Winter Nights of Hell

Chapter Three

Welcome to Asturdorm

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“That’s great and all, but that doesn’t explain why he has a tail and why you can just conjure magic in thin air?! Like what?!” I exclaimed.

“Oh yeah,” Enoxon huffed, offering a small, friendly chuckle. A smile appeared as he awkwardly put one hand behind his head. “We’re not human.”

I frowned. They weren’t human. I knew that from the second I acknowledged their magic and their tail. This has to be some fairy tale dream. 

“Enoxon,” Kurai muttered, clenching his fists and biting his cheek angrily.

Glancing over at the young man, I watched him brimmed angrily; his little fiery hands and orange specks on his cheek began to glow. His eye twitched as he walked over to Enoxon. “Here we are, giving out numerous secrets of the world, and you’re just blabbering about a damn folklore in the woods!” Eyes fiery as hell, this man was beyond angry. “Here we are in this otherworld, and you decided to bring a random human home!”

Enoxon rolled his eyes, leaning back on the bed, arms crossed behind his head. “She didn’t question my magic immediately like she questioned your ears and tails because you thought you’d be cute.”

That set him off.

Within a second, Kurai’s hands were reaching for Enoxon’s neck. They were kicking and flailing now, arguing about whose fault it was that I was here. I had many questions for them but should not get involved in this little feud between them. One air-head and one hot-head… Perfect combo! While they’re distracted, I could use this to get away from them. I slithered out of bed while the two were lashing at each other - Enoxon whining that Kurai was throwing hands at him - fiery ones. They were looking the other way, and I examined the distance between the door and myself. Easy. I tiptoed over to the door left wide open and into the hallway.

The hallway was huge, lined with pictures and scenery.  I was at one end of the hallway, so there was only one way. I made my way swiftly but quietly down the hall, taking in my surroundings as best I could. I saw the end of the hall with a huge round window that looked over and out. I saw a winter wonderland from the top of these stairs and out the window, but it was dark.  I quickly descended the stairs, which opened into a dark living room. I gazed around to see if I could see a coat or boots that may have been left somewhere. Two dimly lit candles lined the room and showed me the front door. I opened the front door and looked outside, trying to see if I knew where I was. 

Beyond the tree line, I could see mountains. It didn’t seem like a long trip. I couldn’t see the mountain's height, but I knew a village was there. I had to reach that village to find out where I was stuck. I went for the bag I’m so used to having on my shoulder but realized that I didn’t snatch it up when I snuck out - meaning I didn’t have my dagger. That’s fine. I could make it; I could fight off a fox… Couldn’t I? 

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and prayed that I safely make it to the village. I had grabbed a random coat hung up right on the inside of the living room, and the guys were nice enough to leave my boots by the door - so this worked! I hurried to put these on and began shuffling towards the mountainside. 

After what felt like hours of trudging, I pulled off to rest. The sky began to let down some loose snowflakes, covering the ground now.  Hopefully, this will cover my tracks a bit. Or perhaps they didn’t care that I died in the woods to whatever lurked here. My gaze skimmed to the cloudy sky, and I noticed the moon had barely shifted positions, meaning I hadn’t traveled long. 

“This is great,” I muttered quietly as I pushed some bushes out of my way. “It’s snowing, cold, and I’ve no idea where the hell I’m at!” I plumped down on a rock and threw myself back gently. I lay on that rock, staring at the moon above me and the clouds that moved ever so quickly. It was a gorgeous view, but I still had no idea what I was doing there. I closed my eyes for a second as I began to rest for just a minute or two. 

“H-h-hu-” Something whispered loudly. 

Instantly, my eyes shot open, and I sat up. I gazed around the clearing, trying to see what was near me. “Hello?” I called out, knowing I probably shouldn’t have, but maybe it was someone who knew these woods and could help me. Or perhaps it was the other two not-of-this-world guys. The darkness was so thick, though, I couldn’t see anything. “Is someone there? I’m not sure where I’m at, but I could use some help,” I called out to the darkness.

“He-help,” A voice mocked me.

I frowned and said again, “Yes, I’m lost and not from here.”

“Mmmm, are you not from here?” The voice mocked, its voice deep and dark. “Oh, we cannot have that. Tell me, little one, why are you here?” 

I gazed around, turning my head quickly and trying to find where the voice was coming from. I could not sense the direction it was coming from, as one second it sounded from one direction and then another from another direction.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “I’m trying to go home.”
“Are you a witch?” The voice asked, sounding as though it was getting closer to me.

“Witch?”

“Witch.”

“I don’t. I don’t think so; I wouldn’t be here if I were,” I whimpered. I reached for a nearby rock and gripped it tightly with my bare hands, just in case. I heard Something shift behind me, and I quickly turned around. This voice sounded hostile, mainly because it asked if I was a witch.

“Oh my dear, a simple rock cannot hurt me,” The voice chuckled softly. “Nothing can hurt me~ I’m not a foe, just a lost friend. Perhaps we can… work together?” 

A shadow appeared a few feet from me, but I couldn’t make sense of what this shadow was. It looked like a moving blob of dark energy. Squinting, I tried ever so hard to get a good look at this shadow. But when I heard Something from behind me again, I tensed up and turned while throwing my arm downwards on whatever was behind me.

When I felt the rock make contact with Something, my entire body froze in fear when I saw what I came into contact with. My lavender eyes grew wide, and I could feel my whole body weak and frozen in fear. I stared at this creature, who stared up at me. It was a dark solid human-like creature with a mouth that looked like a monkey’s mouth. Its eyes were red, brimming with anger now. 

“My my, you made contact. You are quick for a human and smart, but you are weak. All the better for eating,” It spoke to me, now inside my head. Before I could even react, I heard a loud-high-pitched screech from this creature, causing my ears to howl in pain. 

This noise was so high-pitched and loud that I felt my ears were bleeding. There’s no way this thing could do that, right?! I went to strike him with a rock again, but I felt my arm being grabbed, claws digging into my flesh and tearing it. Defenseless, my other arm was seized, and I was forced down. My body was weak from being attacked the other day, and I’m sure I could feel my wound bleeding again. As a fighter, though, I had to do my best to work through this, even if it meant screaming my damn head off. 

“SCREAM AS LOUD AS YOU CAN, MY DEAR, for the louder, the more delicious your blood will be,” I heard the voice whisper deep into my head.

Agonizing screams escaped my body, feeling his claws dig into my flesh. The only lucky part about this was that this thing wasn’t attacking my side; that was already wounded. I was in pain, but I couldn’t let this be the end - not after escaping yesterday. Two times the charm!  NOT A DREAM. I did my best to try and kick this monster off me, making contact hard with its chest. I winced at the pain that burned through my side, but my kicking at him did the job. It stunned him to the point where he dropped my arms, and I took this opportunity to try and scramble to my feet. The best option - run.  I made it onto my feet and took off. I was unsure where I was going but I needed to get away.  I ran, dodging the trees and rocks the best I could see in this darkness. I threw branches out of my way, knowing I had a chance. I had to have a chance; this couldn’t be the end. 

“Chasing only makes this more fun, my dear. You’ve been marked for death,” the voice lingered in my ear. I couldn’t get it out - but at least the screeching stopped. The screeching made my ears hurt worse than my side! 

Marked?! This creature marked me for the chase?! Quickly glancing, I looked at the throbbing wound on my arm; it was black - not red like blood would be. Is this doing of the ‘mark’ the demon mentioned?

Someone help. I begged myself, beginning to get tired, feeling the toll of the wound from the other day. I was surprised I could run, but maybe my adrenaline kept me going. Gazing over my shoulder, I could see Something shifting in and out of the bushes and chasing after me. The trees surrounding me were also beginning to fade, which was weird. It was like I was going into nothing but a dark area. Did this thing poison me?! I questioned, as I felt heavy. The heaviness reminded me of the incident from the previous day, feeling like I was drugged.  My feet felt extremely heavy, and I began to feel weighed down. The trees were now completely gone, as were the sky, moon, and bushes. My legs gave out, and I fell onto my face onto the cold ground. There wasn’t any more snow either - it was just black ground. What is this?! 

“I told you, you were marked. Marked for death and my dinner,” The voice returned. “Your mind has been poisoned so no other demon can claim you for their dinner tonight.” The black figure appeared before me just out of nowhere. It was now standing before me, a grin playing on its face. His eyes were red like blood. 

“Demon?!” I whispered, staring in horror. I couldn’t move; I was glued to the ground. I looked around for any last resort.

“Humans are stupid,” The demon laughed, grabbing me by the wrists with one hand. “You’d think your little mind would beg you to stay home, away from the danger you were in yesterday. No one to save you now, though.”

I was shocked. Was this what attacked me in the human world too?!  Can they travel between different worlds?! Not to mention how vital this thing was! What pissed me off was that this was the same creature, in another form, from yesterday. That’s how he knew I couldn’t escape ‘this time.’ I was lifted off the ground, and with his other hand, I was forced to stare at his ugly and scary face. “Let go of me!” I snapped, trying to kick him off of me. 

The kicks did not phase him as his mouth opened wide. “I’ve been waiting to eat my dinner, but once I saw you join us here in the Underworld…” His voice faded out as my scream filled the air.

“Soul of the Damned, leave her,” A voice called out. “It is not yet her time.” This voice was serene and soft-spoken, but one could hint at a bit of anger within it. “She remains pure - not one for you.”

Opening one eye, I looked at the demon staring off to the side. I couldn’t turn my head as he held my chin so tightly that I could feel the tips of his claws slightly cutting into it... Staring at his ugly face, I took in his barely visible features. It looked like he had a face shape, but it mainly was rippling shadows that danced across him. He did not have flesh like a human would, nor like Kurai and Enoxon. He was literally like a shadow.

“Better to eat,” The demon laughed. “But if you prefer to be my meal, I’m sure we can arrange that too. I do prefer your spirit over hers.” 

“Soul of the Damned, leave her, I stated,” The voice called out. “Or feel the wraith that I have fated,” It said. 

“Come out, come out wherever you are, little mutt,” The demon called, throwing me hard off to the side.

 I landed with a thud, breathing heavily as my side was punctured and now on fire from pain. 

“To have the soul of a reaper like yours would make me extremely powerful,” He taunted. “Unless you’re more of a chicken than a mutt.”

What is happening? I asked. As my vision faded, I gazed off to the side, assuming from blood loss from my previous injuries and his digging into my flesh. I breathed heavily, feeling the burning agony seep through my veins from this demon. I could see a dark blue light in the distance of the darkness. I could not distinguish the body, but it was not a human speaking to the demon. I noticed four legs. I could see the dark blue fade in and out to a lighter blue on this figure.

“You shall not feast on my soul today, demon. Nor shall you feast on another soul,” The blue figure spoke. 

I watched as the demon leaped towards the figurine. A sigh of relief escaped my body, but the pain was too much. I rolled onto my back, holding my arm where the demon had ‘marked’ me and grabbing my side as I could feel the warmth of the blood seeping out of the wounds. I couldn’t believe I felt such pain from these demon claws; it hurt more than whatever I was stabbed with the other day. Or perhaps, he ‘marked’ my side like he did my arm. Maybe my side wasn’t a stab wound. It was from his damn ‘marking’ claws.  That was going to leave a scar or two. I felt pressure on my other arm and feared it was another demon; my instincts told me to swing. 

Leave, young soul. The soft and serene voice sounded in my head. Please, do not return to the darkness any time soon.

“S-S—SN.” Someone’s voice tried to make it through the darkness. 

I felt someone’s hands grab my arm and yank me out of the literal darkness. Before I was ripped away, I glanced at the blue figure again. With what I believed belonged to the serene voice, I saw a pointy wolf nose and a long blue tail that almost resembled the stars above us. Its eyes were white as the stars-like markings that danced on its pelt.  The wolf’s gaze locked with mine, and instantly, I felt at ease. Something about that wolf creature made me completely forget what was happening. It was the most strange and positive feeling - almost like everything was being lifted around me. Kind of like a spark. That wolf saved me, yes, but I feel as though it seemed familiar. 

When I was yanked out of the literal darkness, I was brought back into the forest with trees surrounding me and the moon above me. Snow gently fell, and I stared for a moment. What happened? I instantly sat up, colliding heads with someone. Oww, I thought to myself, holding my head now. I looked up at who I hit heads with and came face-to-face with the fox freak from earlier. “Kurai?” I muttered, staring at him while rubbing my head. 

“Are you ok?” Enoxon’s voice sounded from the other side of me. 

My head turned, and I could see the sorcerer man, who could conjure magic earlier, holding my arm and me up. 

“Surprised you didn’t end up eaten,” Kurai sighed. “Hold still; this is going to hurt - a lot.” He muttered. “Enoxon, hold her still.”

I turned back towards the fox-like man who was holding my injured arm. His face shadowed over, but I could see a hint of worry in his amber eyes.

His left hand lit up with fire, his eyes reflecting the fire and the little orange specks glowing a little. He placed his left hand on the demon mark. Suddenly, the flames on his hand grew brighter as they covered my scratch. I felt cosmic pain, forcing my body to shift and move as I could feel these flames lingering through my body - replacing the pain set in me by the demon. Enoxon’s arms wrapped around my upper body, shoulders, and chest, keeping me from squirming. I could feel an immense heat from Kurai’s hand. This was a fire that I could handle running through my veins, primarily focusing on the wounds left by the demon. I could feel it running up my face where the monster had forced me to look at it. And even down to the wound on my side, everything burned inside me.  Enoxon’s grip held me tighter, but after a few seconds of the pain entering my body, it began to disappear and flow out of my body. It felt like everything was leaving my body - like a magnet in a box grabbing that metallic sand. I know my face had tears rolling down it, and I’m sure I looked like a mess.

“There,” Kurai sighed, a ball of black and orange flame dancing in his hands. “Enoxon, would you please dispose of this?” He asked him.

Enoxon’s grip let go of my body, and he turned towards the Nogitsune and stood up. With a few words muttered under his breath, a blue magic orb appeared and swallowed the black and orange fire. After a few more seconds, the sphere disappeared into thin air.

“Thanks, now then,” Kurai lowered his gaze and said, “What the hell are you doing? Trying to get killed?”  

I completely ignored what Kurai said, looking at my arm, which was no longer burning with pain. I could see the markings still from the demon, and the only thing I could think about was how he stated, ‘marked me.’ I ran my other hand over the markings but felt a tad bit of a sting when I did so. 

“Snow, you need to share with us what happened,” Enoxon said calmly. “Every demon is different and has a different marking. You got fortunate by the looks of it, but that mark will take some time to heal. If this was the same demon from the other day, you need to think about what the hell you’re doing.” 

“It said it marked me for death,” I murmured, looking for other wounds on my body. 

“That’s what demons do here when they find someone weak, like you. Especially since you were probably marked the other day, and the same demon found you,” Kurai groaned, offering a hand up. “If we hadn’t found you when we did, the demon would have consumed your entire body. They seemed to be that of a lesser Lost Demon, but I’m sure it was Something new for you.”

Weak. Those words stung a bit. Pushing Kurai’s hand away, I forced myself to stand up. I was a bit off balance, still shaken by what happened. “You’re telling me we have demons, fox people, and… I guess,” My eyes shifted to Enoxon, and I continued to speak, “Mages?” As I straightened my body up on my feet, I halfway stumbled to the side where I was initially in pain. 

“Sorcerer is the word I prefer,” Enoxon replied with a smile as he caught me from toppling over. He held me steady as he spoke gently,  “Born of magical powers, but studying to learn more magical powers. And I’d recommend not calling him a ‘fox person.’” The sorcerer pointed at Kurai, who was still studying the demon mark on my arm. 

Kurai, who seemed still focused on the mark on my arm, spoke, “I am a Nogitsune - to you, I am a mythical fox spirit able to manipulate the darkness.” His voice was soft, surprisingly. Is it perhaps that he was so distracted by my arm? The mark was ugly, I admit, but he didn’t need to keep staring at it. “There are a lot of demon souls that are not fully here; their rage and hunger blind them. You must be careful in this world. Especially considering one of them found its way to you twice.”

I pulled my arm from Kurai and held the mark with my other hand, keeping my arms to myself now. I even pulled myself away from Enoxon’s help to balance me. My gaze bounced between the two; I was so utterly confused. “So you’re telling me we have actual monsters in our world? Why have I never seen one before?” I questioned them. 

“Well, in the human realm, demons are typically forbidden on the lands. They cannot travel to the human realm now,” Enoxon chimed in. “So it’s fascinating that one was able to find its way to the Human Realm and even run into you.”

“What do you mean, Human Realm?”

Kurai shook his head and sighed, “You’re not the only creatures in this world, far from it.”

Enoxon chuckled. “You’re not in your human realm anymore, Snow. Welcome to Asturdorm, land of the Underworld.” 

(Enoxon, the Sorcerer - AI-Generated Photo Via NijiJourney)