'T CARE. DON'T FOLLOW."
>staff-girl gives me a scowl, "Will you come back?"
>"YES."
------------------------------
"I think Sheffield will be ok," Hunter Brooks said as he inspected his unconscious partner, "Why are we helping that thing again?"

"Enemy of my enemy," Sylvia murmured, "It stays in the forest and keeps worse things out."

"There's worse?"
------------------------------------
>at old bunker cache
>digging through surplus loot
>starting to remember that dream
>slav calling out, "Trust. They help," before fading away
>somehow knew it was his last visit
>no time to be down
>need to focus on what's next
>gathered stuff to fix parka
>not sure how to fix missing body bits
>can try and cover up missing head pieces at least
>and raifu called my skull pile morbid
>so many to choose from
>probably dealing with werewolves
>settle for scavenged old wolf skull
>start making my way back

>feel like an idiot with my new face
>tried to take it off halfway back, but skull wouldn't budge
>at least teeth fit better in this one
>back at hunter's camp couple of hours before dawn
>lantern back up
>hear hunter's talking stop on orange light
>staff-girl turns it off and calls out, "Beast! We must make plans for their attack. Come over here."
>time to try new voice
>"WHAT'S THE MAGIC WORD?"
>staff-girl's says it through clenched teeth, "Please."
>pause at edge of camp
>leftie back up, giving me stink eye
>right-hand won't stop staring
>growl out, "I'M NOT A BEAST."
>staff-girl gives irritated look, "You're not human, should we call you Monster?"
>am I still human? does that matter?
>"CALL ME WITCH-EATER."

>planning takes less than an hour
>not enough information
>rough guess of size: 6 or 7, up to 15?
>don't know when they attack
>best guess is attack during full moon
>full moon a week or so away
>furries at their best, hunters in bad spot
>hunters won't be able to stick around all the time
>odds are really good I'm by myself if we wrong about time
>warm fuzzy feeling all over
>staff-girl finishes planning with other thing, "We need your...leave to investigate some matters in the forest."
>that was almost polite
>"INVESTIGATE WHAT?"
>"You're not the only shadow in this forest," right-hand cuts in, "The Salvagers have reported at least three other monsters that we need to deal."
>"And you can't come," leftie adds in
>didn't really want to but now I do
>"WHY?"
>staff-girl answers, "You'll scare them away. Or they'll just hole up somewhere we'll never find."

>group splits up
>hunters head north to ruins
>right-hand gave me a parting gift, a garland of purple flowers
>pretty fucking gay, man
>said something about keeping them from tracking me
>cool, but still kind of gay

>flowers making my face itch
>my fault for wearing it like a crown
>scratching doesn't help
>heading to a secondary hideout
>not as roomy, but still comfy
>don't want to risk main hideout
>strange new smell all around
>must be finally getting use to perpetual death smell
>odd mix of wet dog and some sort of fruit cologne
>just realized haven't had fruits in a long time
>coming up on 2nd base notice guy hiding nearby
>tries to hide until I stop and stare at him
>guy gives up hiding and steps out
>calls out, "Hello my good sir! May I presume this to be your lair?"
>a guy in a fancy suit deep in the forest
>totallynotsuspicious.png
>"WHAT DO YOU WANT?"
>"I wish to parley," guy says, "I represent certain inter...is that wolfsbane?"
>guy noticed the flowers
>polite act disappears
>"Are you fucking stupid?" guy shouts, "Those are poisonous! You shouldn't be handling them unprotected, never mind wearing it like a fucking tiara."
>shrug, "IT WAS A GIFT."
>guy seems exasperated, "Who the fuck would...oh...oh I see."
>see what?
>"The Hunters are here."
>almost forgot about them
>courtesy returns, "I assure you, they may have misrepresented our current interests."
>"INTERESTS?"
>"We've been hired by a coven you may be familiar with to retrieve a few items that may have ended up in your woods. Do you recall a certain expedition you interfered with a few years ago?"
>did he say years?
>could've sworn that was just last month
>"YES. WHY?"
>"The leader of that expedition stole several tomes and a grimoire from our employer. If you would be so kind as to facilitate their return, we would have no reason to quarrel."
>"DON'T HAVE THEM."
>"Excuse me?"
>traded them to twink for replacement G3 mags
>that's none of his business
>"GONE. DON'T HAVE THEM."
>guy mutters to himself, "This was a waste of time."
>"NOW WHAT?"
>guy squares up, "You're lying. Give me the books or I'll RIP YOUR FUCKING HEAD OFF."
>"CAN YOU?"
>"I can take you," guy hisses, "I don't need the rest of the pack to take you down!"
>guy crosses arms over chest, doubles over
>about to transform?
>raifu doesn't let him
>2 shots to the chest, 1 to the head
>that's a Mozambique!
>still wondering how Toto is doing
>guy twitches
>oh no you don't
>hip-fire while approaching
>guy jerks with each shot
>last rounds point blank
>guy stopped twitching
>still hack off guy's head, just to be safe

>2nd base compromised
>not my biggest problem
>nam standing over my shoulder
>"Now you've done it," nam says, "You shouldn't be picking fights with your condition."
>guy didn't give me any options
>prod corpse with a foot
>is it human enough to count?
>"Unfortunately. It shouldn't be as bad as that apprentice. Just don't eat them."
>doesn't smell that good anyway
>so I can kill them?
>"They're the aggressors. Its a loophole we can exploit. I'm gonna say it again, don't eat them."
>right
>"And lose the flowers," nam says as he sinks away, "It doesn't do anything but make you look like a fag."

>stripped body of everything else
>findings include used suit (with holes), odd rings, and a weird necklace
>left garland on guy's corpse
>new priorities along with new stuff
>do the hunters know what witches want?
>furfag mentioned old expedition, willing to bet pack around there too
>perfect excuse to crash hunters-only party
>erm, the hunters need to be warned ASAP
>debating the merits of refilling ammo
>only used one mag, combat load has four more
>any cache used will probably be compromised
>still got a bayonet
>just gotta make do or do without
>wonder how the hunters are doing
--------------------
"The Mole King is dead!" Hunter Brooks called out, "Long live the Mole King!"

"Get your monsters right," Sheffield huffed, "its a badger, so it should be the Badger King!"

The descriptions for the beasts provided by the Outpost had been less than adequate. The first beast was described as a giant, man-eating fish that walked on land.Turned out to be a monstrous alligator. What Brooks dubbed the Mole King was described as a giant mole, but turned out the be a dire badger. What kind of idiot mixes a badger and a mole?

"Collect its claws," Sylvia ordered, "that should work as proof."

As Brooks cut away at the dead king's claws, Sheffield stepped closer to Sylvia and asked, "Are you alright?"

"What do you mean by that?" Sylvia snapped back. Sheffield gave her a pointed look.

"If something's bothering you," Sheffield continued, "You can talk about it"

"I don't have time for therapy,' Sylvia interrupted, "Stay alert. We don't know it if there is more."

As if on cue the ground shook. Three more badgers burst out of the ground.
--------------------
>sure they're fine
>recall mention of other monsters
>hope my pet mole is ok

>making way north
>should catch up with hunters before dawn
>originally planned to set a moderate pace, but plans change
>new shadows following me
>hear howling, roughly counting 3? 4?
>getting bolder as the sun sets
>glimpse of one ahead in furry form
>looks like they don't need the full moon
>4 closing in from all sides
>fixbayonets.gifv
>about to start shooting when they stop
>legit furry steps out in front
>muffled voice from under mask, "Lay down your arms, monster. You're surrounded."
>not this again
>call out, "NO." and start firing
>hear it growl out, "Your mundane weapons can't kill us!"
>it'll still hurt
>pretty good job of knocking em over, too
>maybe start carrying that levergun?
>would ruin LARP
>remaining furries in beast form charge in
>change target to the right
>right takes a tumble after several shots
>left side close enough to swing rifle around
>sidestep charge, put full weight in swing
>bayonet cuts through hide, muscles and bone NP
>it's official, bayonet's magic
>furfag in the rear goes for a tackle
>didn't even say 'no homo'
>grab it by scruff and throw off
>got distracted enough right side in melee range
>too close with bayonet mounted
>lash out with buttstock
>furry doesn't look phased, but pushed back enough
>try to stab like a spear
>lead furry deflects it from side
>rear back up and goes for throat
>headbutt him hard enough to rattle self
>rear collapses onto the ground
>lead furry now too close for bayonet
>fursuit hands became legit claws
>howls as it carves several furrows across chest
>and I just fixed my parka
>forget myself and try to buttstock him
>lead furry deflects again while leaping back
>"Enough!" lead furry shouts, "It is obvious you're in no mood to talk. We'll be back!"
>right furry managed to drag away unconscious rear and badly hurt left
>lead furry runs off
>waste of ammo, but still fire as it flees
>parka in tatters, webbing damaged, down to three mags
>need to either regroup or resupply now

>resupply more critical
>webbing damaged, parka tattered
>hunters should be fine...right?
--------------------
Sylvia had that dream again. The Beast stalking her through the forest. Her friends dragged away one by one as it cackled. When she was all alone and the night at its darkest, the Beast stepping out of the shadows and growling, "WITCH."

She woke up as the Beast lunged. That was a first. Brooks stood over her, his mouth moving. Sylvia's world came into focus.

"Its the shapeshifters," Brooks said, "They're trying to circle us."

Years of practice had Sylvia out of her bedroll with her staff in hand before he finished. Now she could hear their howls. If they were being targeted then the Hunters were the bigger threat or they neutralized the bea...Witch-Eater. The shapeshifters were just out of sight, but still audible. Sheffield held up his spear defensively as a figure stepped out of the shadow. With a voice muffled by a mask, their leader spoke, "We wish to talk."
--------------------
>back at 2nd base
>corpse rotting outside
>flowers still sitting on top
>pack never found him? don't like the flowers?
>reload now, mystery later
>G3 mags topped off
>another pair of mags added to inventory
>dug up ex-hunter's levegun and bandoleer
>bandoleer still half full
>no room for spear
>also dug up stolen coats
>usually used them as range targets
>couldn't cut them up...until now
>bayonet cuts through with ease
>newfound appreciation for it
>bayonet replies with heartfelt KILLFRENZYKILLFRENZYKILLFRENZY
>newfound appreciation gone
>hasn't been the same since it tasted furry blood
>spent rest of the day and most of night repairing gear
>parka back together, augmented with Hunter's leather
>about to head out again
>corpse with garland still there
>is it still looting the dead if you put it there?
>hunter says it helps, furry says it doesn't
>furry also tried to kill me
>garland again part of inventory
>not gonna wear it like a crown this time

>ruins all around northern parts
>all sorts of crazy stuff
>outpost kept sending expeditions in
>not all of them came back
>swear it wasn't me
>staff-girl never mentioned what they were after up there
>probably what's eating outpost folk
>raifu reminds me I need to listen more

>found river friend while heading up
>poor guy dead for a couple of days
>picked apart by scavengers
>probably killed by furries
>worried about pet mole now
>first thing to check at ruins
>good news, bad news
>pet mole made friends!
>all his friends (and him) are dead
>in that order
>too heartbroken to get a close look
>damn furries

>day or two away from full moon
>need to find hunters asap
>not eager for round 2 solo
>hunter tracks around dead moles
>must have stumbled on murder scene and started tracking furfags
>can't spot furry tracks, must be great at sneaking
>hunter tracks easy to follow, probably using tracking spell to follow them
>minor problem
>tracks intersected by furry tracks
>clear signs of a fight
>what happened?
--------------------
"Sure, lets talk," Sylvia called out. Brooks gave her a look that asked 'What the hell are you doing?' but didn't say a word. She mouthed to him BUY TIME. The silhouette stepped forward, revealing a man(?) in what appeared to be an outlandish wolf costume. The Wolf asked, "Do you know why we are here?"

"The Coven sent you," answered Sylvia, "You're here to slay the Beast. How does this concern us?"

"You're a member of the Hunters," The Wolf nodded as it spoke, "Everyone knows Hunters kill monsters, and what's more monstrous than the shadow lurking in these woods?"

"A monster that doesn't stay in the woods?" Sheffield answered, "How about a monster that-"

"Those rumors are exaggerated," the Wolf interrupted, "We-"

"ThOsE rUmOrS aRe ExAgGeRaTeD," Brooks cut in with a mocking tone, "We've seen the Beast and we-"

"You've already met it?" The Wolf's voice took on an edge, "Then this is-"

"A distraction!" Sylvia shouted as she channeled her power,"Now BURN!"

The Wolf's pack surged forward with a roar. Spears held firm, the Hunters prepared to sell their live dearly.
--------------------
>scene investigation complete
>one dead furry
>one dead right-hand, body looted and mutilated
>must have pissed someone off
>scorch marks around ground
>somebody had a flammenwerfer?
>scent around burnt bits scream WITCH
>furries brought a witch? hunter item?
>new objectives clear: kill furries, rescue hunters, preferably before the full moon
>hope I have enough ammo...

>catch up last day
>couldn't or wouldn't hide tracks
>furries shacked up in old bear cave
>trying real hard not to think about mage and former roommate
>got till night to even odds
>still tryna be real sneaky
>they can smell me but they can't see me
>nearly tripped over furry sentry
>not sure how it didn't smell me sooner
>instinctively buttstocked it
>followed shortly with death by bayonet
>drag corpse out of sight
>lets try this again
>sneaking around furry perimeter
>spot another furry sentry
>Round 2: Get Ready
>moving in to engage
>furry has bored look entire time
>doesn't smell me?
>sneak in close, touching close
>can't smell me lol
>flowers work, suck it nam!
>of course didn't say it out loud
>nam would kick my ass
>FIGHT!
>claw over mouth, bayonet through neck
>furry kicks and tries to scream
>nearly decapitated before dead
>managed partial transformation
>counted four last engagement, 2 more to go
>drag corpse to newly designated corpse pile
>catch last two together
>got in close
>practically point blank with G3 against 1st
>2nd lunges towards me, meets mounted bayonet
>get several jabs into chest and guts into 2nd
>1st back up and tries to tackle me
>had enough time to transform
>tries to go for throat, catches arm instead
>can't penetrate augmented parka
>1st realizes this, tries to pull away
>holding 1st tight, trying to disconnect bayonet 1-handed
>harder than it sounds
>bayonet pops off, raifu hits the ground
>raifu isn't mad, just disappointed
>that hurts more
>decide to share hurt with closest living thing
>1st really trying to get away now
>eventually stops thrashing around
>there's blood, blood everywhere!
>JustAnotherTuesday.jpeg
>beg raifu's forgiveness, sling across back
>looting corpses when loud howl echoes through forest
>fursuit must have found corpse pile
>one on one before full moon, things are finally going my way
>hear more howls
>hearing 3? 5? now counting around 8
>and I'm still standing where I just fired G3

>little voice in head screaming, "Run, RUN!"
>running away from wolf-furries with instinct to chase, great idea
>fall back to corpse pile
>howls ring out, soft confirmation for 8
>new short-term goals: evade furries, retrieve hunters, fall back, find spot for final fight/last stand
>guessing fursuit has hunters holed up in cave
>hid as group of three ran by
>either another 3-furry group with a spare or 2 pairs left
>find a pair at cave front
>one pair and fursuit unaccounted for
>safe bet NOT in the cave
>no time to attack quietly
>advancing fire with raifu
>keeping left pinned as right attacks
>stop firing when right-furry enters melee range
>greet it with bayonet mounted
>stab and repeat
>furry collapses, did I hit him that hard?
>stab and repeat, just to be sure
>left furry howls and tries to attack
>injured and moving slow, not up to fursuit's level
>bayonet stabbing commences

>going into cave
>short on time thanks to howl
>found leftie first
>wrists bound and pushed to the side
>give him gentle prodding with foot
>lets out a groan, still alive
>where'd they leave staff-girl?
>find her at back of the cave, all sorts of tied up
>eyes practically scream GET ME OUT OF HERE
>I can do that
>small problem, not sure how to untie her
>inner hoarder cringes as I cut perfectly good rope
>bayonet hand won't stop twitching, odd
>also a familiar oder around, witch
>fursuit has a witch nearby? need to vacate asap
>shove levergun and bandolieer into staff-girl's arms
>no sign of staff
>time to bug out

>minor problem
>took too long
>fursuit blocking exit
>mole-friend claws around his neck like a necklace
>about to shoot, but another small problem
>holding leftie hostage
>fursuit patiently says, "Before I start threatening your friend, I have to ask. Aren't you called Witch-Eater?"
>oh kube why did I call myself that
>manage a slight nod
>fursuit snarls, "Then why are you saving a witch?!"
>"WITCH?"
>gives me annoyed look, "You didn't know?"
>wait a sec~
>if lantern wasn't magic item...
>only seen one hunter use tracking spell
>hamster wheel spinning hard
>carries a staff
>hates my guts
>growl out the word, 'WITCH."
>staff-girl groans, "You JUST noticed?"
--------------------
Sylvia slept fretfully. She saw her flames wash over the Wolf without touching him. Brooks dying moments later, the Wolf's claws disemboweling him. Sheffield disappearing under a literal dog-pile of werewolves. Sylvia dropped her staff and whipped out old Bess. The Wolf closed the distance in a blink of an eye and snatched the venerable shotgun out of her hands before she could squeeze the trigger. Her last waking moment was her own gun's buttstock aimed at her head.

Then everything turned dark. The same dream started for the umpteenth time. She was alone in a familiar forest. A monster was after her, only it was a more horrifying version of the Wolf stalking her instead of Witch-Eater. The Wolf growled and lunged at her.

The dream changed. Mid-leap there was a bright flash and a loud boom. The Wolf fell to the ground with a chunk of his head gone. His corpse faded away before it hit the ground. The silhouette of a man stepped out from the forests and grumbled, "Of course it had to be furries."

"Who, or what are you?" Sylvia demanded. Between the losing battle and the Wolf appearing in her dreams, her patience was worn thin.

"A guardian angel of sorts," a man held together with constricting vines replied, "Not suppose to interfere, but I don't think this counts."

Sylvia woke up to a werewolf's howl. She was alone in a pitch black cave. Her arms and legs were bound tight. A gag muffled her frustrated yell. For a brief moment, she felt like giving up. Then, she smelt something; Blood and rot. Witch-Eater was here. She couldn't see it, but she could smell its presence and hear it approach. The monster leaned in close and tugged at her bounds. The rope fell apart. Sylvia struggled to her feet.

Before she could ask about their status, Sheffield, or anything, Witch-Eater shoved an old rifle and a half-full bandoleer into her arms. It grunted and the sounds it made faded away. Sylvia struggled to keep up in the dark cave. The cave slowly got brighter as they got closer to the entrance. Two silhouettes blocked their path. She heard the Wolf say, "Before I start threatening your friend, I have to ask. Aren't you called Witch-Eater?"

She didn't hear Witch-Eater's response, but it must have answered, because the Wolf snapped, "Then why are you saving a witch?!"

"WITCH?" She could hear its confusion. Then it growled at her, "WITCH."

"You JUST noticed?" Sylvia groaned. This was getting embarrassing.

"What kind of hair-brained idiot can't see a witch in front of him?!" the Wolf bellowed. Witch-Eater responded with name-calling, "FURRY."

"I'll bet you eat crayons!"

"FURRY."

"You're a bigot!"

"FURRY."

"Enough!" the Wolf snapped. That was followed by a loud boom. Sheffield hit the floor screaming. The Wolf fell back, "Hide in this cave, or come out and fight, either is fine! The full moon is upon us!"
--------------------
>won the argument
>leftie lost his sides, not from laughing
>learned fursuit is a very sore loser
>threat assessment:
>fursuit and 7 other furries
>also has scattergun with shells that hurt
>I got witch, dying hunter, and no way out
>totallyfucked.png
>bayonet stops screaming long enough to whispers, 'eat its heart, gain its courage'
>maybe later
>should do something about dying hunter
>witch is already on it
>hole isn't that bad?
>witch notices WTFing
>explains, "Old Bess was loaded with specialty wood slugs."
>something else about coat deflecting most of it and shot not meant for people
>stopped listening after confirming leftie isn't gonna die
>raifu says I should listen more, might be important

>battle plan so far:
>step out and shoot at furries to piss them off
>fall back innacave without dying
>engage in CQC bit inside tunnel mouth to funnel em
>need them to come to us BEFORE nightfall
>not quite sure how long that is
>lost track of time between witch reveal and arguing with furry
>could use a break, time for a snack
>I mean, time to attack!
>witch and I move out
>left leftie innacave
>on top of nasty burns and gash, bruised up from furries kicking him around a lot
>hunger muted from anticipation

>be peeking outside
>sun already set, moonrise soon
>pair spots us, lets out alert bark
>bark back with G3
>couple of shots hit, no casualties though
>noobs should've retreated to cover THEN warn the pack
>rest of the pack and fursuit appear
>fursuit calls out, "I see you chose to come out and die-"
>G3 barks at him, too
>try not to giggle as fursuit sputters, "You assh-"
>witch starts firing when I reload
>discover new problem, witch can't handle 45-70
>flinches each shot, misses, fumbles lever
>almost as if witch doesn't shoot regularly
>raifu points out witch doesn't need to learn shooting with magic
>what about scattergun?
>wood slugs = point blank use, raifu explains
>never mind that, furries closing in

>fall back innacave
>JustAccordingtoKeikaku.webm
>eight funneled to three
>witch finally hits one
>impact blows off furry's arm with bright blue light
>of course the hunter's levergun shoots magic bullets
>really wishing I knew sooner
>raifu asks what did I think the runes on the ammo was?
>too distracted with stabbing another furry to death to respond
>third furry slips past, goes for my throat
>catches on leather in parka instead
>another score for parka mod
>witch manages to hit it
>furry's chest explodes right next to me
>not cool
>no more furries?
>only three came after us
>should be four and fursuit left

>peek outside again
>lone furry nearby lets out alert bark
>no shot, furry in proper cover this time
>rest nearby, peeking over ridge
>yell out, "COME IN AND PLAY FURRIES."
>furry minion yells back, "We're not fur-"
>fursuit cuts him off, "No, I think we'll just wait here. Can you feel the moon coming?"
>don't want to wait for that
>start taunting him again, "CHANGE COSTUME TO A CHICKEN, FURRY."
>"We're not-" minion gets to yell, gets shushed
>they mad, need them madder
>witch catches on, yells out, "Are you getting...in-FURRY-ated?"
>angry howling ensues
>"You don't have to be so FURRY-OUS!"
>regret ignoring bayonet's suggestion
>damn if it didn't work though
>last four furries leave fursuit behind to attack

>furries close enough ejecting brass nailing em
>always wanted to do that
>G3 knocks em down, but isn't permanent
>mostly firing to distract them and disrupt formation
>simultaneous 4v1 would be suicide
>stop firing to deflect first charging furry to side
>witch shooting at furry in rear
>doesn't even hit it
>need to sit down and discuss shooting fundamentals and how to prioritize
>witch empties 4-round mag shooting at 4th
>need to focus
>1st attacking along with 2nd
>only seconds to react as 3rd tries to jump in
>4th stuck behind them
>too close to swing raifu
>throw raifu over shoulder, sling catches it
>learned from last fight, didn't mount bayonet
>get several stabs into 2nd before 3rd grabs arm
>slam 3rd against wall a few times before 1st gets in the way
>1st clawing at head, old wolf skull somehow holding up
>headbutt 1st, 1st stumbles back
>2nd fights on despite stabbing, tries to claw up chest
>The Augmented Parka Laughs At Your Shenanigans
>earns several more stabs with bayonet, collapses onto floor
>witch missed two more shots during all this
>finally hits 4th, forearm hit costs 4th a hand
>and witch has to stop to reload, AGAIN
>wouldn't have to reload so much if A CERTAIN WITCH DIDN'T KEEP MISSING
>LEARN TO AIM
>focus
>1st and 3rd attack together
>1st still dazed, not in sync with partner
>LIKE A CERTAIN WITCH
>4th falling back
>witch finally finished reloading and takes aim again
>count them as they go
>first shot hits a foot to 4th's left
>second shot goes out the cave
>third shot hits 1st because I pushed him in the way
>fourth shot hits 4th's knee, oof!
>fifth shot finally kill furry
>if we survive this, taking levergun away from witch
>1v1 against 3rd
>really need to kill him/it? before witch reloads
>3rd looking for an escape route
>does dying count?
>bull rush last furry
>furry struggles to escape, also biting and clawing at me
>return the favor with stabbing frenzy
>mercifully dies just as witch finished reloading
--------------------
"ALL YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD," the Beast called out, "COME OVER AND JOIN THEM, FURRY."

Alpha refused to rise to the bait. The full moon was nigh.

"GOT A CHICKEN SUIT YOU CAN TRY ON," the Beast tried again. It was getting desperate, he sensed. It too feared his power at its peak. The clouds opened up and the moon revealed itself. Alpha looked up and smiled. His smile grew impossibly wide.
--------------------
>times up
>fursuit growing bigger
>costume isn't a costume anymore either
>eyes blink and start moving
>stolen scattergun crumples in his grip
>calls out in a louder voice, "Little Beast, Little Beast, Come out and PLAY!"
>fugg

>so many regrets
>fursuit moving fast
>manage to mount bayonet before getting bowled over
>witch tries to shoot fursuit
>hits me as I'm tryna get back on my feet
>hunter armor doesn't stop hunter bullets, go figure
>new hole in parka, can it get any worse?
>oh right, fursuit still in melee range
>try a stab with raifu
>deflects raifu and headbutts me
>skull cracks under pressure
>my turn to get dazed
>fursuit laughing, "Your efforts are in vain! Nothing will stop the night's fury!"
>slur out, "NIGHT'S FURRY?"
>he mad
>claws grab handful of parka
>get hoisted into the air, about to chuck me or monologue
>witch has a clear shot
>witch shoots, scores a headshot
>too bad she hit me
>magic shot hits right next to eye socket
>nothing to lose you head over
--------------------
That was the last straw. Sylvia dropped the rifle, swearing to destroy that infernal contraption if she survived the night. The Wolf shook his limp prey one last time. Seeing no response, he dropped it to face her. His voice came out like a growl, "Just another weak little mouse."

"Now, little witch," he purred, "We have your future to discuss."

"There's nothing to discuss," Sylvia snapped, "I'm a Hunter! I refuse return to the Coven's fold. Not now, not ever!"

"Then you die," the Wolf growled, "Here and now."
--------------------
>forgot how much dying hurts
>only did it once before
>wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for nam smoking next to me
>"So how long you gonna lay there and sulk?" he asks
>its a losing fight
>"Never stopped you before."
>head broke, can't move
>nam puts out his smoke in my head
>rude
>puts his hands on my broken head
>pleasant warm feeling
>haven't felt warmth in years
>"You still have a beast to slay. Get your head in the game."
>ugh. fine.
--------------------
"It's dangerous to attack without a wand or staff," Sylvia's grandmother told her, "Without some sort of focus point there's too much risk of your spell running wild. Only do it if you're in the most dire situations."

Sylvia was sure this counted as that sort of situation. She also remembered her great-grandmother's warning, "If you find yourself in that bad of a spot you're better off slitting your own throat."

She was sure werewolf alpha barreling towards her would oblige. On instinct she threw her hands up to conjure a shield. It was so simple even a novice could make one unarmed. The Wolf hit it hard. Sylvia felt herself pushed back by the impact. Her next spell would be vital. She couldn't use anything against him directly, so she settled for using the trees around her.

"Ibi mandabo movere!," she chanted, "Arbor!"

An uprooted tree slammed into the Wolf, throwing him back.
--------------------
>witch finally using magic
>good job of distracting fursuit
>gets thrown towards me
>that works
>stab into fursuit's back, aiming for kidneys
>fursuit spins around, bayonet cuts through no problem
>shouts "Why won't you die?!"
>cackle back, "YOU FIRST."
>yank raifu out, stab for the front
>bad move, fursuit catches raifu
>try a shoulder ram to get em off
>catch a handful of claws with my face
>good thing there isn't much to tear up
>fursuit tries to tear raifu away
>raifu lands next to witch
>hand still attached, managed to keep a tight grip
>there goes my shot to the major leagues
>claws stab into chest
>don't penetrate, but gets a good grip
>fursuit tries to bite throat
>poke em in the eye with new good hand
>fursuit rears back
>witch hits him with another tree
>actually didn't hit me this time
>hit the ground back first
>scramble for G3, witch had same idea
>about to say NO DON'T when it tries to throw me raifu
>bayonet nearly impales me
>snatch up raifu

>can't fight with raifu one-handed
>fumble around until bayonet detaches
>have to leave raifu behind
>I'm sorry, I'm so sorry
>icepick grip on bayonet, holding it in off-hand
>bang-up job ignoring it howling for murder
>feint a stab, actual stab when fursuit flinches
>fursuit moves in to attack
>need to get close, fursuit has range advantage in melee
>using handless arm as a shield
>grabs forearm, balls claws into a fist
>a werewolf punching people, that's just cheating
>pummels me around some
>witch interrupts with another tree
>came over with raifu, also holding my hand
>too lewd
>witch says, "We need to attack him together!"
>pretty sure fursuit can hear us
>on that subject, why hasn't fursuit torn us up yet?
>few feet away, clawing at shield
>hold up bayonet and spare forearm
>ROUND 2. GET READY.
>shield cracks, witch falls back
>FIGHT!
>fursuit stumbled, wasn't expecting shield pop
>slip past claws to get close before he recovers
>score several stabs into chest area
>fursuit still not going down
>managed to throw me off
>witch tries a bolt of lightning
>lightning arcs around rather than shooting out
>guessing it needs staff?
--------------------
"Use the rifle," something whispered behind her.

Sylvia spun around, but didn't see anybody. That voice...it was the same as that man in her dreams. Without a second thought, she channeled her energy into Witch-Eater's weapon. Though not intended for it, the artifact worked well as a focusing element for her magic. Her energy built up, she brandished the rifle like a staff and shouted, "Fulmen!"

For a moment, the G3 glowed as a bolt of lightning shot out at the Wolf
--------------------
>witch finally hits her target, this deserves a round of applause
>fursuit howls in pain
>charge in while he's being dramatic
>tries to grab parka again
>claw meet bayonet
>makes a plopping sound when it hits ground
>now we're even...ish
>gouging out fursuit's midriff, doing some real damage
>witch shooting out pointed light orbs
>actually on target this time
>want to look back and see how
>too busy with fursuit
>fursuit starting to slowing down, wounds catching up to him
>keep dodging and cutting, trying to finish him off
>fursuit pulls away, leaving blood trail everywhere
>finally slumps to the ground
>shrinking down to normal size
>costume just a costume again
>go in close to finish him off
>notice him pull costume open
>how the heck did he get a claymore
>more importantly, where did it go when he transformed?!
>fursuit has shit-eating grin, "If I'm to die YOU'RE COMING WITH ME!"
>have just enough time to fall to the ground
--------------------
Despite her last-minute shield, that final explosion blew Sylvia off her feet. When she got back on her feet she saw the Wolf, or what was left of him. His broken corpse was blackened and shredded. Witch-Eater was lying nearby on its back. The front of its hide was burned away, exposing strips of leather wrapped around its chest. Its skull was blackened and shattered for a second time (third including that first encounter).

"Get his head back together," the voice from before ordered, "We don't want him going completely feral."

Sylvia looked back and saw the man of vines.

"What are you exactly?" she asked as she got to work, "You said you were my guardian angel? Not doing a great job."

"His, not yours" the man of vines corrected, "Its complicated. I'm here to try and help him but also punish him at the same time."

"So you're his parole officer?"

"Sort of."

Most of the pieces fit back together, but she had no way to hold them in place. The man of vines pointed at Witch-Eater's chest, "Use the leather strips."

Soon Witch-Eater had a brownish skull held together with leather straps. It was absolutely hideous. The man in vines simply said, "Looks tacky. Do the hand, too."

"I've been meaning to ask," Sylvia said as she finished, "How can I see you here?"

"It's in your blood," he explained, "Now grab that rifle and run."

"Excuse me?"

"Grab that rifle," he patiently pointed, "And run. He won't be very rational, but will be VERY hungry when he wakes up. You need to be far from here before that."

Sylvia snatches up Witch-Hunter's G3 and fled into the night.
--------------------
>PAIN, HURT
>HUNGER, MUST EAT
>NEARBY CORPSE
>FLESH. FOOD.
>STILL HUNGRY
>MANA SMELL
>WITCH
>MUST FEED
---------------
Sylvia struggled to run with Sheffield leaning on her. It was better to describe it as a fast hobbling. A loud howl ripped through the forest. Witch-Eater was awake.

"Probably ate that furry," the man of vines commented, "He'll be moving faster."

"So you never answered my question," Sylvia said, "Why CAN I see you?"

"See what, ma'am?" Sheffield asked, but Sylvia gave him an angry look. Spirit stuff, her glare seem to say, so Sheffield focused on his feet.

The man of vines, who had no trouble keeping up with her, shrugged, "Like I said, it's in your blood."

"You mean it's because I'm a witch?"

"No, your lineage," the man of vines replied, "Do you know your great-grandmother?"

"The Spiritbinder?" she asked, "What does she have to do with this?"

"Your dear old great-grandmother. Why was she called the Spiritbinder?"

"She had a natural talent for summoning and binding spirits," Sylvia answered, where was this going? "Did she summon him?"

"Worse," he sneered, "She helped create him."

Sylvia nearly stumbled, "What? How?!"

"Your dear old great-grandmother took up killing folk and binding them," he said, "Including me."

"I don't understand," she nearly stopped, but another howl got her moving again.

"Long story short," the man of vines continued, "She died trying to kill and bind him. Then that idiot ate her heart. I've been stuck with him like this since."

"But she died centuries ago!" she exclaimed, "How long have you two been here?"

"No time for that," Sheffield interrupted, "Witch-Eater's here!"

"You'll need to fend him off for a bit," said the man of vines, "He should wake back up when he see's his rifle."

--------------------
A massive black wolf burst through the underbrush. Broken skull held together with leather straps for a head. Check. Tattered parka. Check. Definitely him.

"Oh wow," man of vines laughed, "He's gone furry."

Sylvia asked, "So how do we stop him now?"

"Same plan as before," he explained, "He'll just be faster and have more bite."

"I have an idea," she said, "Sheffield, buy me time."

Though unarmed, Sheffield nodded and peppered Witch-Eater with rocks from the ground. That caught his attention. The beast charged at him, but Sheffield easily rolled out of the way.

The two repeated this routine for several minutes while Sylvia scrawled runes on the ground. The runes formed a circle around her as she finished carving. With all the runes in place, she nicked her thumb, letting a drop of blood land on a rune.The runed circle took on a red hue as she chanted, "Captis Illud."

Her trap set, she called out to Sheffield, "Lure him here!"

Sheffield nodded again and ran towards her. The beast chased after him, but finally noticed her. Witch-Eater lunged at her, but stepped into the circle. With a flash of red light the trapping circle locked him in place.

"Ok, now what?" Sheffield asked. Sylvia rolled the rifle in her hand. She saw the man of vines nod at her. Without another word, she smacked Witch-Eater as hard as she could with his G3. Once. Twice. And again.
------------------
>wake up with nasty headache
>recall seeing FRONT TOWARDS ENEMY before passing out
>grope around, find raifu lying next to me
>what did I miss?
>nam nearby, finishing a smoke
>flicks it at me, "About time you woke up."
>where's witch? what happen to fursuit?
>"Gone, and gone," nam replies, "Sylvie fixed you up."
>Sylvie? fixed what?
>"Your head for starters.
>how long was I out?
>shrugs "Wasn't counting."
>notice hand reattached
>held in place with leather straps
>about to poke at it when nam interrupts, "Don't play with it."
>guilty pull hand away
>so now what?
>nam lights another smoke, takes a long drag
>where are those coming from?
>"We're done for now."
>sweet. could use a break
>just one thing. witch gonna be a regular?
>"Hope not," nam grumbles, "Her aim was atrocious."