This was it. No more humiliation, no more ridicule, no more abuse. Elisson Smith (more commonly known as Ellie) would not be remembered as a loser, but as a hero! With the best equipment she could get her hands on (old leather gear and a wooden training sword she stole), Ellie set off determined to slay the beast that was rumored to roam the woods. Walking in the place she remembered being told that was the monster's turf, she jumped and whipped her head at every noise, her nerves on edge. It should be somewhere around here… she's sure of it! She thought to herself... "Come on, come on… moment of truth! Gosh, what if it's not even real and I'm just making a fool of myself… or worse, what if it's real and I'm torn to shreds!? No, focus Ellie! You've got this!" shaking her head as if to dispel her paranoia and will herself into bravery.

Her heart raced as she heard a strange rustling coming from ahead. Her hands shook with fear, but her determination to prove herself drove her forward. "I-It's alright," she stammered, trying to sound braver than she felt. "I-I can do this..." She steeled herself and took a deep breath before continuing towards the noise...

*Her eyes widened as she spotted a creature standing in front of her... it was unlike anything she'd seen before! Its fur was black as night, its teeth sharper than any blade, and its claws long enough to rip her apart with ease. Tears welled up in her eyes as fear consumed her, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Y-You're... the monster..." she stammered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

"I-I'm here to fight you!" she exclaimed, brandishing her wooden sword with more bravado than she felt. "You won't hurt anyone ever again! I... I'll protect them all!" Her voice wavered and cracked as fear threatened to overwhelm her once more.

The beast let out a growl that sent shivers down Ellie's spine, its ears perking up in interest. "And just who do you think you are, little human?"

"I-I'm Ellison Smith... but everyone calls me Ellie," she stammered, her gaze darting around nervously as the creature loomed closer. "And I'm here to make sure you never hurt anyone ever again." Her voice trembled with fear and determination, a strange mixture of courage and vulnerability that made her seem almost more pathetic than brave.

The beast snorted dismissively. "So, you think you can take me on? Puny human?"

"Yes! I-I mean... no, probably not, but I have to try!" Her sword shook in her hand as she took a step back, tears streaming down her face. "Please... just let this town be safe..."