The Iron Devil

Polite death, ch.5

Wolf found himself on his bed again, in his house, Sun was slowly raising from the horizon, covering the room in warm colors, but it was quiet morning, he couldn't hear bird's singing, or rustling of the leaves.
He slowly got up walked toward his desk, where he kept his journal, but to his surprise, his desk was empty and covered in thick layer of dust, as if no one had cleaned it in a while, he felt confused, but decided to move along, perhaps he just misplaced the journal. He moved toward the other rooms, the door's to Bat's room were closed, just like all the other doors, all covered in dust.
Wolf rubbed his chin and looked around, but he didn't found anything beside single chair and table in the middle of the room, he then tried to open the door's that led into the backroom, but when he pulled them they appeared to be stuck, maybe bolted from the other side.
-Go...- he heard from behind the doors, it was so faint as if the voice wanted to be loud, but couldn't-... away.
Wolf stepped back, clearly afraid of what he might find on the other side, he then knocked onto the doors to the Eris's room, dust jumped off it as thought by touching the wooden frame, he cleaned off the dirt from it, then he gave it a gentle push, but there was no creaking Wolf stepped inside and felt cold wind, maybe trying to push him out, but it didn't stop him, maybe for the worst, as he saw long streaks and splatters of blood on each wall of the small room, they were, weirdly, still warm and wet, as if it just happened, as he touched the blood, it stained his hands, then he felt weird, he felt as I he had to come back to the previous room, as if someone was dragging him there. He slowly stepped back, but h notice the blood drying up quickly, as he sat down in the chair, cold sweat running down his face.
-What a sorry creature- he heard, voice was so familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it- Look at you, same as any other, creature that won't follow command of his master.
Black substance started to pile across the table, first looking just like shapeless horror, black as the tar, slowly shaped, breaking out of the substance, yet being made of it. first fingers, forming hands, forming arms, forming torso, forming everything, beside his face, but even without it he noticed the similarities and knew who was forming in front of him, he tried to move but the same tar-like substance kept him glued to the chair.
-Look at you, shaking in fear after seeing me- Creature said and slowly walked toward him- you thought that you could escape, avoid your destiny, but you should have known better and obey me.
Wolf tried to move again, but to know effect.
-Oh, how sad, you have been robbed off the only weapon you could use, my body- Wolf chuckled, and looked at him.
-"Your" Body? No, it was our, at least recently, but don't worry, I will make sure I will never allow you to control it- he said and slowly raised his hand, allowing the wolf to raise from his seat- follow me.
Wolf quietly got up, and followed the Creature, which lead him to the only set of door's that have been left untouched, the backroom. the door's moved letting out a loud creaking noise. Wolf walked inside, the room was drenched with shadows, as if the room was hiding something.
-Why don't you step inside? See who I was keeping away from us- Creature pushed the Wolf inside, into the darkness, his hand and feets met the same substance that trapped him on the chair. it reacted the same way the Creature reacted, it formed fingers, then hands, then arms, then torso, till it didn't turned into a full person, but this time, it formed himself, the Wolf, but Fully transformed, his claws were long and sharp, as were his teeth, all wrapped in a thick, coat of fur.
-I warned you!- the "Wolf" said, as he growled- Wait.. you aren't "him", you look like "him", but also me...
"Wolf " tighten his grip, his growls getting more and more quiet.
-You are here to eliminate me? "He" finally got you to follow his ideas?
-What?-Wolf asked and slowly got up, picking up "Wolf" as well- He pushed me here.
"Wolf", smiled and chuckled, exposing his sharp teeth, ready to murder anyone with them.
-Oh, then we can do it first- "Wolf" turned toward the doors.
-What are you talking about?- Wolf said and followed him, but before he knew, both Tar-like monsters were fighting against each other, slashing their bodies with claws and swords, but they seemed to be doing nothing to each other.
That's when Wolf woke up.
He felt sharp pain in his whole body, he yelled quietly, but as loud as he could at the moment, and to his surprise, the yell was answered by the touch on his chest, the hand felt soft and warm, but he didn't opened his eyes to see, he was too scared, maybe he was about to get executed? Or perhaps he was being kept as a prisoner to rot in his cell, like other disgusting creatures did. Once again, he was met with unexpected, he heard familiar voice, it was deep, but softer than before.
-Maxim! Folks, he woke up, get him some water, dumbasses!- Tiger said quickly and followed it with a chuckle- Welcome back to the world of alive, Maxim.
Wolf tried to move and speak, but it came out incredibly quiet, especially since he had covered his face with piece of material, which was laid on him as a makeshift blanket.
-Huh?-Tiger came closer to him as he passed him water- I didn't heard it all, but I know what you mean-Tiger was bluffing, obviously, since Wolf only asked for water, and nothing more- I need a minute with our friend here, can you guys go away for a while?
All of them left, and as soon as they did Wolf spoke up, now that his throat didn't felt like a dessert.
-Where did you learned that name?- He asked, maybe he wanted to be mad, but he felt too weak- Why am I here?!
Tiger sat next to him, on an old barrel.
-One at the time, but first, I have to thank you, you did a great job there, Wolfs are so useful...- he wanted to continue, but Maxim stopped him.
-Answer me, I need answer's, not praises for something I don't recall.
Jacko took a deep breath and handed him a water again.
-First, your name, you told me it-Tiger grabbed nearby bottle of beer and took a swing- it was weird, but you were already acted like a looney, so I wasn't really moved.
Maxim listened in shock as he drank more water, trying to move off the wooden table he was laid on, but he found that to be a difficult task.
-Where are you? Might sound odd, but this is basement of another bar in town, the "Buzzing" Inn it's called, sadly we couldn't afford a room for you, besides you I would rather have you down here for a while, this place is better sound proof then the shabby rooms he rents- he looks around and takes another swing of beer- probably cleaner too.
Wolf stopped drinking and tried to move, pain filling each of his legs, but he stand up nonetheless.
-Hey, hey! Slow down, I still have some stuff I want to tell you!|
-I have to go- he said as he took a first, painfull step- There is someone that waits for me...
Second step was as bad as first one, as if each bone in his feets were broken.
-I don't think you can escape without clothes?- As Tiger said so, Maxim sat back o the table- hope you don't mind, I had to make full check of your body.
Wolf's hand began to shake as he wrapped himself in the material that was covering him before, he felt so odd.
-As I wanted to say, I have to thank you, without you we would wonder in the caves till next week and-he was stopped once again, by wolf weak voice.
-What is the meaning of it? I had cut my neck, I know it- Maxim rubbed the places where the blade should have go in, but there was a piece of bandage in his way, the same that he offered the Tiger to use- I...
Jacko rubbed his shoulder.
-Hope that I didn't made it too tight, I swear, you acted so weirdly friendly when I finished tying it- he said and putted the empty bottle on the ground.
-It's perfect, were you a doctor before you changed?- Maxim asked, trying to calm himself.
-Were? No, I still AM a doctor, but I used to be field surgeon in the king's army, then I started to change, so I was... "dismissed".
Maxim looked at himself, he saw thin layer of fur on his torso, legs, arms, where he could look.
-Ah yes- Jacko continued- I noticed that you began to change, rapidly I might add, the "growth pain" should be over in a week or two- he said and grabbed Maxim's hand- such a weird case, as if something triggered sudden change in you, I can give you some herbs to help soothe some of the pain.
Maxim watched it with empty look in his eyes, all of it felt so weird, person he fought against yesterday was now prescribing him medicine to soothe his pain, bizarre to say the least. Then a thought came through his mind.
-"Is he trying to poison me?"- he said to himself, in his head-"but then, why he didn't just finished me back there, in the caves?"
As Maxim was thinking, his eyes wandered around the room, it was clearly underground, no windows, no fireplace to supply the light, only couple torches keeping the room lightly dim, but beside that, there was maybe two tables, couples chairs and empty, dust covered barrels which once held wine or beer maybe. Beside him, there was only Tiger, clearly uninterested in the room.
-Now, going back to what I was saying, before you cut me off, twice- Jacko got up and walked over to the crate on the other side of the room- You were really useful back there, say, did you really sense this place, or were you just bluffing and hopping that luck would be on your side?
Wolf didn't answer, he looked around, trying to locate some of his cloths, not really carrying for any further conversation. He finally grabbed something that resembled shirt and slowly got inside it, his mind barely processing any words that Tiger was directing toward him.
-"There's a forest to the north, it should be enough"- as he thought he felt a light slap on his head.
-Are you awake? You seemed too silent...-Tiger asked and sat in front of him.
Maxim wanted to answer, but he stopped, so many words wanted to come out, that he couldn't think of anything to say, his mouth opened to just shut immediately.
-Huh, you seem to be a bit... confused, is it right?- Jacko rubbed his head.
-Yes.
-Well, take a deep breath and close your eyes, you are probably also smelling a lot of new things, which is something you probably haven't experienced so far- Jacko suggested and smiled, as Maxim did so, his nose was picking up so many new weird scents, and he had no idea what were they, old wood? Does it have a smell? Or maybe it was just scent of rot growing on the walls? No there was something, he felt it, something familiar, he got up and walked across the room, with a lot of pain, to reach crate that was laying there.
-What is it? - he slowly grabbed object he caught scent of, it was soft and a bit rough to the touch, as his hand and nose identified it, he found source of that smell, there were many stain, blood stains, as well as dirty spots all over- Blood...
-Wow, so you didn't lied back there, impressive- Tiger laughed loudly- Now, are you calm enough to speak?
Wolf thought for a second, his eyes were still closed, making it hard to go back, he stumbled a lot, but he caught the new whiff of something, not familiar, but it caught his interest. He walked toward it, stumbling and tripping with each step, he finally found it, stretching to touch the object, he met soft and warm surface, which his hand lightly sunk into.
-Anything I can help you with?-As Jacko said, as Wolf felt the soft surface vibrate a bit, he realized that it has to be touching tiger's fur.
-It's so odd, I can... smell you- Maxim said and opened his eyes to locate the table he was laying on previously.
-Yeah, you are turning into a wolf, they are known for their enhanced sense of smell- Tiger pointed to the Wolf's nose- This thing is incredibly useful.
Maxim thought for a bit, and decided to ask one thing he was actually scared of.
-Why haven't you killed me yet?- Those words echoed a bit in the room, even though they were said quietly- Back there in the tunnel, you could have just slit my throat, or snap my head or...
-Listen, I saved you for a specific reason, understood?- Jacko answered calmly, but with a hint of annoyance in his tone.
- So you want me to be executed?- Maxim looked around, trying to locate rest of his cloths and his iron mask.
Tiger didn't answer, he just looked down and took deep breath.
-I understand you, if I would witness something like this I would want myself killed too...
-No one will be executing you, don't worry- Tiger's word were quiet, but Wolf held doubt to his words, none of them were talking for a while, just sitting there, as if they were waiting for other to attack first, so Tiger spoke again- If you have any other questions I can answer them now.
Wolf sat there, as Jacko handed him a pair of pants and his old shoes, stained with blood and dirt, so he began to put them on, but the mask was still missing.
-Where is it?- he finally broke his silence.
-Where is what?- Tiger asked, confused- Oh, yes I forgot.
With that he took out a blade from behind the boxes and handed it to the Maxim, it was still in the pouch he kept it in.
-No, I meant the mask, my face- he answered and grabbed his blade, fastening it to his hip.
-That trash? I have hidden it in the caves -Jacko smirked, crossing his arms as Maxim's hands began to shake.
-"He left it there.. I won't find it, I lost it"|
-No need to thanks, you won't need it anymore anyway- but Wolf said loudly.
-Why?!-He said and looked at the Tiger- I lost everything now! I.. I need to find it...
-Hey hey, calm down, not like you will find it anyway- Jacko tried to calm him down, but it didn't helped.
-I... I need to! It's a part of me, something I feel bound to with my soul...
-No that's what HE wants you to believe, that HE wants you to retrieve so he can come back, and haunt us... haunt you- Jacko said and grabbed his shoulders- do you understand?
-Listen, I'm him! I'm The Iron Devil, even if you remove the mask, you won't remove him- Maxim said and clutched his hand into a fist
-Bullshit, you are not The Iron Menace, you are Maxim.
-You have seen me murder them... all those innocent people... -Maxim elaborated and started to slowly tear up- I even hurt you...
-Yes, I saw it, as much as I would love to forget, but I notices something in you, the Wolf-man Maxim- Tiger said and smiled, but it didn't stopped the tears flowing down Maxim's checks- What happened there wasn't your fault, you don't have to carry any guilt of that abomination in the mask.
Wolf finally broke and cried out.
-It was still me! I was that abomination!-he said and covered his face as if he was trying to hide himself, his breath becoming faster.
-No you aren't, nor you were, and I will prove it- Jacko handed a knife into a Wolf's hands and took it next to his neck- Prove that you are him and end me, like real Iron Menace would do.
Wolf's hands began to shake more, as he felt paralysing fear freeze his body.
-"What is happening, what is this feeling... I felt it before, but..."
-Will you do it, Maxim?- Tiger said and smiled- C'mon, I have to take care of some folks up there .
Wolf was practically frozen in place, cold sweat was covering him, before he didn't scent something, he caught a whiff of Tiger's sweat, he was nervous as well, he knew that he was now a step away from death, but Maxim then remembered why this feeling was so familiar.
Knife slowly distanced itself from the orange and white fur on the Tiger's neck.
-Now, let's go, I bet your house is quiet away from here- Jacko got up and grabbed his sword.
-You don't have to help me, I will get there myself - Wolf answered and slowly limped his way across the room, each move causing him a lot of pain, but soon tiger grabbed him, to add his support and help walk- Really, you don't need to do it.
-How exactly did you wanted to go up the stairs?- Tiger answered with laughter- It would take you whole day!
Maxim stayed silent and walked slowly with the tiger, but with each step his mind was racing faster with horrible thoughts.
-Is there anybody up there that was in that bar?- he asked, but he wasn't happy with the answer.
-Well, about 20 people, most of them are here for... "service"- Tiger answered with a chuckle- Why do ask? You need some too?
-No, I was just thinking... What will they think of me?- Maxim's voice was low, as they were close to the doors.
-Well, you aren't looking that hideous, besides, most of them are more busy with hotel maids...- Tiger laid a hand on the door handle.
-I'm not talking about my face, what if they will find out who am I?
-You don't have your mask, nor your coat, so I don't think so, beside, I was watching you with some other guys, if they didn't found out, no one will-Tiger opened the doors and walked out, the interior of the bar was something that Maxim never saw before.
It was a regular bar with many beautiful women sitting near it, some were definitely in process of changing, some were even fully transformed, they were chatting with their sweet voices, most of them were wearing corsets, and light skirts, it's not needed to tell what were they doing in the establishment, but apart for that the inn seemed to be regular place, if one would see it from a distance he wouldn't know what was main business. Yet all praises about the interior and it inhabitants can't make up for the sickening smell of sweat and bodily fluids, which caused Maxim to cough and breath heavily, grasping for hot air that was filling the room.
-Yeah, just... breath through your mouth and don't worry, it's only couple steps, c'mon-Jacko said and walked through the room till they weren't standing next to the doors, but they were stopped by one of the women, for their surprise, she was almost completely covered.
-Oh, what do we have here?- she said and looked at the Wolf- I believe I never saw you before, are you new here?
-Listen, he's not here for... you- Tiger looked at her awkwardly- So yeah...
-Oh, but that's not a problem, we can always find someone that will match him! A lot of men come to us for that kind of pleasures, bet we will find one in not time!
-What?!- Maxim said and looked scared- No, no, no! I'm not looking for anyone, why are you saying so?!
-Well, why would relatively young person visit the "Buzzing" Inn? Or...- she looked around and asked quietly-... are you guys the survivors of yesterday attack?
As soon as she said it, Maxim felt his heart beating faster, so, everyone knew, he should escape as soon as he can.
-Yeah, sorry to disappoint you, but my pal here needs some rest- Jacko answered, and opened the doors.
-Hmm... wait...- she stopped them, her eyes narrowing- I believe I recognize... you!- she pointed at the Tiger- You must be Jacko, I heard some stuff about you from other girls...- Jacko just weirdly chuckled and coughed-...but your name is a mystery so far.
Her Finger pointed at the Wolf, which stumbled for a second.
-Em... I'm...- it wasn't a hard question, yet he stumbled a lot while talking- I'm Maxim, I'm not really from here, just... came to visit and got into this, nasty thing.
-Oh my, I hope you will be ok- women said and smiled- There are a lot of beautiful sights in our city, some even more pleasant to be in then this Inn, oh, but where are my manners, I'm Clara, come to visit anytime you would like, Wolfie- she winked and closed the doors behind them.
-That was... interesting- Maxim said as they slowly walked toward the city, which was filled with people, some were clearly victims of yesterday's events, which made him lower his head, trying to not look around.
-Yeah, keep away from that place, it isn't the... "cleanest"- Jacko said as he stopped by the gate- hey... you can look up now, I need you to tell me where do you live, you know?
-Do you think that they recognized me?- Maxim answered.
-No... I believe they just thought you were one of them- Jacko smiled at him as they started to walk, through the forest, until they reached Maxim's house.
-You may go now, I believe that you don't want to see how it looks inside- Wolf said and opened the doors slightly.
-Perhaps, but you are welcome to visit me, I still have to give you something to sooth the pain from your change- he smiled and started to walk back- Just ask people in town to take you to the Dr. Jacko!
He quickly got away, probably had bunch of people to safe in town, but Maxim didn't really cared. He took a step into his house, it was weirdly clean, and empty, almost as if no one was inside.
Maxim stepped inside and looked around, his steps echoing quietly in the room.
-"I hope he's not... gone"- even in his mind he was scared to say it.
As he got close to Eris's room, he knocked on the doors, silence, he then slowly opened the doors, but the room was empty. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and then he caught the familiar scent, he decided to follow it, closing his nose while doing so, he slowly walked and walked through the main room, around the table for a bit, then he walked right into the door, one that lead to his room.
-"But why would he be there?"- Maxim thought and slowly opened the doors.
As he stepped inside he saw the bat, laying on his bed, in his hands holding onto the blankets as if they were someone, Maxim felt weirdly uncomfortable seeing it, but he decided to brush it off for now, he was tiered, his mind was racing with bunch of words he couldn't let trough his mouth for some reason. He decided to sit and rest against his bed, his eyes felt heavy, his mind slowly stopped to think about of anything, any sensation of pain just rolled off him, as he slowly drifted off, into world of dreams, he somewhere in his mind hoped he won't come back.