The Unlikely Hero

Chapter 7: Macksey

Even as a human, Lucille had no concept of self-control. She was the kind of woman who wanted to do or get something when she wanted it and by any means necessary. She was not above deception, murder, or any other underhanded methods when it came to obtaining what she desired. In her later years, when she became a nymphomaniac, her mind was only focused on satisfying her endless libido. After finding work in a brothel and "accidentally" draining the literal life from a number of clients, it was no surprise that she was thought of as a succubus in human form. This led to her eventual firing and vendetta against her.

Then came the day she came into the service of the Dark Mage. He, or to be more accurate, his servant approached her and considered her a worthy avatar for the Sin of Lust. Now in her new body, she is still the same, but her underhanded ways have only escalated. In response, Chastity was created to act as her restraint and her limiter. Since then, Lust had been confined to the center of the town; the building that was said to draw in men and never let them out. Obviously, the people were powerless against her and Chastity together, which is where the protagonists come into play.

"Man, I'm lucky that I'm past my prime." The carriage driver said. He stroked his beard lovingly. "Macksey is a terrible place for any young man to go to."

"What's so bad about it?" Ponce asked as he stirred awake from his nap.

"Well, rumors say that a succubus lives in the center of town." The driver looked behind him as if he was telling a story. "Boys and men go in, but they don't come out. Last time I was there, all the remaining boys had resorted to dressing like women to avoid this witch's eye. If she sees you, she won't let you go."

"Sounds like a pretty neat way to die." Ponce grinned.

"You're sick." Zeph replied. In response, the two of them went down a rabbit-hole of a conversation that revolved around what would be the best way to die while everyone else was an unfortunate listener.

"Well, I hope I don't have to deal with this temptress lady." Hamm said. "I'm too old for any excitement and I've got someone back at home waiting for me."

"You're married?" Hime asked.

"Nah. Thirty-seven years, and I've never even had a girlfriend." Hamm took out a photo and showed it to her. "All I've got to keep me going is this little critter."

Hime looked at the picture and saw that it was a photo of a fuzzy cat with a grouchy appearance. "Cute..." She said with uncertainty.

"That's my cat, Creature." Hamm pointed. "It was gift to me from my nephew; a way to ease the loneliness in my life."

"You named your cat, Creature?" Misty asked.

"My nephew did; it just stuck with me."

"You carry a picture of your cat in your pocket?" Ronson asked.

"I never leave home without it. Creature's the only thing that keeps me going in life. I love the damn thing to death." Hamm put the picture back into his pocket. "What about you? You got someone waiting for you at home?"

"I'm in the same boat as you." Hime fixed her hair. "Unmarried and haven't dated in years. I do have a pet bird though: grey parrot. I call him Manny. I raised him when he was a chick and taught him how to speak."

"Can he say anything funny?" Ponce asked.

"He can curse you out if I tell him to."

Everyone in the carriage laughed at the thought of a parrot saying swears at Ponce. The fire hero was not as amused at the prospect.

"Hate to break up your fun time, but we're here now." The carriage driver stopped the cart and went to the back to unload his things.

"Okay, heroes, let's smoke whoever we gotta smoke and move on." Ponce raised a triumphant fist high.