[ IP ] The Last Stand

`` That..thing on your head, it looks silly.'' 
 `` You're such a fucking downer Larry, it's warlike'' 
 `` I'm sorry Herb, you look silly. The open ribcage on your head is warlike.'' 
 `` Larry, you'll go as you lived, a proper cunt.'' 
 
 Herb sniffed the damp air of the attic. It was here. Nemesis, he thought he saw it's eyes bore through the early morning mist. It silently padded around them, possibly perplexed at why they were out in the open. Months of torment, sneaking around constantly haunted by the sight of a padded claw, had come to a head. They could take it no more. Ofcourse, they were no match for `` Whiskers'' as the giants called the beast. Yet, they'd lost the will to hide, without knowing if they really could put up any fight. 
 
 Herb had crafted their swords from a broken knife found beneath the kitchen counter. Larry fashioned shields from two heavy metal coins that said `` No Cash Value'', perhaps a telling portent of their frame of mind. Their life indeed had no value sulking around in the shadow of terror. A fitting inscription then. 
 
 `` Come at us, you pussy!'' Larry growled. Movement flashed in the periphery of Herb's vision, despite standing back to back, it was difficult to track the beast. Ah....glowing eyes, there. `` Herb - here'' Larry whispered. The eyes blinked, then the beast charged. Herb and Larry braced their shields and moved apart. The bastard could not possibly get both of them. Larry caught a last glimpse of Herb, admitting that the thorns on his head made him more intimidating, perhaps a less tasty morsel as well. Fucking Herb, always thinking ahead. Well then, it's coming for me, Larry thought and raised his sword arm. It was on him in a flash, claws, whiskers, and powerful strikes. His shield was thrown away. He was pinned beneath the beast. The gaping maw of the thing descended upon his face. It was over. 
 
 The beast uttered a most hideous screeching howl. Herb's sword was plunged into the side of its neck. It recoiled, leaving them for the moment. A roar echoed from the giants below, `` God damn you, kitty. Stop screaming and go to sleep!'' Light flooded into the attic. They could see `` Whiskers'' had panicked. Her fur stood at end. `` Kids, go to bed. Honey, find the cat and put him outdoors. Jesus!'' The very heavens issued that command. The beast fled. 
 
 Larry felt consciousness slip away as the adrenaline drained from him. The last thing he remembered with any clarity was a warrior with bloodied blade and terrifying visage, sniffing at him. They would still be haunted by the beast, but would not fear it as much as they did until then. Larry let the darkness take him, he had earned it.
