Chapter 8: Hellhound

Back at the campsite several hours after their scuffle with Allen

“Miss Aria! Please wake up, we are in dire need of your assistance!” Fluffy yells vigorously shaking Aria in an attempt to wake her up

“Lady Carolyn, please lend me a hand, time is of the essence!”

“Right!” Carolyn responds as she proceeds to dump a bucket of cold water over Aria.

Aria then begins to slowly awaken

‘What happened? I remember playing in the forest, but everything after that..’

“Miss Aria, you were attacked by a young man who goes by the name of Allen Kirkwood. The same assailant has kidnapped Sir Lance! Please use your pathfinding ability to pinpoint his location!”

Aria realizing the direness of the situation quickly awakens.

‘ROGER!’

‘Third Eye Activate!’ Aria chants as she forms a triangle with her hands and places them on her forehead causing her eyes to glow brightly.

“This is Aria’s Third Eye spell. With this ability she is able to hone in on Lance’s spiritual energy and by doing so Aria is able to pinpoint Lance’s location.” Fluffy informs Carolyn who’s in awe at the sight of Aria’s magic.

‘Found him! Brother Lance is 51 kilometers towards the northwest!’

“Wow Aria you’re so amazing! Right. Hang on Lance, we’re c-“

“Hang on Lady Carolyn, there’s no time to lose!” Fluffy exclaims as he lifts Carolyn off the ground

“Wait whaa? AHHH!!” Carolyn yells as they head towards Lance with extreme speed.

“Hey Fluffy? I’ve been meaning to ask you. Why are y’all after Hellhound? I mean from what I heard he seems like a pretty nasty guy.. What makes him such a wanted man?” Carolyn asks

“Yes, indeed, this Hellhound does have a nasty reputation. He’s well known in this area as a human trafficker. He and his gang go town to town taking away all their young people and sells them away for profit. Our intel tells us that he’s just one of MANY people involved in this human trafficking and that he’s in fact part of a large syndicate consisting of other Exalteds such as himself and Sir Lance.” Fluffy explains

“What? That’s terrible! Those poor people taken away against their will.” Carolyn replies with a sad look on her face

“That’s not all. Aside from the Blackwolves whose loyalty is with Hellhound, they’ve been assessing the potential of their captives with the intent of building an army for reasons we are not sure of as of right now.”

‘Don’t worry Big sis Carol! Lance never loses a fight. When his mind is set on something, he always follows through. He’ll probably kick that Hellhound’s butt by the time we make it to the hideout!’ Aria tells Carolyn with a bright smile

Carolyn returns her smile

“I think you’re right Aria. Let’s hurry up then we wouldn’t wanna keep him waiting!”

‘Aye Aye Captain! Lets go Fluffy Mach speed!’ Aria says blasting forward at even greater speed

“As you wish Miss Aria!” Fluffy responds matching her speed

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” yells a teary eyed Carolyn grabbing on to Fluffy as if her life depended on it.

 

Hellhound’s Base of Operations

Finally arriving at Hellhound’s base, Lance begins to regain consciousness.

“Yo! I brought the Exalted as promised!” Allen says to Hellhound

“Excellent, you may leave now. Your business is done here.” Hellhound replies

As Allen takes his reward he walks towards the exit passing Lance by on the way.

“Allen! I don’t know what happened, but our promise still stands, I’ll find Alice and bring everyone back together!” Lance tells his friend as he walks away

“Tch. There you go blowing out smoke again. It must've been nice living in that enormous castle without a care in the world wasn't it?” Allen says with his hands in pocket walking towards the door.

"I never once forgot about the two of you. There wasn't a single day where I didn't think about rushing back to the city and bringing you back with me."

"THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU?! MAYBE IF YOU HAD CAME, ALICE WOULD STILL BE HERE!" Allen yells with an intense aura of wind surrounding him.

“Alice huh? You wouldn’t happen to be talking about that feisty redhead would you? Florsheim was her last name I believe.” Hellhound asks Lance

Allen overhearing this turns around and confronts Hellhound

“You know Alice?! Where is she?!”

“Your business is done here Kirkwood, leave now my business is with the Exalted.

“LIKE HELL I’M GONNA LEAVE!” Allen yells as he releases a strong burst of wind breaking all the windows in the room and knocking over Hellhound’s decorations, including a Katana mounted to the wall to which Lance takes notice

“I was planning on taking you out sooner or later Hellhound, but hey tell me everything you know about Alice and I might let you off with just a couple missing limbs.” Allen says as he braces for battle

“Such arrogance. How many windows have you broken in the short time you’ve been over here? You want a beating? Very well.. Come!” Hellhound says gesturing Allen to come at him.

A SURPRISING TURN OF EVENTS! HELLHOUND VS ALLEN KIRKWOOD. WHO COMES OUT ON TOP?