Killing Monsters

by R T Islington

  “I was in awe of him.” Concluded Ragrim. “He was strong and brave and the words he said after stuck with me. Yoshihiro looked me in the eye and said he wanted to end all of this! The rape, the slaughtering, the race wars, he hated it all. He knew he couldn’t reason with everyone, so he outlined his plans, his plans to build a fighting force never before seen in Dragons Continent history, a force he would call the War Hogs. He would unify everyone with his sword and bring peace to the lands.

  He was thankful for my help, not that he needed it, and he knew being a dwarf no doubt I would be of help! He asked me to join him . . . how could I refuse a man like that!”

  Hiroki knew what followed next, Ragrim had told stories of the early days of how they met Astaroth and travelled the centre witnessing Hiroki’s duels and heroic deeds.

  Dwarves make a living selling simple swords, shields, bows and armour due to their fabled quality which brought in a steady income, but magically imbued jewellery, armour and weapons are not up for sale! Instead dwarves choose who they make these items for, which is only ever for people of a kind-hearted nature or have carried out acts of respected bravery, no doubt Ragrim adapted the same approach and after spending many years with Yoshihiro, he crafted the famed katana, the Butterfly’s Razor, that Yoshihiro wields today!

  Ragrim rose up from his seat, no doubt sensing that Hiroki still had more people to see on this night of celebration. “The Butterflies Razor! I didn’t just make that weapon so Yoshihiro could wield a flawless murdering tool! No, it was a symbol of hope for me! I put my greatest piece of work in the hands of a ferocious and brave swordsman and hoped . . . hoped this savage swordsman could carve out a better world than the one currently.”

  Hiroki rose, he knew it was time to leave the dwarf for the night. “Ragrim, I’ll leave you be. I’m going to see Jadar, Angelika and Yoshihiro then call it a night. I don’t want to see Bellethiel and Astaroth leave, but I understand the great importance of their mission east . . . maybe I was the one being selfish, don’t you leave me too though Ragrim!”

  “Never my boy.” Ragrim said lovingly. “Oh, before you go, I made something for you!”

  Ragrim reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. The ring was silver with a square sapphire atop of it. Ragrim spoke again with instructions. “Now Hiroki my boy, that’s the finest ring I’ve made, I wanted to give you this sooner but decided to wait for a special moment, what better time than now after gaining your black headband!

  “Ragrim, fuck! It’s perfect!” Hiroki was clearly in shock at the fine gift.

  Hiroki was speechless, the ring was flawless. The silver was smooth and shone beautifully under the moon of the night sky and the sapphire glowed. The sapphire seemed alive and upon closer inspection it seemed as though a section of the ocean itself had been captured inside this brilliant blue glowing stone.

  Ragrim continued, unable to hide the pride he had for his creation. “I have enhanced the magic within this stone, sapphire stones bond with individuals who have pure hearted auras, though your human and can’t wield magic, stones can still protect, I’m sure it may come of use one day.”

  Hiroki’s hand was trembling, he was nervous and excited. Upon gazing into the sapphire, he could feel its power, he placed the ring upon his finger and his body began to glow! His body illuminated the surrounding darkness and an aura of multi shades of blue shone brightly, Ragrim covered his eyes, unable to stare into the blinding light of magnificent light and dark blues that smothered Hiroki, seemingly swallowing him up.

  Minutes passed and the light vanished, Hiroki stood before Ragrim seemingly empowered, a tear of joy ran down Hiroki’s face.

  He charged at Ragrim and embraced him. “You make me feel like life is a dream old man, I will make you proud, I promise!”

  “I know you will boy,” whispered Ragrim who himself had a tear of his own running down his cheeks. “The end of the night is approaching lad, go and be with ya friends.”

  Hiroki knew who he would visit next—the fierce hunter, Jadar Sky.

  Chapter 11:

  Jadar Sky

  Hiroki was standing outside Jadar’s tent for what seemed like an eternity. He wasn’t scared of his friend, nor was intimidated, it was in fact the groans of intimacy that held him back. Jadar had never hid the sexual desires that she harboured for her fellow women and love for beings of the same sex.

  The groans and orgasmic screams that were heard from Jadar’s tent had subdued, and it seemed as though this sexual encounter was coming to an end; all that was heard were faint whispers and giggles. The truth of the matter was Hiroki had only been standing outside for a few minutes and had approached just as Jadar and a mysterious woman had become fully satisfied. Hiroki knew it was wrong of him to wait, but he had to see Jadar before the night was over.

  Hiroki stepped closer and he noticed two naked female silhouettes through the cloth of the tent due the candles burning from within, an incense had also just been lit by one of the silhouettes and a unique smell of vanilla and tobacco surrounded the area, it was Jadar’s favourite smell and a rare one and that, no doubt this was a woodlander concoction I know that smell! I’m sure Bellethiel created this incense for her. Good old Bellethiel!

  The thought of Bellethiel brought a smile to Hiroki’s face that disappeared as quickly as it emerged as he remembered Bellethiel was to leave in the morning, and before he could ponder anymore a beautiful, and now clothed brunette emerged from Jadar’s tent.

  Hiroki smiled at the woman who seemed nervous, perhaps she did not want her sexuality to be revealed, not all beings are as honest as Jadar was when it came to such matters.

  The brunette was dressed modestly in a worn looking tunic, black leather bottoms and knee-high black boots.

  Hiroki decided to put the brunette at ease. “Evening lady, I’m Hiroki, a friend of Jadar’s. I just wanted to have a quick catch up before the night is over.”

  “She’ll be out shortly, she’s getting dressed. Fucking hell, she takes forever! Terribly vain isn’t she!” joked the mysterious brunette.

  Hiroki laughed. “Sorry if I was disturbing anything.”

  “Oh, not to worry, that’s fine,” replied the brunette calmly. She appeared to feel relaxed, and Hiroki’s demeanour was not intimidating to her. The brunette continued, “I’m Jess . . . people call me Jessie, Jessie or Jess is fine. I’m a horse breeder from Stallions Rest, the village just beyond the lake here. Nice to meet you, Hiroki.”

  Hiroki began to regain his composure, the horse breeder seemed nice and well mannered. Her hair was brunette, she had brown eyes and of a plump build, but her arms were well defined, and her shoulders were broad for a woman, perhaps working with horses and life on a small farm like village was what gave her a strong looking physique. Her skin was nicely tanned, no doubt working in the fields in the blazing sun contributed to this complexion.

  Hiroki continued the conversation merrily. “I may have to pay your village a visit. I’ve never had my own horse, always wanted one though.”

  “You’re more than welcome, Hiroki,” replied Jessie.

  Jadar emerged from the tent to join Jessie, she boasted a mischievous smile, a smile Hiroki had come to love over the years. “Hiroki Mitsue, I’ve just met Jessie and you’re already trying to steal her from me!”

  Jessie and Jadar both laughed playfully, Hiroki laughed too but he could feel his cheeks burning. “Not at all Jadar, wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Jadar turned to Jessie and the two of them passionately kissed, Hiroki looked away shy as always.

  “So, will I see you again?” asked Jessie lustfully.

  “Depends how fucking lucky you are! That was a good performance back there, you’ll have your uses!”

  Jessie replied flirtatiously. “Us farming girls have bags of energy!”

  “Then I’ll try harder to wear you out next time, maybe go a little bit rougher.”

  “I like rougher!” Giggled Jessie. “Rougher sounds good!” She was
clearly infatuated with Jadar despite them not knowing of each other for long.

  Hiroki could feel an incoming awkward silence, so he spoke to avoid such an incident. “Well Jadar and I will visit your village before we leave. I may want to buy a horse! I’m sure you’re a good breeder, I’d love to see your stock!”

  Jadar grinned playfully, slightly taken back by Hiroki’s brashness. “Well listen to you all decisive now you have a black headband! Okay Mr fucking swordsman, you’re the boss.”

  Jadar’s comment was met with playful laughter and the two women kissed once more. Jessie mounted her Black destrier horse, it was big and muscular and quite the specimen. Hiroki looked in amazement well, if she breeds horses to this standard, I certainly will buy one!

  Jessie rode off into the night and left Jadar and Hiroki alone under the moonlight, Jadar grabbed Hiroki in a playful choke hold. “Right Mr Mitsue, I’m all yours!”

  Jadar and Hiroki sat by a campfire that had been previously prepared by Jessie at the start of the night. The fire was warm and bright which was welcomed as the night began to turn slightly colder, they gazed into the fire content, seemingly reminiscing of past adventures and the endeavours of which their friendship had provided them with, it seemed to Hiroki that everyone was fast accepting this was to be the last night of peace before new adventures commenced in the following morning, with so much seemingly at stake now.

  Hiroki had been friends with the hunter Jadar for many years and he had grown to love her like an older sister. Her fiery personality meant there was never a dull day to be had with her around, and her temperament, famed combat skills and leadership had seen her rise through the ranks of Yoshihiro’s clan with a famed reputation.

  Jadar was a hunter. This race of beings was half-human and half-elf, and lucky enough for them, they inherited all the powerful traits of both races, the physical strength of humans and magic wielding abilities of elves. The mix of human and elven blood has made Jadar and her people the perfect monster hunters and contract killers due to their mixed abilities of physical strength, combat skills and the ability to use magic, ultimately, they are swords for hire which has allowed them to make a profitable living throughout the lands of Dragons Continent and prosper.

  Jadar was beautiful and her appearance caught the eyes of many, just as much as her combat skill did. Jadar stood at five ten, she had the long pointy ears that all elves have and piercing green eyes which glowed when enraged and when in battle. Her hair was long, thick, and black, and her skin completion was of a caramel colour. The hunter was slim, fast, and flexible and had been a highly successful monster hunter long before she joined Yoshihiro, she had also mastered the spear and shield, the weapon set of choice for all the half breed hunters. The spear Jadar wielded was resting up against a tree near her tent, its brilliance always caught Hiroki’s eye. The spear was gold with carvings of snakes firmly embedded into the golden weapon and being half elven, this allowed Ragrim to add extra magic power to this spear! The blade of the spear was not of the usual steel or meteorite, it was a razor-sharp emerald that was fitted to the spear and imbued with Ragrim’s magic, Ragrim knew being half elven Jadar could harness magic from gemstones and the emerald served a purpose, as well as being razor sharp, this green gemstone unleashed poison power upon every thrust, cut and stab. The poison caused paralysis which was perfect when carrying out hunts and Jadar had brought down many beasts thanks to this weapon. Jadar’s matching circular shield was also placed up against the tree behind the spear. The shield was gold with small imbued emeralds expertly crafted into the outer rim of the shield, the head of a viper was also crafted into the centre of the shield. Jadar usually sported magnificent jade armour with a black cape attached to the shoulder guards which displayed the War Hogs’ logo, though on this night she had dressed leisurely in a white kimono that was held together by a green leather belt and a gold buckle.

  Jadar’s green eyes glowed as she spoke to Hiroki affectionately. “The way you fought against Yoshihiro; I was very fucking impressed!”

  “Luck was on my side today,” replied Hiroki modestly.

  “Bullshit,” said Jadar. “You don’t realise your own skills! Seeing you now and how far you’ve come . . . you’ve grown into the young man I had always hoped you’d be, little brother.”

  Hiroki stared into Jadar deep green eyes. “I learnt from you! Yoshihiro taught me how to wield the sword, you taught me how to survive on the battlefield.”

  “And now we can enjoy some peace before more battles commence shortly,” said Jadar in a carefree tone.

  Hiroki laughed. “You know Yoshihiro, he would say times of peace make you weak! However, I feel he may crave peace if the East invades . . . we all will!”

  Jadar sipped from her cup of water before replying. “Your fucking right there! Yoshihiro has always been ferocious, that’s why I followed him, as now is not the time to be a loner, even Tatsuya saw sense and aligned himself with Yoshihiro, that speaks volumes! Yoshihiro is ruthless but he makes everyone feel safe, he gives them a place they can call home and all he asks is that you fight for it! I’ll never forget the moment our paths first crossed.”

  “I can imagine he was drawn to your skills.”

  “He also saved me from myself and my demons. I was ferocious in combat but inside, I was a wreck. Yoshihiro healed me.”

  “How so?” asked Hiroki.

  A saddened look appeared on Jadar’s face as she told Hiroki of her childhood. It was a childhood that pained her to this day.

  Jadar had a horrible start in life, her mother passed away whilst giving birth to her and her father resented her for that. As a child, she was beaten and abused by her vile father until she ran away and was taken in by a monster hunters guild.

  “I never forget the way my father used to look at me.” Jadar said glumly, reminiscing her cruel childhood. “That look of hatred. He blamed me for the death of my mother, sometimes the looks he would give me hurt more than the beatings and the abuse. My father was a cunt to me.”

  “You survived him, look at you now! Second in command of the War Hogs. You should go back and kill the cunt!”

  “No, I wouldn’t want him near me, even if I had the chance to kill him. I think I would freeze.”

  “You’re the famed hunter Jadar Sky, I can’t imagine you freezing in fright.”

  “I still have nightmares of the abuse. I wake up in sweats sometimes, the nightmares are the same, they have been my whole life. Pinned down while he batters me, thrown around like a fucking child’s doll! He enjoyed beating me and hurting me, it must have felt like revenge to him, revenge on the creature that took his love from him.”

  “No! It wasn’t your fault!”

  “He told me I was a curse, a curse bestowed upon him. You know, if you beat a child for long enough, they eventually think that’s all they deserve and their worth.”

  Jadar continued her story. “Children always seem to fall victim to evil,” declared Hiroki. “Sometimes even their own parents are the stuff of nightmares. It seems as though a child’s innocence is a magnet for horror in this fucked up world.”

  “He used to strip me down naked sometimes and beat me in front of his friends. They all laughed and joked, watching me naked and beaten. Being half elf half human, I must have looked like a freak to them.”

  Hiroki felt sickened by Jadar’s childhood, though he tried not to show it. “If I was there, I’d kill them!”

  “One of my dad’s friends, he used to come and find me when I was alone, he used to . . . Oh, it doesn’t fucking matter. I vowed no man would lay hands on me again.” Jadar rose and began to smile. “Yoshihiro has given me much, but being with him, his way of life, the meditation and life he gave me, he healed me.”

  Hiroki smiled. “It’s funny how a ferocious killer can unify such rough and rugged people, and heal them too.”

  “To live, my mother’s life had to end, that’s my curse. Yoshihiro, in his own way healed those scars and now here I st
and, strong and ferocious, but still cursed nonetheless, cursed with my mother’s death, cursed with nightmares of past beatings and abuse . . . but I still stand.”

  “You know, your fucking incredible Jadar!” boasted Hiroki.

  Jadar laughed, seemingly happy as the conversation shifted. “You know now why I fucking hate men! My beautiful body is for women only, and Yoshihiro if he desires it!”

  They both laughed at that, Hiroki was blushing but still spoke, “I don’t even think Yoshihiro is that brave!”

  “Oi! You cheeky cunt!” laughed Jadar.

  They both wrestled on the floor, play fighting, trying to submit to one another until Hiroki stopped. “So how did you meet?”

  “How d’ya think! The cheeky cunt stole my bounty!”

  Jadar told Hiroki of this chance encounter. Many years ago, before Hiroki was even born and Jadar was a lone monster hunter, she had agreed to hunt down and kill a troll that was slaughtering the innocent villagers of a sea town called Mermaids Sleep.

  Trolls stand at around twenty to thirty feet tall and occasionally some have reached bigger heights, their skin is of a dark greyish colour and ages like leather appearing stretchy and dry over time. Trolls have long noses, big ears, and their faces like much if their bodies are covered in boils. The evil and fearsome trolls hunt down and kill humans, dwarves and elves and have an insatiable appetite for flesh. Due to their size, power, and relentless rage, killing them single-handedly is near impossible, or so Jadar thought until she met Yoshihiro. Yoshihiro was passing through with his new clan of War Hogs which consisted of no more than a hundred men at the time and Astaroth and Ragrim.

  Yoshihiro saw the contract the village had put out to rid them of the monster that was slaughtering their people, more importantly Yoshihiro saw the reward! Five hundred gold pieces, one hundred rubies, one hundred emeralds and a diamond the size of a fist, it was a desperate reward for any village to offer and far too great for any warrior to turn down. Yoshihiro threw himself into the hunt alongside Astaroth, Ragrim and fifty men from the War Hogs, this infuriated Jadar as she was alone and had been trying to kill the troll for days, she was unsuccessful and now with a travelling band of warriors set to join the hunt, her chance of earning that reward diminished!